10ft container: dimensions and prices for a compact size
A 10ft container, at around 3 m long, suits sites where available space limits the choice. Its roughly 16 m³ of internal volume provides extra storage, to organise around your goods and access needs. A small footprint still requires checks of the truck, unloading and door opening.
Key specifications
- External dimensions (L × W × H)
- 2.991 × 2.438 × 2.591 m
- Internal dimensions (L × W × H)
- 2.840 × 2.350 × 2.393 m
- Door opening (W × H)
- 2.342 × 2.280 m
- Calculated internal floor area
- ≈ 6.7 m²
Dimensions: standard 10ft example
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| External dimensions (L × W × H) | 2.991 × 2.438 × 2.591 m |
| Internal dimensions (L × W × H) | 2.840 × 2.350 × 2.393 m |
| Door opening (W × H) | 2.342 × 2.280 m |
| Calculated internal floor area | ≈ 6.7 m² |
| Calculated geometric volume | ≈ 16 m³ |
| Tare weight of this example | 1 250 kg |
| Payload of this example | 8 910 kg |
| Reference model | 10ft ISO; confirm the unit’s measurements |
10ft container prices by condition
Compare the delivered price with a 20ft container if your site can accommodate either. The choice also depends on model, work, condition and departure depot.
| Condition | Price excl. delivery | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| New, definition to be clarified | £1,506 – £2,993 | Finish and options to specify |
| One-trip, history to check | £1,355 – £2,599 | Recent unit with described condition |
| Used, seller’s criteria | £954 – £2,048 | Use after inspection of the container |
Indicative prices excluding VAT, delivery and options. Transport and unloading: allowance £263 – £735, to confirm for the model and your site. Request an itemised quote.
When should you choose a 3-metre container?
- Limited space — measure the placement area and door clearance; have delivery assessed separately.
- Tools and seasonal equipment — plan the layout and protection appropriate to moisture and the value of the goods.
- Construction-site storage — specify locking equipment, floor and planned moves.
- Small converted space — check the dimensions remaining after insulation, openings and equipment.
- Extra storage — keep access to frequently retrieved items rather than filling the container by volume alone.
Plan storage in a 10ft container
Cubic metres do not tell you whether goods will pass through the door or be easy to retrieve. Measure packaging, shelving and handling equipment.
Side storage · 500 mm
Remaining passage · 1,350 mm
Assumption: 500 mm on each side, leaving 2 350 − 500 − 500 = 1 350 mm in the centre. This diagram is neither a loading plan nor a recommended aisle width; adapt it to objects, loads and equipment.
Indicative dimensions. Floor area and volume are calculated from the internal measurements; confirm the dimensions of the unit offered.
View the 10ft data sheetBefore booking the unit
- Confirm construction, dimensions, permitted load and suitability for the planned transport.
- Request photos of the floor, doors, seals and any modifications.
- Send the address, access photos and placement location to the haulier; specify who unloads.
- For a converted space, have the design and rules applicable to the project checked.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 10ft container cost?+
Indicative ranges are £954 – £2,048 used and £1,506 – £2,993 new, excluding VAT and options. Add transport and unloading: allowance £263 – £735, to confirm according to the site. Compare condition, construction and included services before choosing.
Can a 10ft container be used for sea transport?+
That depends on the model and actual unit. Some 10ft containers are offered with CSC approval; others are intended for storage or have been converted. Ask the seller and carrier to confirm compatibility, documents and examinations required for the planned journey.
How much space should you allow for a 10ft container?+
The external example measures 2.991 × 2.438 m. Also allow door clearance, site-appropriate supports and the space needed by the vehicle and for unloading. A small placement area does not prove that the truck or crane can reach it.
How do you choose between 10ft and 20ft?+
Choose 10ft if its footprint better suits the site and its storage layout is sufficient. If either size is possible, compare genuinely usable space, access to goods and delivered cost. A shorter container is not necessarily cheaper in the offer you receive.
What permission should you check before installing a 10ft container?+
Present the site, dimensions, planned duration and use to the local authority, then confirm the applicable procedure before ordering. For a converted space, also describe the work and equipment: the 10ft size alone does not determine the procedure.
Request offers for a 10ft container
Specify your goods, required condition and placement location. Up to 5 quotes, subject to seller availability.