Shipping Containers Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Shipping Container Market is Segmented by Size (20-Ft (TEU), 40-Ft (FEU) and More), by Container Type (Dry Storage (Standard), Refrigerated, and More), by Material (Corten Steel, Stainless Steel and More), End-Use Industry (Consumer Goods & Retail and More), by Mode of Transport (Maritime Deep-Sea and More), by Geography (North America, South America, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Shipping Containers Market Size and Share

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Compare market size and growth of Shipping Containers Market with other markets in Logistics Industry

Shipping Containers Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The Shipping Containers Market size is estimated at USD 10.27 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 12.77 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.46% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

 E-commerce fulfillment, pharmaceutical cold-chain expansion, and rising intermodal efficiency provide stable, structural demand. Containerization’s role in handling 90% of global trade underpins this growth, while digital tracking tools and smarter designs help operators shorten port stays and boost asset turnover. Sustainability targets are pushing material innovation toward lighter composites, and alliance restructuring among carriers is reshaping capacity deployment strategies in favor of larger, technology-enabled fleets. Geopolitical disruptions add short-term volatility but also reinforce the importance of diversified trade lanes and dynamic routing.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By size, 40-ft containers captured 52.64% of shipping container market share in 2024; 40-ft High-Cube units are projected to expand at a 5.61% CAGR through 2030.
  • By container type, dry storage held 72.75% of the shipping container market size in 2024, whereas refrigerated boxes are advancing at a 6.42% CAGR to 2030.
  • By material, Corten steel accounted for 87.10% share of the shipping container market size in 2024, while FRP & composites record the highest 7.84% CAGR.
  • By end-use, consumer goods & retail dominated with 39.87% share in 2024; pharmaceuticals & healthcare is growing fastest at an 8.25% CAGR.
  • By mode of transport, maritime deep-sea operations controlled 80.67% of 2024 revenue, yet rail intermodal exhibits a 5.36% CAGR to 2030.

Segment Analysis

By Size: High-Cube Efficiency Drives Volume Optimization

High-cube offerings are capturing incremental demand because their 13% extra headroom maximizes volumetric loads such as e-commerce parcels and lightweight consumer electronics. 40-ft formats generated 52.64% revenue in 2024, demonstrating entrenched popularity for ocean freight, whereas 40-ft high-cube units are forecast to grow at 5.61% CAGR to 2030. The shipping container market size for high-cube units reflects shipper preference for greater capacity without breaching weight restrictions.

Port infrastructure upgrades accommodate taller stacks, and terminal operators add reach-stackers with extended lifting heights to handle these units efficiently. Logistics integrators promote standardization on the 40-ft profile to streamline rail wagon allocation and depot interchange. Triton Containers markets high-cube leases with flexible pick-up options to reduce repositioning, reinforcing adoption. Overall, shipper focus on cubic efficiency and consolidation of packaging drives continued high-cube traction across primary trade corridors.

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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Container Type: Reefer Innovation Transforms Cold-Chain Logistics

Dry storage boxes accounted for 72.75% of 2024 shipments, underscoring their status as the backbone of global commodity flows. In contrast, reefer units record a 6.42% CAGR to 2030 as fresh produce exporters and drug makers scale ocean routes. Refrigerated boxes currently represent the premium slice of the shipping container market, commanding rental rates two to three times higher than dry units.

Technology upgrades include variable-speed compressors and solar-assisted power modules that cut energy draw during idle periods. Pharmaceutical shippers require redundant temperature probes and door sensors that trigger alerts within seconds of deviation, driving differentiation among manufacturers. Reefers also benefit from decarbonization, as shifting temperature-sensitive goods from air to sea avoids up to 80% of related emissions[2]United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, “Review of Maritime Transport 2024,” unctad.org.

By Material: Composite Innovation Challenges Steel Dominance

Corten steel’s 87.10% share stems from low material cost, weldability, and robust global repair networks. Yet FRP and composite panels are rising at a 7.84% CAGR as ESG audits favor lighter boxes that consume less fuel per trip. The shipping container market share of composites remains modest but growing, particularly in temperature-controlled and corrosive cargo scenarios.

Steel makers are not standing still. SSAB collaborates with ILAB Container to commercialize fossil-free steel production that cuts lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 90%[3]SSAB, “Fossil-Free Steel for Containers,” ssab.com. These innovations help steel retain relevance while meeting sustainability criteria. Composite fabricators push modular roofs and panels that bolt onto standard steel frames, easing depot repairs and accelerating field acceptance.

By End-Use Industry: Healthcare Acceleration Reshapes Demand Patterns

Consumer goods and retail demand maintained 39.87% of 2024 volume, powered by omnichannel fulfilment and seasonal fashion cycles. Pharmaceuticals and healthcare, though smaller, register an 8.25% CAGR through 2030, helping lift the shipping container market size for value-added reefer equipment. Vaccine distribution relies on passive cooling blankets inside reefers, increasing per-box revenue.

Food and beverage shippers continue steady contracting, particularly in South–South corridors where middle-class diets diversify. Industrial machinery loads benefit from nearshoring, as firms relocate assembly from Asia to North America and Eastern Europe. Regulatory harmonization for dangerous goods fosters adoption of tank containers in the chemical sector, further segmenting product demand profiles.

Shipping Containers Market: Market Share by End-Use Industry
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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Mode of Transport: Rail Intermodal Captures Efficiency Gains

Deep-sea services accounted for 80.67% of 2024 turnover, but rail intermodal posts a 5.36% CAGR as governments subsidize modal shift from road to track. The shipping container market size tied to inland rail corridors reflects cost savings on hauls above 500 miles. Railways invest in double-stack clearances and automated yard cranes, lowering dwell times.

Intermodal operators retrofit wagons with GPS sensors that synchronize with port community systems, allowing near real-time ETA updates. Box builders equip reinforced corner castings to tolerate higher coupling forces on long trains. Short-sea carriers complement rail by feeding transshipment hubs, creating an integrated network that multiplies container turns per year and attracts shipper loyalty.

Geography Analysis

Asia-Pacific dominated with 60.50% revenue in 2024 and is set to grow at a 5.67% CAGR to 2030. China retains manufacturing leadership, yet Southeast Asia captures incremental volumes as firms diversify sourcing. Malaysian and Indian mega-port projects add more than 25 million TEU of annual capacity, anchoring regional throughput and stimulating container demand across feeder networks. Currency stability and supportive trade agreements also encourage regional leasing pools to expand their fleets.

North America benefits from nearshoring that shifts electronics and automotive assembly closer to consumption markets. United States port authorities approve multi-billion-dollar dredging and berth electrification programs, enhancing competitiveness against Mexican and Canadian gateways. The rail intermodal build-out across the Midwest unlocks cost-effective land bridges that connect Atlantic and Pacific basins in under eight days, driving uptake of stack-train compatible container designs.

Europe records mixed growth as geopolitical tensions divert Asia-Europe sailings around Africa, extending transit times but also directing additional calls to Mediterranean hubs. Investments in automation at London Gateway and Rotterdam Maasvlakte raise throughput per crane hour, cushioning cost-per-box metrics. Stringent environmental regulations accelerate the retirement of older, heavier boxes in favor of recycled-content steel units, supporting replacement demand despite subdued trade volume growth.

Shipping Containers Market CAGR (%), Growth Rate by Region
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Note: Segments share of all individual segments available upon report purchase

Competitive Landscape

Container shipping alliances are undergoing a new round of restructuring following the scheduled end of legacy partnerships. The upcoming Gemini Cooperation between two leading carriers consolidates sailings on the main east-west lanes, raising service frequency and lowering slot costs per TEU. Smaller lines respond by entering vessel-sharing agreements that spread risk and secure loading windows at major terminals.

Leasing consolidation intensifies as private equity targets steady cash flows from long-term charter contracts. The USD 7.4 billion purchase of a top-five lessor by Stonepeak demonstrates investor appetite for asset-heavy platforms able to lock in predictable returns through diversified portfolios. Scale allows these owners to negotiate favorable box prices and roll out smart tracking at fleet level sooner than smaller rivals.

Technology adoption forms the next competitive front. CMA CGM’s collaboration with a global cloud provider integrates AI into voyage optimisation, cutting bunker consumption by 4% per sailing. Terminal operators trial fully electric straddle carriers that reduce diesel use and improve air quality at port communities. Manufacturers racing to meet these digital and sustainability demands hold pricing power, strengthening the moderate concentration of the shipping container market.

Shipping Containers Industry Leaders

  1. China International Marine Containers Co. Ltd

  2. Maersk Container Industry AS

  3. CXIC Group Containers Co., Ltd.

  4. Singamas Container Holdings Ltd.

  5. Dong Fang International Container (Hong Kong) Co. Ltd

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Shipping Containers Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • May 2025: ZIM committed USD 2.3 billion to fleet expansion, adding fuel-efficient vessels to its global network.
  • March 2025: CMA CGM announced a USD 20 billion, four-year investment program to upgrade United States maritime infrastructure.
  • March 2025: DP World began a USD 1.3 billion expansion at London Gateway, introducing two fully electric berths.
  • November 2024: Evergreen ordered 60,500 new containers for growing liner fleet, indicating strong demand recovery and capacity expansion strategies among major shipping lines

Table of Contents for Shipping Containers Industry Report

1. Introduction

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. Research Methodology

3. Executive Summary

4. Market Landscape

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Explosive growth of cross-border e-commerce creating 24-hour turnaround expectations for standard dry containers.
    • 4.2.2 Worldwide cold-chain penetration of fresh grocery and meal-kit delivery accelerating orders for advanced reefer boxes.
    • 4.2.3 Direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands demanding bespoke, logo-printed containers to double as mobile pop-up stores and fulfilment hubs.
    • 4.2.4 Corporate ESG mandates pushing shippers toward reusable, multimodal containers over single-use pallet wrap, lifting replacement demand.
    • 4.2.5 Adoption of IoT-enabled -smart- boxes providing real-time location & condition data, raising shipper's willingness to pay for premium units.
    • 4.2.6 Subscription-based and modular housing concepts spurring second-life conversions of retired shipping containers.
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Post-pandemic oversupply of boxes eroding utilisation rates and discouraging new-build investment.
    • 4.3.2 Volatility in hot-rolled coil steel prices creating budget uncertainty for container purchasers.
    • 4.3.3 Stricter cradle-to-grave regulations and extended-producer-responsibility (EPR) rules inflating lifetime ownership costs.
    • 4.3.4 Rapid emergence of foldable and collapsible container alternatives cannibalising demand for conventional rigid boxes.
  • 4.4 Value / Supply-Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory & Technological Outlook
  • 4.6 Porter's Five Forces
    • 4.6.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.6.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.6.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.6.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.6.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
  • 4.7 Pricing Analysis - Standard vs. Special Containers
  • 4.8 Spotlight: Intermodal & Rail Uptake
  • 4.9 Global Container Leasing Landscape
  • 4.10 Impact of Geopolitical Events on the Market

5. Market Size & Growth Forecasts (Value, Volume)

  • 5.1 By Size
    • 5.1.1 20-ft (TEU)
    • 5.1.2 40-ft (FEU)
    • 5.1.3 40-ft High-Cube,
    • 5.1.4 Others ( >45-ft, etc)
  • 5.2 By Container Type
    • 5.2.1 Dry Storage (Standard)
    • 5.2.2 Refrigerated (Reefer)
    • 5.2.3 Tank (ISO Tank, Cryogenic)
    • 5.2.4 Flat-Rack & Open-Top
    • 5.2.5 Special Purpose (Side-Door, Tunnel, Insulated, Collapsible)
  • 5.3 By Material
    • 5.3.1 Corten Steel
    • 5.3.2 Stainless Steel
    • 5.3.3 Aluminium Alloy
    • 5.3.4 FRP & Composite
    • 5.3.5 Others
  • 5.4 By End-Use Industry
    • 5.4.1 Consumer Goods & Retail
    • 5.4.2 Food & Beverage
    • 5.4.3 Industrial Machinery & Automotive
    • 5.4.4 Chemicals & Petroleum
    • 5.4.5 Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare
    • 5.4.6 Others
  • 5.5 By Mode of Transport
    • 5.5.1 Maritime Deep-Sea
    • 5.5.2 Short-Sea & Coastal
    • 5.5.3 Rail Intermodal
    • 5.5.4 Road Inland Haulage & Off-Site Storage
  • 5.6 By Geography
    • 5.6.1 North America
    • 5.6.1.1 United States
    • 5.6.1.2 Canada
    • 5.6.1.3 Mexico
    • 5.6.2 South America
    • 5.6.2.1 Brazil
    • 5.6.2.2 Peru
    • 5.6.2.3 Chile
    • 5.6.2.4 Argentina
    • 5.6.2.5 Rest of South America
    • 5.6.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.6.3.1 China
    • 5.6.3.2 India
    • 5.6.3.3 Japan
    • 5.6.3.4 Australia
    • 5.6.3.5 South Korea
    • 5.6.3.6 South East Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Philippines)
    • 5.6.3.7 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.6.4 Europe
    • 5.6.4.1 United Kingdom
    • 5.6.4.2 Germany
    • 5.6.4.3 France
    • 5.6.4.4 Spain
    • 5.6.4.5 Italy
    • 5.6.4.6 BENELUX (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)
    • 5.6.4.7 NORDICS (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden)
    • 5.6.4.8 Rest of Europe
    • 5.6.5 Middle East And Africa
    • 5.6.5.1 United Arab of Emirates
    • 5.6.5.2 Saudi Arabia
    • 5.6.5.3 South Africa
    • 5.6.5.4 Nigeria
    • 5.6.5.5 Rest of Middle East And Africa

6. Competitive Landscape

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves (M&A, Capacity Expansion, Leasing Deals)
  • 6.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global-level Overview, Market-level Overview, Core Segments, Financials, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share, Products & Services, Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 China International Marine Containers (CIMC)
    • 6.4.2 Dong Fang International Containers
    • 6.4.3 CXIC Group (CSSC)
    • 6.4.4 Maersk Container Industry A/S
    • 6.4.5 Singamas Container Holdings
    • 6.4.6 W&K Container
    • 6.4.7 Sea Box Inc.
    • 6.4.8 TLS Offshore Containers
    • 6.4.9 Storstac Inc.
    • 6.4.10 CARU Containers B.V.
    • 6.4.11 China Eastern Containers
    • 6.4.12 Valisons & Co.
    • 6.4.13 YMC Container Solutions
    • 6.4.14 American Intermodal Container Manufacturing
    • 6.4.15 Triton International
    • 6.4.16 Textainer Group Holdings
    • 6.4.17 Florens Container Services
    • 6.4.18 CAI International
    • 6.4.19 Touax Group
    • 6.4.20 UES International

7. Market Opportunities & Future Outlook

  • 7.1 White-Space & Unmet-Need Assessment
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Global Shipping Containers Market Report Scope

Shipping containers are used to transport and carriage goods without the need for unloading and reloading at intermediate points. These containers facilitate the transport of goods via land- and sea-borne transportation involving ships, rails, and trucks. A complete background analysis of the Shipping Containers Market, including the assessment of the economy and contribution of sectors in the economy, market overview, market size estimation for critical segments, emerging trends in the market segments, market dynamics, and geographical trends, and COVID-19 impact is included in the report.

The Shipping Containers Market is Segmented by Size (Small Container (20 Feet), Large Container (40 Feet), and High Cube Container), Type (Dry Storage Container, Refrigerated Container, and Tank Container), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America). The report offers market size and forecasts in values (USD billion) for all the above segments.

By Size 20-ft (TEU)
40-ft (FEU)
40-ft High-Cube,
Others ( >45-ft, etc)
By Container Type Dry Storage (Standard)
Refrigerated (Reefer)
Tank (ISO Tank, Cryogenic)
Flat-Rack & Open-Top
Special Purpose (Side-Door, Tunnel, Insulated, Collapsible)
By Material Corten Steel
Stainless Steel
Aluminium Alloy
FRP & Composite
Others
By End-Use Industry Consumer Goods & Retail
Food & Beverage
Industrial Machinery & Automotive
Chemicals & Petroleum
Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare
Others
By Mode of Transport Maritime Deep-Sea
Short-Sea & Coastal
Rail Intermodal
Road Inland Haulage & Off-Site Storage
By Geography North America United States
Canada
Mexico
South America Brazil
Peru
Chile
Argentina
Rest of South America
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea
South East Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Philippines)
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Europe United Kingdom
Germany
France
Spain
Italy
BENELUX (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)
NORDICS (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden)
Rest of Europe
Middle East And Africa United Arab of Emirates
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Nigeria
Rest of Middle East And Africa
By Size
20-ft (TEU)
40-ft (FEU)
40-ft High-Cube,
Others ( >45-ft, etc)
By Container Type
Dry Storage (Standard)
Refrigerated (Reefer)
Tank (ISO Tank, Cryogenic)
Flat-Rack & Open-Top
Special Purpose (Side-Door, Tunnel, Insulated, Collapsible)
By Material
Corten Steel
Stainless Steel
Aluminium Alloy
FRP & Composite
Others
By End-Use Industry
Consumer Goods & Retail
Food & Beverage
Industrial Machinery & Automotive
Chemicals & Petroleum
Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare
Others
By Mode of Transport
Maritime Deep-Sea
Short-Sea & Coastal
Rail Intermodal
Road Inland Haulage & Off-Site Storage
By Geography
North America United States
Canada
Mexico
South America Brazil
Peru
Chile
Argentina
Rest of South America
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea
South East Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Philippines)
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Europe United Kingdom
Germany
France
Spain
Italy
BENELUX (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)
NORDICS (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden)
Rest of Europe
Middle East And Africa United Arab of Emirates
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Nigeria
Rest of Middle East And Africa
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Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the current size of the shipping container market?

The market stands at USD 10.27 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 12.77 billion by 2030 with a 4.46% CAGR.

Which region leads the shipping container market?

Asia-Pacific holds 60.50% of global revenue in 2024 and is also the fastest-growing region through 2030.

Why are reefer containers growing faster than dry containers?

Pharmaceutical and fresh grocery shippers are moving temperature-sensitive goods from air to sea, boosting demand for advanced refrigerated boxes that offer precise climate control at lower transport cost.

How are sustainability goals influencing container materials?

Corporate ESG commitments spur adoption of recycled-content steel and lightweight composites, with FRP & composite materials expanding at a 7.84% CAGR as operators seek lower lifecycle emissions.

What role does rail intermodal play in container transport growth?

Rail intermodal is the fastest-growing mode at 5.36% CAGR because infrastructure upgrades and environmental policies encourage shippers to shift long-distance inland moves from road to rail.

How is digital innovation affecting container ownership economics?

IoT-enabled smart boxes provide real-time visibility and predictive maintenance, allowing owners to charge premium lease rates while reducing downtime and unplanned repairs.

Page last updated on: June 27, 2025

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