Used Shipping Containers for Sale in the UAE
Inspected & graded cargo-worthy, wind & water tight and used 20ft, 40ft and high cube containers — across Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
Since 2011Established Dubai logistics company
Jebel AliOperating from the UAE’s main port
Photos on requestWe can share container photos before you buy
WorldwideFreight forwarders — we can ship it anywhere
Used shipping containers you can trust
Buy used shipping containers in the UAE with confidence. Delta Global Cargo supplies inspected, graded used containers — 20ft, 40ft and high cube — across Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. Every unit is photographed before you pay. For new units and the full range, see our shipping containers for sale in Dubai & UAE.
Container images are for illustration purposes only; actual units vary by grade, colour and stock.
Used shipping container grades in the UAE
Not all used containers are equal — we grade every unit so you know exactly what you buy:
- Cargo-Worthy (CW) — certified, structurally sound and fit for shipping.
- Wind & Water Tight (WWT) — dry and secure, ideal for storage.
- Used / As-Is — budget units sold on condition, great value for static storage.
| Grade | What it means | Best for | Indicative 20ft price |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-trip (like new) | One cargo voyage from the factory | Branding, conversion, longest life | AED 9,000–12,500 |
| Cargo-Worthy (CW) | CSC-certifiable, structurally fit for export | Shipping & resale value | AED 6,000–7,500 |
| Wind & Water Tight (WWT) | Dry and secure, not survey-certified | Static storage | AED 4,500–6,000 |
| Used / as-is | Sold on visible condition | Budget yard storage | from AED 3,800 |
Used shipping container prices in the UAE
Indicative ranges: used 20ft from about AED 4,500–7,500 and used 40ft from AED 8,000–13,000, depending on grade, age and delivery emirate — a fraction of new-unit cost.
Used containers UAE — FAQs
How much is a used shipping container in the UAE?
A used 20ft container in the UAE typically costs AED 4,500–7,500 and a used 40ft AED 8,000–13,000, depending on grade and delivery emirate.
What is the difference between cargo-worthy and used/as-is?
Cargo-worthy containers are certified fit for shipping; used / as-is units are sold on their current condition and are ideal, lower-cost options for static storage.
How long does a used shipping container last?
A well-maintained used steel container lasts 20–30 years, giving many years of storage or shipping service with basic upkeep.
How much is a 40ft high cube container in the UAE?
A used 40ft high cube typically costs AED 9,500–14,500 in the UAE, with one-trip 40ft high cube units from around AED 14,000, depending on grade and delivery emirate.
What is a one-trip container and what does it cost?
A one-trip container has made a single cargo voyage from the factory, so it is effectively new. In the UAE a one-trip 20ft typically costs AED 9,000–12,500 — the best grade for conversions and branding.
Can I inspect a used container before paying?
Yes. Every unit is photographed with its serial number before payment, and you can inspect at Jebel Ali by appointment.
How fast do you deliver used containers in the UAE?
We deliver UAE-wide from our Dubai stock with side-loader or crane offload arranged; your exact delivery slot is confirmed with your written quote.
Do you deliver containers to Ajman, RAK and Fujairah?
Yes — we deliver used shipping containers to all seven emirates, including Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
What to check before you buy a used container
Whether you buy from us or anyone else, run this check on any second-hand shipping container in the UAE:
- Doors open, close and seal without force
- Floor boards solid — no rot, delamination or chemical spill staining
- Roof free of dents that pool water (the #1 cause of early rust-through)
- Rust: surface corrosion is normal; structural corrosion on rails and posts is not
- CSC plate present if you ever intend to ship it
- Photos & serial number that match the unit you pay for
Every Delta Global Cargo unit is inspected, graded and photographed before payment — and you can view at Jebel Ali by appointment.
Buy or rent? The quick math
For continuous long-term storage, buying usually beats renting: a WWT 20ft costs about AED 5,000 to own outright, and used containers hold roughly 50–70% of their value after 2–3 years — the box is an asset, not a running cost.
Used container delivery across the UAE
| Where we deliver | Offload |
|---|---|
| Dubai | Side-loader or crane |
| Sharjah & Ajman | Side-loader or crane |
| Abu Dhabi & Al Ain | Crane arranged |
| RAK, Fujairah, UAQ | Crane arranged |
Delivery runs from our Dubai stock to all seven emirates, with your slot confirmed in your written quote. Tell us about site access (gates, overhead lines, surface) and we’ll send the right vehicle first time.
What UAE buyers use them for
Most of our used containers never ship again: site storage for contractors, porta-cabin and site-office conversion bases, farm and yard storage, event and kiosk builds — and one-way export boxes. As freight forwarders since 2011 we can also sell you the box and ship it loaded, in one WhatsApp thread.
More from our container range
Get your container quote today
New or used, 20ft or 40ft — message us and we’ll find the right unit at the right price.