Why Container Prices Are Rising – And What to Do About It

Global disruptions are pushing costs up. Here is what is happening, and how RFB can help you stay ahead of it.

If you have been thinking about buying or hiring a shipping container, the timing of that decision matters more than usual right now. Several significant events happening simultaneously are putting upward pressure on container prices across the UK. This is not scaremongering – it is the market doing what markets do when multiple pressures land at once. Here is a plain-English breakdown.

What is happening in the global container market

Three separate forces are converging at the same time.

First, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted major shipping routes. A temporary ceasefire allowed some traffic to resume, but the situation remains uncertain. Carriers are proceeding with extreme caution and some are already applying emergency fuel surcharges. That extra cost filters down through the entire supply chain.

Second, revised Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminium came into effect in April 2026, with rates of up to 50% on affected products. Steel is what shipping containers are made from. When raw material costs rise for manufacturers, the price of new containers follows.

Third, global freight rates are climbing. Drewry’s World Container Index puts the average cost of shipping a 40ft container at around $2,287. Spot rates on key routes have jumped sharply in recent weeks. Higher freight costs mean higher delivered prices for containers arriving into the UK.

What this means for UK container buyers

The combined effect of these three factors – steel tariffs, shipping disruption, and rising freight rates – is that new container prices are expected to increase over the coming months. Industry analysts at Drewry and Freightos are forecasting continued volatility through Q2 2026.

Stock that is already in the UK is insulated from some of these pressures. Stock that needs to be ordered and shipped is not.

Three ways RFB can help you protect your budget

We offer hire, buy, and convert options, which means there is usually a route that suits your timeline and your cash position.

1. Buy now from current stock. Our existing containers were sourced before the latest round of cost increases. Once that stock moves, replacements will cost more to source. If you are ready to commit, buying now is the most straightforward way to lock in today’s pricing on a new or used unit.
2. Consider a used container. For storage projects where appearance is secondary, our used containers offer genuine value. They are already in Scotland, which means they are not subject to the shipping surcharges currently affecting new imports. Every used unit we sell is checked and guaranteed to be wind and watertight.
3. Hire instead of buy. If you are not ready to commit to a purchase, container hire lets you lock in a fixed rate now and avoid market uncertainty. It also keeps your capital free for operations. We offer short and long-term hire across our standard and specialist range, including our Mobile Stores, COSHH units, and welfare containers.

Not sure which option suits you?

If tight access is the issue, our Flat Pack Stores range is worth a look – available in 2m, 3m, and 4m sizes, fully collapsible, and deployable where a standard shipping container simply cannot go.

If you need a bespoke solution – insulation, electrics, branded fit-out – our conversions team can work with you on that too.

The best time to have this conversation is before prices move, not after. Get in touch with us or call 0330 0564197.