The 20-foot standard for everything
The 20-foot is the most common format on the market. 6 metres long, 33 m³ usable volume, up to 28 tonnes load capacity. It's the one sold the most — for storage, workshops, light conversion, site accommodation units, transportation. Here’s everything you need to know about its features, price in 2026 and uses.
Key Features
- External length
- 6,058 m (20 ft)
- External width
- 2,438 m (8 ft)
- External height
- 2,591 m (8 ft 6 in)
- Internal length
- 5,867 m
Dimensions and capacities
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| External length | 6,058 m (20 ft) |
| External width | 2,438 m (8 ft) |
| External height | 2,591 m (8 ft 6 in) |
| Internal length | 5,867 m |
| Internal width | 2,352 m |
| Internal Height | 2,390 m |
| Internal floor area | 13,8 m² |
| Useful internal volume | 33 m³ |
| Tare weight (empty weight) | 2 200 – 2 300 kg |
| Maximum gross weight | 30 480 kg |
| Payload capacity | ~28 100 kg |
| Door opening (width × height) | 2,343 × 2,280 m |
| Standard | ISO 668, ISO 6346, CSC |
Price 2026
The price ranges observed in Q1 2026 on the UK market:
| Status | Excluding delivery cost | For what use |
|---|---|---|
| Brand new (factory) | £3,780 – £4,725 | Residential, commercial, display |
| One-trip | £3,360 – £4,095 | High-end fit-out |
| Grade A used | £2,310 – £2,940 | Professional storage, workshop, site accommodation unit |
| Grade B used | £1,890 – £2,520 | Invisible storage, construction site |
| Grade C used | £1,470 – £2,100 | Temporary use / only if inspected |
Delivery to add: £263 – £945 depending on the area. ISO/CSC marking up-to-date included in price with serious suppliers.
The 5 most common uses
- Storage — professional tools, archives, seasonal stock, self-storage. Most widespread use, expect to recoup purchase cost vs rental over 18 to 24 months.
- Workshop / garage — closed space for DIY, car/motorbike repair, woodworking. Secure structure anti-intrusion, low maintenance.
- site cabin / site bungalow — changing room, project manager's office, secure tool storage. Often as an addition to a standard modular building.
- B2C fit-out — garden studio, home office, independent guest bedroom, isolated professional space. Limited surface area but unique atmosphere.
- Marine transport — historical use. Less relevant for individual purchases (requires a valid CSC stamp and regular logistical use), very relevant for occasional export rentals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact dimensions of a 20-foot container?+
Standardised ISO exterior dimensions: 6,058 m × 2,438 m × 2,591 m (L × l × h). Interior usable dimensions: 5,867 m × 2,352 m × 2,390 m. Internal volume: 33 m³. Tare weight: 2,200 to 2,300 kg. Usable payload capacity: 28,100 kg. These are the dimensions of a standard dry container — the high cube variant gains an additional 30 cm in height but is extremely rare in Europe.
What is the price of a 20-foot container in 2026?+
Brand new or one-trip: £3,780 – £4,725. Grade A used (very good condition): £2,310 – £2,940. Grade B used (good condition, some scratches): £1,890 – £2,520. Grade C used (used condition): £1,470 – £2,100. Excluding delivery (£263 – £945). Prices can fluctuate by 10 to 15% due to the cost of maritime freight and steel prices.
How many EUR pallets fit in a 20-foot container?+
Our EUR pallets (1.20 × 0.80 m) on the ground, which amounts to 22 EUR pallets if stackable in two levels. For industrial-sized pallets (1.20 × 1.00 m), 10 on the ground / 20 at height. For an equivalent semi-trailer truck, it's 33 EUR pallets — the 20-foot container remains interesting for small volumes (less than 11 pallets) that you want to ship by sea.
Can one live in a 20-foot shipping container?+
Technically yes, but it's not ideal. The usable interior surface area is 13.8 m² gross — minus 10 to 15% after internal insulation = approximately 12 m² of living space. Ceiling height drops to 2.20 m after lining. Comfortable for a minimalist studio, garden office, or unique Airbnb. For a true tiny house or primary residence, prefer a high cube 40-foot container which doubles the surface area and adds 30 cm in height.
Can a 20-foot shipping container be delivered to any type of site?+
Standard delivery is by truck with crane. At least 20 m of clearance, 4.5 m high, firm ground (no soft grass), and about 4 m of lateral clearance are required. In difficult areas (private garden, slope, pedestrian city centre), a crane truck is necessary (+£315 to +£840). Last option: delivery 'next to' followed by final move with mini excavator, negotiable on a case-by-case basis.
Is it easy to transport a 20-foot shipping container after delivery?+
Empty, yes — weight 2.3 tonnes, any truck crane of 6 tonnes suffices. Full, it's another story: 30 tonnes loaded, requires an adapted vehicle. For relocation with the full container, expect £630 – £1,575 depending on distance and access at both ends.
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