Rentals — Chicago, IL
Quick answer: renting a 20ft container typically runs $95–$200 a month and a 40ft $130–$300 a month, plus delivery and pickup. Below: the rates, the rent-vs-buy math, and the Chicago dealers to call.
Typical U.S. monthly rates and median published rates from national rental companies, October 2026 research. Month-to-month usually runs 15–25% above 12-month contract rates; delivery and pickup are extra (often $150–$400 each way).
Under ~6 months: rent. A season of jobsite storage or a renovation costs a few hundred dollars in rent, with no resale hassle at the end.
Past ~12 months: buy. A year of 20ft rent ($1,140–$2,400, plus delivery and pickup) roughly equals the delivered price of a used wind & watertight 20ft ($1,400–$3,200) — and with a purchase, you keep the box.
Chicago has no ocean port for containers, but it is North America's largest inland container market. Boxes arrive by rail from West Coast, East Coast and Gulf ports and collect at intermodal terminals around the metro — the CenterPoint Intermodal Center in Joliet/Elwood is described as North America's largest inland port, anchored by BNSF Logistics Park Chicago in Elwood and Union Pacific's Joliet terminal (Global IV), with older rail yards in Hodgkins, Cicero and Chicago itself. That constant flow keeps local inventory deep — sellers say the area is rarely out of stock of 20ft, 40ft and 40ft high cube — and keeps Chicago delivered prices in the lower half of the national range, closer to port-city levels than to deep-inland markets. Local yards cluster near the terminals, in Hodgkins, Aurora and Joliet, not downtown.
Rental Dealers — Chicago
These dealers' own listings mention rentals. Confirm the monthly rate, minimum term, and delivery/pickup fees in writing.
📍 1560 Aurora Ave Ln, Aurora, IL 60505
Chicagoland company since 1990, billing itself as the area's largest independently owned cargo container company — 10ft, 20ft and 40ft sales and rentals, custom modifications, and delivery that can be scheduled within 24 hours.
📍 Serves Chicago from its Chicago depot
Online seller with transparent listed pricing and a Wind & Watertight guarantee — used 20ft, 40ft and 40ft high cube for sale or rent, delivered in 3 to 5 business days within a 300-mile radius around Chicago, with depot pickup available.
Delivery in Chicago
Most Chicago deliveries are tilt-bed drops that need a long, straight, level run — sellers serving Chicago cite about 120 ft by 12 ft of clear space, roughly 50 to 100 ft of straight clearance for a 20ft and up to about 100 ft for a 40ft, plus about 13.5 ft or more of overhead clearance. In the city itself, tight lots, alleys, parked cars and overhead wires are the usual blockers, so confirm access before the truck rolls. Set the box on level, firm ground — concrete, asphalt, compacted gravel or pavers/blocks on soft ground — and plan for Midwest winters: snow load, freeze-thaw and road salt punish bad door seals, so inspect gaskets closely. Temporary containers on private property or job sites generally need no Chicago permit, but permanent placements and structural modifications can require a City of Chicago Department of Buildings permit — check before you order.
Buying after all? See what containers actually cost in Chicago before you sign a long rental.
See Chicago pricesReady When You Are
Our partner Container Trader sells from nationwide depot stock and quotes delivered prices in writing — the exact protection the scam check recommends. Browse live stock or start a quote:
See live container dealsBuying another way? Mention our referral code at checkout so your purchase is credited: Tap to reveal the code
michael-bf8e