20 foot storage containers at the best price [+ dimensions and types 2024] (2024)

20 foot storage container dimensions [internal & external]

The first thing to inquire about containers is how much you can store in them. To begin, you’ll need to know the dimensions, weight, and volume of your storage load.

Maybe your goods won’t fit in a standard 20ft container. In this case, you’ll need a slightly bigger unit, say, a 20ft high cube container. And if your cargo is large or oddly shaped, you’ll have to opt for a 20 ft open top container.

Let’s know the dimensions of a 20ft standard container.

Interior dimensions of 20 foot shipping container

Whether you want to store goods on-site or ship cargo from one location to another, it’s important to know the internal dimensions of the 20-foot container to ensure your goods will fit.

Even though the 20 ft size has ample space, it’s best to know exact measurements for capacity and inventory management.

The length of a 20-foot container is 5.90 meters, its width is 2.35 meters and the height is 2.39 meters. The dimensions of the door are 2.34 meters in width and 2.28 meters in height. The tare weight is 2,300 kg. The payload of a 20′ container is 28,200 kg, which is its maximum loading capacity.

Exterior dimensions of 20 ft shipping container

A shipping container’s external dimensions will help you with space planning. Let’s say you’re a small business looking for a 20-foot container for storing your goods on-site. The external dimensions will help you plan how to fit and stack the container in the limited space in the most efficient manner.

Plus, many local regulations and zoning laws specify size restrictions on placing storage containers on private property. Knowing the external dimensions will help you secure the necessary permits.

Here are the 20 foot shipping container’s external dimensions:

20ft shipping container dimensions in feet

As you can see above, you have the 20 ft container dimensions in meters and feet. So, let’s take a look at three other container dimensions in feet below:

You now know the length, width, and height of the 20 foot container. Let’s look at capacity and volume.

What is the capacity of a 20 ft shipping container?

The capacity is yet another important thing to consider when choosing shipping containers. It’s the most realistic metric to tell you the exact cargo volume you can fit inside a container.

We know that you can only fit cargo within the 20ft square feet in both standard and high cube containers. But the volume will vary depending on which one you choose.

Here are the volumes of 20 ft and 20ft high cube shipping containers:

How do you calculate the capacity of a 20-foot container?

To calculate the capacity of a container, always take into account its internal dimensions. And then, use the simple formula of length x width x height. You will get the usable capacity of the container.

How much can you fit in a 20-foot container?

A standard 20ft container can hold:

• 200 full-sized mattresses
• 48,000 bananas
• 50-60 refrigerators
• 400 flat-screen TVs
• The household items of a one or two-bedroom apartment

How many pallets can fit into a 20 foot shipping container?

Since the dimensions of Euro pallets are 1.2m x 0.8m, the floor of the 20 ft shipping container can hold up to 11 Euro pallet stacks. Similarly, according to the 1m x 1.2m dimensions of American pallets, you can store up to 10 American pallets.

How much weight will a 20-foot container hold?

If you want to know how much a 20ft container holds, you’re looking to know the ‘payload’ of the container. But if you want to know just how much an empty 20 ft storage container weighs, then you want to find out the ‘tare weight’ of the container.

Here are the weights of 20 ft and 20ft high cube containers:

20 foot storage containers for sale: New vs used container

Now that you know everything about 20 ft shipping container size, we should look into which shipping container conditions are the best suited for you. Narrowing down to whether you need new containers or used containers is one of the most important decisions you will make, as it will directly impact your spending budget.

Why choose new 20 foot storage container for sale

If you plan to use your container for a long time, you should choose a new container. It can easily last for 15-20 years. Or, if you plan to use your container regularly for shipping cargo, then buying a new container will give you shipping flexibility.

Many people also purchase new shipping containers for building houses and architectural set-ups.

As you can see, there are many reasons to opt for this prime container. However, the only caveat is that new containers or one-trip containers are typically more expensive than used containers.

The average price of a 20ft new shipping container is between $2,000 to $3,000. But on our shipping container marketplace, you can get a new 20 foot shipping container for as low as $1,300!

Why choose used 20 foot shipping container for sale

Typically, for storage purposes, a 20 foot standard WWT container is a perfect choice. You can also choose cargo-worthy containers if you also plan to use them for shipping cargo.

Despite having slight surface rust, these wind and water-tight used containers will protect your goods from weather elements. Plus, the shipping container floor made out of marine-grade plywood will keep your goods free from contamination. Perfect for storage!

You can also look for used shipping containers with forklift pockets to ensure portability. And the 20 ft shipping container is also easy to customize if that’s one of the requirements.

The average price of a 20ft used shipping container is between $1,000 to $2,000.You can get a cargo-worthy 20ft container for as low as $700 on our platform!

Want to check out the price difference between new and used containers in your city or country? Click the banner below to see the price difference and make the best container deals!

What are the best types of 20 foot containers for storage?

Now that you’ve decided on the condition of the container you need, it’s time to decide the type of container most suitable for your storage purposes. Read on to know the different types of containers available and which one is right for you.

20ft standard containers for sale

The standard 20ft dry container is a popular choice and for good reason. Its smaller size makes it easy to move and transport, as well as load and unload — making it perfect for storage.

20ft containers are suitable enough to store a wide range of goods. You can get 20ft containers for $700 in some locations on our platform! Click here to check out the prices of 20ft containers in your preferred location.

20ft HC containers for sale

The 20 foot high cube is exactly the same as the standard 20ft, with an extra foot of height. This extra height increases your storage space, giving you great value without increasing the floorspace.

Naturally, a 20ft HC is a better investment if you want to utilize your space well. High cubes are also great for storing larger quantities of goods or taller items. Want to know which locations have the lowest container prices for 20ft HC containers? Click here to check out container offers from 1500+ vetted sellers to find best deals.

20 foot open top containers for sale

An open top container has no roof. Instead, a tarpaulin is used to cover goods and keep them safe from the elements. This container type is ideal for items that are difficult to load through standard container doors due to their size or shape.

You should choose a 20ft open top container if your goods are over-sized but have a low volume. Simply load your cargo from the top and rest assured the strong side-walls will keep belongings safely in place.

Open top containers are a bit more expensive than standard 20 foot containers. Check out the price difference between the two by clicking here.