Shipping Containers Market Size - By Size, By Container, By Customer, By End Use, By Ownership, Growth Forecast, 2026-2035

Shipping Containers Market Size

The global shipping containers market size was valued at USD 11.2 billion in 2025. The market is expected to grow from USD 11.7 billion in 2026 to USD 16.7 billion in 2035, at a CAGR of 4.1%, according to latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

The demand for standardized shipping containers is being driven by the continued increase in international trade for consumer goods, industrial products and raw materials. Increased manufacturing activity in Asia, the greater import dependence of developed countries and increasing international supply chains are creating larger volumes of containerized cargo, which supports continuing demand to produce new containers and their leasing, as well as an increase in fleet replacement globally. For instance, global container trade demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2025, achieving 3.5-4.2% growth and decisively outperforming pessimistic early-year forecasts that predicted flat or negative growth.
 

The growth of global e-commerce has resulted in a huge increase in containerized shipments, mainly for consumer goods, electronics and fast-moving retail goods. The rapid growth of online trade has created a need for efficient and scalable logistics systems to support cross-border trade; as such, it has led to an increase in the use of dry containers and high-cube containers. These trends have created demand for the use of dry and high-cube containers across ocean, rail and intermodal networks.
 

Shipping companies have been transitioning to leasing containers to reduce their capital investment requirements and better managing demand fluctuations. The leasing model allows for greater operational flexibility, quicker fleet scaling and high cash flow management for shipping companies. Such a trend has created greater reliance on global container leasing companies and thus generated stable, recurring demand for container manufacturing and refurbishing services.
 

Ongoing investment in expansion, automate operations and improve intermodal facilities and networks at ports, have led to an increase in container handling capacities around the world. Modernized ports will enable shipping firms to achieve greater turnaround times and thus, improve Cargo throughput. Improved infrastructure will enable a greater circulation of Containers and therefore increase the demand for fleet expansion and replacement, especially in emerging economies.
 

Shipping Containers Market Trends

Recently, leased containers have gained a larger percentage of the roughly 5 million container fleet currently in operation due to the implementation of more asset-light strategies by many of the freight lines around the world. Most of the world's largest shipping companies are now choosing to lease instead of purchasing their own equipment, thus minimizing the risks associated with ownership during periods of economic decline within the freight market. As this trend continues, more consolidation will take place among leasing companies and long-term contracts will increase, resulting in a more stable revenue stream for the entire container ecosystem.
 

The prevalence of smart containers utilize for advanced technologies such as GPS tracking, temperature monitoring and real-time monitoring systems, is increasing as consumers look for better visibility of their cargo and for ways to reduce cargo loss and improve supply chain transparency. Containers that are enabled for IoT (Internet of Things) technology have also been utilized more frequently for high-value and temperature-sensitive / controlled cargo.
 

The demand for high-cube (also known as lightweight) containers continues to rise. These containers provide higher payload capacity because of improved transport efficiency; therefore, shippers are able to maximize cargo volume while at the same time consuming less fuel per shipment. This is especially evident in long-haul and intermodal shipments, where maximization of cargo space directly affects operational efficiency and emissions performance.
 

Recent environmental regulations and decarbonization targets will spur the development of more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, including greater recycling of steel, increasing use of water-based coatings, and greater focus on energy efficiency in the production process. These trends align with the ESG objectives (Environmental, Social, and Governance) of many of today's shipping lines.
 

Shipping Containers Market Analysis

Based on size, the shipping containers market is divided into small containers (20 feet), large containers (40 feet), high cube containers and others. The large containers (40 feet) segment dominated the market, accounting for 49% in 2025 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 3% through 2026 to 2035.
 

• 20-foot containers are often used because of their ability to hold heavy items closely together, it makes loading and unloading much more manageable than other types of containers. 20-foot containers are typically used when shipping on short routes or using an intermodal method (e.g., combining multiple shipping methods), since they allow for maximum efficiency, allow for better weight distribution, and can be moved in conjunction with the transportation systems of the road, rail, and sea.
   
• 40-foot containers are the standard international shipping containers used by most global shipping companies. With their larger cargo capacity than the 20-foot container, 40-foot containers are commonly used to transport consumer products, electronic devices, industrial product shipments, etc., and, as a result, they have a higher shipping cost per unit. Through higher shipping capacity, 40' containers provide greater economies of scale for long-distance ocean shipping and intermodal freight shipping.
   
• High-cube containers provide extra vertical space over standard containers, resulting in a greater overall volume available for use. Because of their increased height, these types of containers provide additional loading capabilities, especially when stacked with pallets. Consequently, the increased number of high-cube containers sold in recent years can be attributed to the booming e-commerce sector and storing retail products, including furniture, where the goal is to maximize the volume and efficiency of the shipping of goods.
   
• Others category of containers covers specialized containers such as refrigerated, flat rack, open-top, and tank containers. These containers can meet specific shipping requirements based on temperature-controlled goods, oversized goods (i.e., goods that are larger than the volume of the container), liquid goods, and bulk goods. As a result of this growing trend of temperature-sensitive commodities transported by the pharmaceutical and food industries, containers that are specially designed for temperature-controlled goods are increasing in usage.
   

Based on container, the shipping containers market is segmented into dry storage, flat rack, refrigerated, special purpose and others. Dry storage segment dominates the market with 51% share in 2025, and the segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3% from 2026 to 2035.
 

• The dry-storage container is a standard-sized shipping container and is the most common form of dry storage that is used to deliver general cargo, such as consumer goods, textile products, electronic devices, and machinery. Dry-storage containers provide a secure shipping environment and also provide superior weather protection at an affordable price; therefore, dry-storage containers are ideal for facilitating global commerce by providing ocean, rail, and land-borne shipping channels.
   
• Flat rack containers are made to transport large, heavy loads that won't fit into standard shipping containers. Flat rack containers have either fixed or collapsible ends and open sides to accommodate machinery, automobiles, and industrial equipment. Flat rack containers are primarily used in the construction, energy, and project-cargo logistics industries.
   
• Reefer containers (refrigerated containers) are specialized containers used to keep items perishable at a temperature that meets the needs of consumers, pharmaceutical companies, and chemical manufacturers. Reefer containers keep perishable and temperature-sensitive products secure during transit to ensure they retain their integrity throughout the shipment. Reefer containers have been utilized to create and expand cold chain logistics throughout the world.
   
• Specialized containers have been specifically designed for unique applications and contain special types of cargo. Tank containers, open-top containers, and bulk containers are examples of specialized shipping containers used for the safe transportation of liquids and/or powders.
   

Based on customer, the shipping containers market is segmented into freight forwarders, shipping lines, logistics companies, retailers and manufacturers. The shipping lines segment dominates the market with 48% share in 2025, and the segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2026 to 2035.
 

• The ocean shipping companies can only operate container vessels and depend upon having sufficient inventories of containers to support international transport of freight. An international shipping line focuses mostly on network optimization, fleet utilization, and on-time delivery. Container ownership or leasing ensures that the container shipping companies have adequate shipping capacity to efficiently meet the needs of global commerce, as well as help to manage their operational costs.
   
• Forwarders are the entities who coordinate and optimize the transport of freight using standard containers by arranging for inter-modal transport via ocean and air as well as road transport. Forwarders depend heavily upon container availability, standard container sizes, etc., to minimize costs and regulatory compliance as well as improve transit time along with client logistics requirements.
   
• Logistics businesses provide businesses with end-to-end supply chain services including moving inventory through warehousing, transportation, as well as container inventory solutions. Logistics companies use standard containers to provide safe, economical and timely delivery of inventory while using tracking technology along with handling specialty or perishable goods as well to meet the needs of their customers and improve their business efficiency.
   
• Retailers purchase ocean freight shipping containers to ship products from their suppliers to their distribution centers and stores in a responsible manner by having inventory on hand at all regional or local markets to meet consumer demand. By using shipping containers, retailers can also reduce the damage that occurs during transport; therefore, decreasing costs of providing or selling their products via eCommerce and omnichannel distribution methods.
   

Based on ownership, the shipping containers market is segmented into leased containers and owned containers. The leased containers segment dominates the market with a share of 56% in 2025.
 

• Containers leased are owned by specialized leasing companies and are available to shipping lines, freight forwarders and logistics providers on a rental basis. This helps end users of leased containers to access them without making a large initial capital investment, thus allowing users to adjust their operations based on fluctuations in seasonal demand and trade volumes.
   
• By leasing containers, carriers can minimize their financial and operational interests by utilizing leased containers where and when needed without committing any capital to that purpose. Leasing also provides users with modern, well-maintained containers that conform to international shipping standards and allow them to operate efficiently as they move cargo along global trade routes.
   
• Shipping lines, manufacturers and large logistic operators own their containers which they buy outright and keep on a long-term basis. The benefit of ownership is that it provides owners with complete control over their container deployment, maintenance schedules and capabilities for customizing containers to suit their business purposes and strategies, thereby supporting their strategic business planning and unifying operations across both domestic and international trade routes.
   
• Owning containers also enables operators to avoid paying continual leases for containers and ensures that their containers will always be available at peak demand periods, especially for those operators who have established predictable volumes of shipments. Consequently, owning containers provides these operators with opportunities for improved fleet management, reduced costs and better long-term returns on their investment in containers.
   

The US shipping containers market reached USD 1.51 billion in 2025, growing from USD 1.44 billion in 2024.

• As a result of the increasing e-commerce and retail imports, the US market is seeing an increase in demand for leased and owned containers. More efficient container throughput has come from increased port expansions/improvements to intermodal connectivity. To improve domestic and international logistics and reduce shipping costs and transit times across the greater supply chain, companies are using larger capacity containers to increase efficiency.
   
• In addition, sustainability initiatives in the US are promoting the use of containers made from environmentally friendly materials/eco-friendly containers. To be more competitive in domestic and global supply chains, shipping companies and logistics providers are investing in tracking technology/smart containers to increase visibility of shipments, reduce loss, and optimize operational efficiencies.
   
• Fluctuating trade policy and tariffs on imports/exports play a huge role in container deployment and utilization of fleets. By strategically managing leased versus owned containers, companies maintain operational flexibility while minimizing financial risks to ensure a consistent flow of cargo across North American and international trade lanes.
•  

North America dominated the shipping containers market with a market size of USD 1.83 billion in 2025.
 

• North America’s shipping container market is expanding rapidly, driven primarily by increasing industrial production and ongoing growth in cross-border trade between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The port and inland container terminal expansion has contributed significantly to the efficiency of the distribution process. Logistics companies are using container leasing to quickly adapt their fleets for seasonal surges in cargo and maximize the number of containerized shipments that move through various regional supply chains
   
• Technological innovation helps in visibility into operational processes through IoT-enabled container tracking systems and other smart logistics solutions. Companies have increased capability to monitor the temperature and other environmental conditions of their containers, optimize route plans and achieve timely delivery of goods, which ultimately leads to fewer losses and greater overall customer satisfaction in North American trade lanes.
   
• In addition, the growing demand for specialized shipping containers (e.g. refrigerated containers and flat rack containers) has increased the volume of perishable goods transported as well as the volume of industrial equipment exported. Container leasing offers flexibility to accommodate fluctuating cargo volumes, while ownership allows larger shipping lines to plan strategically for their long-term supply chains.
   

Europe shipping containers market accounted for a share of 23.6% and generated revenue of USD 2.66 billion in 2025 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.
 

• The demand for container shipping services in the EU is driven by intra-Europe trade flows, exports to North America and Asia, along with growing influence of e-commerce. Major container hubs for the EU, including Rotterdam and Antwerp, provide efficient methods for moving containers throughout EU member states.
   
• Consistent with the EU's environmental policy framework, EU emission reduction targets help shippers to utilize eco-friendly containers and monitoring technology to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions associated with their products.
   
• Container leasing is widely used in Europe, as it allows for changing volumes of cargo and seasonality in cargo demand, while providing a strategy for companies with unchanging trade flows to maintain container ownership. Companies need to balance operational flexibility and efficiency with long-term goals.
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Germany dominates the shipping containers market, showcasing strong growth potential, with a CAGR of 2.7% from 2026 to 2035.
 

• High volumes of containers are transported through German ports, particularly Hamburg and Bremen. Demand for containers is driven primarily by industrial manufacturing, automotive export activity, and an increasing number of e-commerce shipments moving into and out of Germany.
   
• German sustainability initiatives encourage the development of energy-efficient and lightweight shipping containers. As a result, many major shipping carriers and freight forwarders are using smart containers to reduce their carbon footprints.
   
• Germany's heavy reliance on international trade for importing and exporting goods, container leasing is widely used to provide flexibility. At the same time Germany's major shipping companies also have significant fleets of containers for their long-term operations.
   
• The best practices for using containers are aimed at balancing import and export volume flows, minimizing empty container movements, and providing regular and consistent supply of containers to carriers.
   

The Asia Pacific shipping containers market is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 4.7% from 2026 to 2035.
 

• The dramatic growth of India's manufacturing sector and increasing exports from Asia are driving the need for many different types of containers in APAC. We see a growing number of refrigerated and high-cube containers being required as e-commerce and intra-Asian trade grow rapidly.
   
• Port modernization and better logistics infrastructure will allow containers to move through ports more quickly and better manage their fleets, allowing for more efficient operations. Leasing has enabled companies to manage their seasonal cargo volumes and operational costs as they move cargo through a variety of regional trade networks.
   
• New technology is being used to track containers, automate terminals, and create real-time container tracking systems. All of these technologies will enhance supply chain visibility, thereby reducing operational inefficiencies. In addition, companies have begun implementing sustainability programs to produce lightweight and eco-friendly containers in compliance with global environmental standards.
   

China shipping containers market is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 5.1% from 2026 to 2035.
 

• China continues to dominate the container manufacturing and exporting industry due to its high levels of manufacturing output and global trade leadership. However, China's rapid growth in both the e-commerce sector and the manufacturing of industrial goods and electronics has created high demand for both container leasing and ownership in both the domestic and international markets.
   
• In addition to being the world's largest manufacturer and exporter of containers, China is at the forefront of the Smart Container Revolution, with many Chinese container manufacturers developing smart containers, real-time tracking systems, and integrated logistics chains between ports, railways, and trucking. By creating a smart container, we will increase the efficiency of cargo operations and reduce the number of lost and damaged shipments and enhance the logistics chains that connect Asia with Europe and North America.
   
• The container market is supported by government policies in favor of container standardization and supporting port expansions, while leasing options will provide increased flexibility for foreign trade operators and ultimately enhance the ownership market for shipping containers.
   

Latin America shipping containers market shows lucrative growth over the forecast period.
 

• Commodities exported from Latin America drive container volumes to the region. Additionally, growing industrial trade and cross-border e-commerce are driving the increased demand for containers in Latin America. With large-scale port expansions under way in Mexico, Chile, and Colombia, efficiency improvements will occur in container-handling and supply chain management for Latin America.
• The primary operators of freight shipping services in Latin America will continue to lease containers to accommodate for fluctuating trade volume and to ensure cargo reliability. Container leasing also allows for increased flexibility in deploying containers and stimulating trade growth in Latin America.
   
• Innovative technology adoption, such as container tracking and monitoring systems, will increase the efficiency of container operations in Latin America. As agribusiness and industrial goods are increasingly becoming the major export products of Latin America, demand for specialized containers for refrigerated (reefer) and bulk products is increasing significantly.
   

Brazil shipping containers market is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 3% from 2026 to 2035 and reach USD 308 million in 2035.
 

• Brazil's container market is primarily dependent on agricultural exports, industrial goods exports and raw materials. Major ports, such as Santos and Rio De Janeiro, have significant volumes of container throughput, thus requiring both leased and owned containers to maintain efficient port operations.
   
• Infrastructure improvements, such as building inland container depots and improved road-rail connections, will further increase the efficiency of distributing containers throughout Brazil. Through container leasing, Brazil's freight operators can adjust the quantities of containers that they use based on seasonal harvests and export cycles.
   
• With the rapid growth of e-commerce in Brazil, there is growing demand for containerized imports and logistics services for the domestic market. Investments that utilize smart container tracking systems and better optimized fleet deployments will continue to increase the effectiveness of the importing and exporting supply chains in Brazil.
  
   

The Middle East and Africa shipping containers market accounted for USD 485.8 million in 2025 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.
 

• MEA container demand is driven by oil, gas, industrial exports, and import of consumer goods. Ports like Dubai, Jebel Ali, and Durban serve as regional hubs for containerized trade, improving market connectivity.
   
• Leased containers dominate short-term trade flexibility, while ownership is strategic for shipping lines handling predictable, high-volume routes. Container management solutions optimize fleet utilization across diverse MEA supply chains.
   
• Investment in port infrastructure and adoption of smart containers improve cargo handling, reduce transit delays, and enhance operational efficiency, supporting growth in intra-regional and global trade.
   

Saudi Arabia market is expected to experience substantial growth in the Middle East and Africa market, with a CAGR of 2.4% from 2026 to 2035.
 

• Saudi Arabia’s container market is expanding with rising oil exports, industrial growth, and infrastructure development under Vision 2030. Ports like Jeddah and Dammam handle increasing container throughput, supporting trade expansion.
   
• Leasing is widely used to manage fluctuating trade volumes, while owned containers support long-term industrial and oil exports. Modern container facilities and port expansions enhance supply chain efficiency and reliability.
   
• Smart container solutions, including temperature-controlled units and tracking technology, are adopted to meet export quality standards and ensure timely delivery of sensitive cargo.
   

Shipping Containers Market Share
 

• The top 7 companies in the shipping containers industry are China International Marine Containers Co, Maersk, Evergreen Marine, Singamas Container, Mediterranean Shipping, Sea Box and CARU Containers contributing 62% of the market in 2025.
   
• CIMC dominates container manufacturing with 29.8% market share, benefiting from vertically integrated operations across manufacturing, logistics, and energy equipment. Record 2024 performance saw net profit surge 605.6% to RMB 2.972 billion, driven by massive dry and reefer container sales, while strategic focus on emerging technologies supports long-term growth.
   
• Maersk, the world’s second-largest container shipping line, holds 20.9% market share influence through its own fleet and integrated logistics. Strong 2024 earnings were driven by Red Sea disruptions and freight rates, while sustainability initiatives, such as its dual-fuel methanol fleet, and the Gemini Cooperation alliance, reinforce operational and strategic leadership.
   
• Evergreen Marine is emphasizing flexible capacity management with a balanced mix of owned and leased containers. The company rapidly responded to 2024 Red Sea disruptions by ordering additional containers, maintaining strong presence on Asia-Europe and transpacific routes, showcasing agility in fleet and equipment management.
   
• Singamas combines container manufacturing and leasing operations. The company is pivoting toward leasing to capture recurring, higher-margin revenues while leveraging manufacturing expertise. This dual model enhances customer relationships and technical know-how, enabling Singamas to navigate cyclical production trends and maintain competitive advantage globally.
   
• MSC, the world’s largest container shipping line by capacity, operates over 6.76 million TEU fleet (~20.7% global capacity). Aggressive fleet expansion in 2024, including Neo-Panamax and ULCV vessels, and independent operations following alliance dissolutions, underscore MSC’s strategic flexibility and scale advantage in global container shipping and procurement.
   
• Sea Box is a US-based container manufacturer and provider of specialized and standard shipping containers. The company focuses on modular, flexible solutions for global logistics and industrial clients, offering durable and customizable units. Its regional expertise and innovation support niche markets and timely fulfillment of diverse container requirements.
   
• CARU Containers, a European container provider, specializes in high-quality, customized shipping and storage solutions. The company leverages regional production capabilities and responsive service to meet diverse customer needs, including industrial, retail, and logistics sectors. CARU emphasizes reliability, durability, and operational efficiency in both domestic and international markets.
   

Shipping Containers Market Companies

Major players operating in the shipping containers industry are:

• CARU Containers
• China International Marine Containers Co
• CMA CGM
• COSCO Shipping Lines
• Evergreen Marine
• Maersk
• Mediterranean Shipping
• Sea Box
• Singamas Container
• W&K Container
   
• CARU Containers provides high-quality, flexible container shipping solutions to the European and regional markets by combining strength, flexibility, and reliability in meeting the varying needs of logistics and industry. CIMC is a global player in the shipping industry, with a vertically integrated business model where the organization oversees all components from manufacturing through logistics to energy equipment. As a result of the success of CIMC in 2024 with record-high sales of dry and reefer containers, an expanding international business, and its focus on using advanced technology to ensure future growth.
   
• CMA CGM, the largest container shipping line in France, offers its customers a comprehensive global network for shipping. The CMA CGM Group invests significantly in fleet development as well as in sustainable development programs to improve its overall efficiency and reliability in providing services to their customers. COSCO is a Chinese long-haul, state-owned shipping company that offers large-scale international shipping services through its extensive fleet of container ships and logistics services to provide customers with the optimized deployment of container capacity on all major trade routes.
   
• Evergreen Marine (EVA) primarily operates its fleet on the Asia-Europe and Trans-Pacific lanes, balancing a mix of owned and leased containers as well as rapidly gearing up to respond to changing market dynamics, such as the 2024 Red Sea crisis, by demonstrating the required strategic flexibility and capacity management processes associated with successful global shipping operations.
   

Shipping Container Industry News

• In February 2025, the 2M Alliance between Maersk and MSC, with Maersk starting a Gemini Cooperation with Hapag-Lloyd. This change allowed for the creation of the Premier Alliance with ONE, HMM, and Yang Ming while MSC moved to operate by itself. This restructuring changed the operation of approximately 50 percent of all global shipping capacity through different service patterns and fleet deployment strategies.
   
• In February 2025, The Smart Container Alliance was launched to support traceability frameworks and create unified data standards for IoT-enabled container equipment. The SCA is addressing the interoperability challenges with multiple competing technologies of the shipping industry (i.e., shipping lines, equipment lease companies, and logistics companies), and is working to create standardized, efficient, and secure smart container operations in the global marketplace.
   
• In January 2025, Hope Village II by Newark is a new facility for the chronically homeless made from twelve ICC-certified used shipping containers in four clusters to house 20 residents each. The Port Newark Container Terminal provided the needed resources and expertise to demonstrate how rapidly and cost-effectively to use shipping containers for social infrastructure repurposing (i.e., for providing connectivity to the internet and safety compliance).
   
• In January 2025, the US Department of Homeland Security implemented Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System regulation to establish stronger security standards for maritime Internet of Things (IoT) assets with connected shipping containers. This regulation also issues concern regarding the vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks for digitalized shipping operations and smart shipping container networks, with the goal of creating standards to protect the global logistics and trade infrastructure.
   

The shipping containers market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue ($ Mn/Bn) and shipments (units) from 2022 to 2035, for the following segments:

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Market, By Size

• Small containers (20 feet)
• Large containers (40 feet)
• High cube containers
• Others

Market, By Container

• Dry storage
• Flat rack
• Refrigerated
• Special purpose
• Others

Market, By Customer

• Freight forwarders
• Shipping lines
• Logistics companies
• Retailers
• Manufacturers

Market, By End Use

• Food & beverages
• Consumer goods
• Healthcare
• Industrial products
• Oil & gas
• Chemicals
• Others

Market, By Ownership

• Leased containers
• Owned containers

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Nordics
  • Poland
  • Romania
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Vietnam
  • Indonesia
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• MEA
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE