Used shipping container marketplace – prices, condition, transport and how to avoid scams
Demand for used shipping containers in the Czech Republic is growing every year. Whether you’re looking for a shipping container for storage, a base for a workshop, a garage, or even a conversion into a home, the used shipping container marketplace represents the most affordable way to acquire one. However, used container offers are not without risk – from hidden transport fees to outright scams. In this guide, you will learn where to look for used shipping containers, what prices to expect, what to watch out for when buying, and how to complete the entire purchase safely.
Where to Find Used Shipping Containers: Overview of Marketplaces and Specialized Dealers
Anyone interested in used shipping containers in the Czech Republic has two main options: classified ad portals and specialized dealers. Both options have their advantages and pitfalls.
Bazoš and Sbazar – The Largest Czech Online Marketplaces
Bazoš shipping container is the most common starting point for most buyers. In the categories of Home and Garden, Machinery, or Services, you will find dozens to hundreds of current listings from both private individuals and companies. Sbazar works similarly, where you can filter by location and price.
Advantages of marketplace portals:
- Wide selection across regions – easily find used shipping containers in Prague, Brno, Ostrava, and smaller towns
- Possibility of direct communication with the seller
- You can come across favorable offers from private individuals
Disadvantages:
- Zero guarantee of the listing’s accuracy
- Prices often listed without VAT and without transport
- Risk of fraudulent listings (fake profiles, foreign accounts)
Warning: According to the experience of specialized companies, 2–4 defrauded customers call every week, having paid for a container through a marketplace portal but never receiving it. A suspiciously low price is the most common warning sign.
Specialized Dealers of Used Shipping Containers
The second, safer route is companies that professionally deal in the sale of used shipping containers. Among the well-known and verified dealers on the Czech market are:
- HZ Containers – a wide selection of both used and new containers with transport throughout the entire Czech Republic
Advantages of specialized dealers:
- Verified company history (can be looked up in the commercial register)
- Real photos of specific units
- Possibility of personal inspection at the depot
- Invoice with VAT, warranty conditions
- Professional transport
How Much Does a Used Shipping Container Cost: Current Prices 2025–2026
The price of a used shipping container depends on three main factors: size, technical condition, and quality category. The following table summarizes the actual price range on the Czech market:
| Category | Dimensions | Condition | Price excl. VAT | Price incl. VAT (21%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20′ AS IS / decommissioned | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | Visible corrosion, dents, may not be watertight | 33,000 – 40,000 CZK | 40,000 – 48,400 CZK |
| 20′ Cargo Worthy (CW) | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | Dry, watertight, valid CSC plate | 40,000 – 55,000 CZK | 48,400 – 66,550 CZK |
| 20′ One Way / IICL6 | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | Almost new, no corrosion, visually clean | 60,000 – 75,000 CZK | 72,600 – 90,750 CZK |
| 40′ DV Cargo Worthy | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | Used, dry, functional | 48,000 – 58,000 CZK | 58,000 – 70,000 CZK |
| 40′ HC Cargo Worthy | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.90 m | Used, increased height, dry | 55,000 – 65,000 CZK | 66,550 – 78,650 CZK |
| 40′ HC One Way | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.90 m | Brand new, after one trip | 69,000 – 85,000 CZK | 83,500 – 102,850 CZK |
Prices are indicative and may vary depending on the season and current price. For an exact calculation, contact us or view our current price list.
Important: The listed prices are indicative and do not include transport. The transport price of a shipping container ranges from 3,000 CZK to 15,000 CZK and more, depending on the distance and accessibility of the location. Always verify transport in advance.
Why Do Prices on Bazoš and at Specialized Dealers Differ?
At first glance, cheaper offers on Bazoš often don’t include VAT and transport. The final price may be up to 30–50% higher than what the listing promises, once all costs are included. Specialized dealers, on the other hand, list prices transparently and often offer VAT deduction for VAT payers.
20-Foot Used Shipping Container vs. 40-Foot: Which Size to Choose?
The choice between a 20′ (6 m) and a 40′ (12 m) container is a fundamental decision. Here is a comparison:
20-Foot Used Shipping Container (6.06 m)
- Internal volume: approximately 33 m³
- Load capacity: up to 28,000 kg
- Ideal for: storing tools, seasonal equipment, building materials, a smaller workshop
- Handling: easier transport, can be placed on a smaller plot
- Price: lower acquisition costs
40-Foot Used Shipping Container (12.19 m)
- Internal volume: approximately 67 m³ (DV) / 76 m³ (HC)
- Load capacity: up to 30,000 kg
- Ideal for: company warehouses, larger workshops, conversions to housing or offices
- Handling: requires more handling space and heavier equipment
- Price: higher acquisition costs, but lower price per m³
The High Cube (HC) variant with increased height (2.9 m instead of the standard 2.6 m) is particularly suitable for conversions – the higher ceiling allows for more comfortable movement and installation of suspended ceilings or insulation.
Quality Categories: How to Read the Condition Labels of a Used Shipping Container
When buying used shipping containers, you will come across several standardized quality labels. Knowing them will help you choose the right unit for your purpose – and avoid overpaying.
AS IS / Decommissioned Container
Containers decommissioned from maritime transport. They have visible signs of wear – dents, corrosion, worn seals. They may not be 100% watertight. Suitable for rough storage on a construction site, storing waste, or materials that are not affected by moisture. The cheapest variant on the market.
Cargo Worthy (CW)
A container that is still dry, watertight, and structurally sound. It has a valid CSC plate, which means it is still suitable for maritime transport. Minor cosmetic defects (scratches, slight dents) are acceptable. This is the most frequently recommended category for general storage.
One Way / IICL6 (After One Trip)
A container that has completed only one transport journey from the manufacturing plant to Europe. Almost new – no corrosion, with a clean floor, fully functional seals, and door mechanism. Visually representative. Ideal for conversions, storing more sensitive goods, or if you need a container that will look good.
Shipping Container Price with Transport: What to Prepare For
Transport of a shipping container is an often overlooked but essential budget item. A container cannot be transported by a regular car – you need a vehicle with a hydraulic arm (Fassi) or a crane for unloading on site.
Indicative Transport Prices:
- Up to 50 km: 3,000 – 6,000 CZK
- 50–150 km: 6,000 – 10,000 CZK
- Over 150 km: 10,000 – 18,000 CZK
What Affects the Transport Price:
- Distance from the depot
- Accessibility of the location (paved surface, width of the access road)
- Need for a crane (if a vehicle with a hydraulic arm cannot access the site)
- Size and weight of the container (a 40′ container requires heavier equipment)
Before Ordering Transport, Check:
- Whether you have a sufficiently paved and level surface for unloading
- Whether the access road is wide enough (minimum 3 m for a truck)
- Whether there are obstacles in the surroundings (low branches, power lines, tight turns)
- Whether you have the placement resolved (the container should not stand directly on the ground – concrete footings or beams are recommended for floor ventilation)
How to Buy a Shipping Container from a Marketplace: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide
1. Define the Purpose and Budget
First, clarify what you need the container for. For storing tools, a 20′ CW will suffice; for a workshop or conversion, a 40′ HC One Way is better. Set a realistic budget including transport.
2. Compare Offers
Browse Bazoš, Sbazar, and specialized dealer websites. Compare not only the price, but also:
- Whether the price is listed with or without VAT
- Whether transport is included in the price
- Whether the company has a traceable history in the commercial register
3. Verify the Seller
- For companies: check the Company ID in the commercial register, date of establishment, whether the company files tax returns
- For private individuals on Bazoš: check the account history – a new account with one suspiciously cheap offer is a warning sign
- Never send money in advance to a foreign account or through unverified payment gateways
4. Arrange a Personal Inspection
Most specialized dealers have their own depot where you can inspect the container. During the inspection, focus on:
How to Check the Condition of a Shipping Container Before Buying
During a personal inspection, pay attention to these key points:
Tightness – The Golden Rule of Inspection
Get inside the container and have both door leaves closed. If light shines through anywhere, water will leak through there. Check in particular:
- Corners and joints of walls with the roof
- Seals around the doors (the rubber seal should be intact and flexible)
- The floor in the corners (moisture lingers longest here)
Floor Condition
Shipping containers have a plywood floor approximately 28 mm thick, impregnated with insecticides. Check:
- Whether the floor is not soft or rotten (especially in the corners and near the doors)
- Whether it does not smell of chemicals (may indicate leakage of transported substances)
- Whether there are no visible stains from oil or chemicals
Door Mechanism
- Check that all four locking rods operate smoothly
- The hinges should not be twisted or excessively rusted
- The doors should open and close without excessive force
Walls and Roof
- Inspect the walls from the outside and inside – look for through corrosion, holes, or significant dents
- The roof is the most vulnerable part of the container – check whether water is standing on it (indicates sagging)
- Minor dents and surface corrosion are common in used containers and are not a defect
CSC Plate
The CSC plate (Convention for Safe Containers) is a metal plate on the container doors. If it is valid, the container is certified for international transport. For storage, a valid CSC plate is not necessary – but its presence is a good indicator that the container has passed regular inspections.
However, with companies like HZ-containers, you always have a quality guarantee within the purchased quality category! This means that if you order, for example, a Cargo Worthy quality container – the seller guarantees it will be in Cargo Worthy condition. Clear criteria are set for each quality category. Whereas when buying a container through small sellers on marketplace portals, it commonly happens that you order IICL quality, but a CW quality container arrives.
The Cheapest Used Shipping Container: When a Low Price Doesn’t Pay Off
The pursuit of the cheapest shipping container is the most common cause of disappointment. Here are situations where a suspiciously low price signals a problem:
Warning Signs of a Fraudulent Listing:
- Price 30–50% below the market average – for example, a 20′ CW container for 25,000 CZK
- Poor Czech in the listing, machine-translated text
- Request for payment in advance to a foreign account (often Slovak, Polish, Romanian)
- Non-existent or recently established company with no history
- Inability to personally inspect the company – the seller claims the containers are all “in transit” or “at the port”
When a Cheap Container Pays Off:
- A decommissioned AS IS container from a verified dealer – if you just need rough storage and don’t care about tightness
- Seasonal sales by specialized companies that want to free up space in the depot
- An older but dry CW container with cosmetic defects – functionally fully usable at a lower price
Bazoš vs Sbazar Shipping Container: Portal Comparison
| Criterion | Bazoš | Sbazar |
|---|---|---|
| Number of offers | Higher – dozens to hundreds of listings | Lower, but qualitatively more consistent |
| Clarity | Simpler, older interface | More modern, better filtering |
| Share of business listings | Mixed – many private individuals and companies | More business offers |
| User verification | Basic – phone verification | Linked to Seznam account |
| Fraud risk | Higher (easy to create an account) | Slightly lower (verification through account, but that can also be fake at seznam.cz) |
Recommendation: Search both portals, but be very cautious when buying from a private individual. If the price is low, it’s better to choose an offer from a specialized dealer.
Uses for a Used Shipping Container: From Storage to Housing
Used shipping containers today serve many more purposes than just transporting goods:
- Storage – the most common use. Tools, seasonal equipment, building materials, tires, garden equipment
- Workshop and garage – the container can be equipped with lighting, sockets, a workbench, and shelving
- Conversion to housing – a popular trend in modular homes. Containers are joined, insulated, and equipped as fully functional living spaces
- Office or facility – a mobile solution for construction sites, festivals, or temporary operations
- Self-storage – containers as storage units for small businesses
- Garden house – smaller 8′ or 10′ containers as an alternative to a wooden cabin
FAQ
What Is the Difference Between a Shipping Container and a Storage Container?
A shipping (ISO) container is certified for international transport, has a more robust construction, corner castings, and standardized dimensions (most commonly 20′ and 40′). A storage container is intended only for static storage, has a simpler construction, often shorter lengths (8′, 10′), and does not have CSC certification.
Does a Used Shipping Container Need to Have a Valid CSC Plate?
Only if you plan to use it for maritime transport. For land storage, a workshop, or conversion to housing, a valid CSC plate is not necessary. However, its presence is a good sign that the container has passed regular inspections.
Can I Buy a Shipping Container Without VAT?
Yes, if you are a VAT payer and you are buying from a company that is a VAT payer. Most specialized dealers offer invoicing with VAT as well as the option of a deduction for VAT payers. Private individuals on marketplace portals generally do not charge VAT.
How to Prepare a Site for Placing a Shipping Container?
The container should not stand directly on the ground – moisture would cause corrosion and rot of the floor. Concrete footings, beams, or a compacted gravel sub-base are recommended. The surface must be level and paved. Ensure sufficient space for a truck with a hydraulic arm to access.
How Much Does Shipping Container Transport Cost?
Approximately 3,000 – 18,000 CZK depending on the distance, container size, and site accessibility. Always verify transport in advance with the seller – some include it in the price, others charge it separately.
How Long Does a Used Shipping Container Last?
With proper care (corrosion protection, floor ventilation, seal repairs), a shipping container can last 20–30 years or more. Containers made of COR-TEN steel are designed to withstand extreme conditions at sea.
Is It Possible to Convert a Shipping Container into a Home?
Yes, the conversion of shipping containers into modular homes is a growing trend. However, it requires a building permit, project documentation, insulation, and the installation of water, electricity, and sewage. One Way and HC containers are recommended for conversions.
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