Shipping Containers Market by Type (Dry Storage, Refrigerated, Tank), Size (Small Container, Large Container), End-use Industry (Industrial Products, Retail & E-commerce, Automotive, Food & Beverages), Geography - Global Forecast to 2031

The Shipping Containers Market was valued at $9.2 billion in 2023. This market is expected to reach $13.1 billion by 2031 from an estimated $9.4 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period of 2024-2031.

Shipping Containers Market Size & Forecast

The growth of this market is driven by increase in demand for cargo transportation through ships and the rise of trade agreements between nations. Furthermore, the increasing demand for refrigerated containers for perishable goods and growing E-commerce shipping operations are expected to generate growth opportunities for the stakeholders in this market.

Key Findings

• By Type: In 2024, the Dry Storage Containers Segment is Expected to Dominate the Global Shipping Containers Market
• By Size: In 2024, the Large Container (40 Feet) Segment is Expected to Dominate the Global Shipping Containers Market
• By End-use Industry: In 2024, the Industrial Products Segment is Expected to Dominate the Global Shipping Containers Market
• By Geography: Asia-Pacific is Expected to Dominate Shipping Containers Market in 2024

Shipping Containers Market Drivers

Increase in Demand for Cargo Transportation through Ships

The rise in demand for transportation of cargo through water ways as number of cargos are efficiently transferred to the other end in a secure way as compared to other means of transportation. Moreover, cargo ships are less expensive for shipping goods as compared to road and air transits. Ships help to carry more cargo from one place to another within a short span of time. The recent developments in commercial vessels and giant players’ innovation of better and efficient cargo ships equipped with latest technology such as advanced sensors, navigation system, and other components is creating a demand for the cargo transportation through ships.

Shipping by sea is one of the most cost-effective modes of transportation compared to air and land transport, particularly for bulk and non-perishable goods. This cost advantage encourages businesses to choose maritime shipping, leading to increased container usage for moving large volumes of goods. The increasing globalization of supply chains means that companies source raw materials, components, and finished goods from all over the world. To keep these supply chains running smoothly, there is a growing need for shipping containers. This leads to the growth of the shipping containers market.

Shipping Containers Market Opportunities

Growing E-Commerce Shipping Operations

The increasing demand for digital marketplaces and online shopping needs items transported internationally through marine shipping operations, affording customers access to an extensive overseas product assortment. Thus, shipping containers play an integral role in the efficient and economical delivery of goods from producers to distribution hubs and end users for e-commerce businesses.

The need for logistics services, transportation infrastructure, and containers is increasing due to the growth of the e-commerce sector. The shipping container industry is benefiting from companies' investments in containerization and transportation solutions to suit the increased need for dependable, quick shipping services in the digital era. With the increasing E-commerce shipping operations, several companies are launching container shipping services. For instance, in August 2024, Walmart Inc. (U.S.) launched cross-border container shipping services from China to the United States for e-commerce customers.  Such developments are expected to increase the demand for shipping containers in future for E-commerce operation.

Shipping Containers Market Analysis: Top Market Opportunity

Dry Storage Containers Segment is Expected to Dominate the Shipping Containers Market in 2024

Based on type, the global shipping containers market is segmented into dry storage containers, refrigerated containers, flat rack containers, open-top containers, tank containers, and other types. In 2024, the dry storage containers segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the global shipping containers market.

Dry storage containers are the most common and widely used type of shipping container. They are designed for the safe and secure transportation of non-perishable goods which do not require specific environmental conditions like temperature control or humidity regulation. These containers are typically made of steel, though some may have aluminum or other materials depending on the application.  The most common sizes are 20-foot (20ft) and 40-foot (40ft) containers, and other sizes like 10-foot, 45-foot, and 53-foot depending on specific needs. Dry storage containers are primarily used for shipping goods such as consumer goods, furniture, machinery and equipment, construction materials, and packaging.

As e-commerce continues to grow, dry storage containers are essential in the movement of goods like electronics, clothing, and other non-perishable consumer goods. Dry storage containers are a key component in intermodal shipping, allowing goods to be easily transferred between trucks, ships, and trains.

Geographical Analysis

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Shipping Containers Market in 2024

In 2024, Asia-Pacific is estimated to account for the largest share of the global shipping containers market. The large share of Asia-Pacific in the shipping containers market is primarily attributed to the large coastal lines and presence of significant number of manufacturers; increase in government initiatives to boost the marine trade across the region; booming trade routes and pivotal manufacturing centers; and rising improvement in the transportation services in this region.

Moreover, Asia-Pacific is also expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Key Companies

The report includes a competitive landscape based on an extensive assessment of the key strategic developments that led market participants to adopt over the past three years (2021-2024). The key players profiled in the global shipping containers market report are ALMAR Container Group (South Africa), Mærsk A/S (Denmark), Textainer Group Holdings Limited (Bermuda), CARU Group B.V. (Netherlands), China International Marine Containers (Group) Co., Ltd. (China), COSCO SHIPPING LINES CO., LTD.  (China), Evergreen Marine Corp. Ltd. (Taiwan), Ritveyraaj Cargo Shipping Containers (India), SEA BOX, Inc. (U.S.), Singamas Container Holdings Limited. (Hong Kong), Triton International Limited (U.S.), W&K Containers, Inc. (U.S.), Florens Asset Management Company Limited (Hong Kong), LCL LOGISTIX INDIA PVT. LTD.  (India), and Storstac Inc. (Canada).

Shipping Containers Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In August 2024, METRANS, a.s. (Czech Republic) launched innovative containers for car transport. The new 20-foot containers are made of reinforced steel, ensuring high strength and durability. They are designed to transport up to two cars of various sizes, with a total weight of up to 4.2 tons.
• In May 2024, COSCO SHIPPING LINES CO., LTD. (China) launched the world’s largest electric container ship, which will begin a regular service between Shanghai and Nanjing and save 3,900kg of fuel for every 100 nautical miles sailed.

Shipping Containers Market Research Summary

Key questions answered in the report: