The 20-foot standard for everything
The 20-foot container is a standard format. 6 metres long, 33 m³ usable volume, up to 28 tonnes load capacity. It can be considered — for storage, workshops, light conversion, site accommodation units, transportation. Here’s everything you need to know about its features, price in 2026 and uses. Masses vary by model and individual container: check maximum gross mass on the CSC plate and the marked tare. Maximum payload is maximum gross mass minus tare; also observe vehicle, route and handling-equipment limits. Figures on this page are indicative.
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 (indicative; check the CSC plate) |
| Payload capacity | ~28 100 kg |
| Door opening (width × height) | 2,343 × 2,280 m |
| Standard | ISO 668, ISO 6346, CSC |
Price 2026
The ranges below are indicative estimates from this page’s pricing model. Compare quotes for the required format, condition and options; delivery and availability require confirmation.
| Status | Excluding delivery cost | For what use |
|---|---|---|
| Brand new (factory) | £1,807 – £3,544 | Residential, commercial, display |
| One-trip | £1,607 – £3,071 | High-end fit-out |
| Grade A used | £1,104 – £2,205 | Professional storage, workshop, site accommodation unit |
| Grade B used | £904 – £1,890 | Invisible storage, construction site |
| Grade C used | £703 – £1,575 | 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 — Compare the total cost over your intended use: purchase price and estimated resale value, rent, delivery and collection, maintenance, insurance and financing. There is no universal threshold in months: use quotes for your market and a cautious resale assumption.
- 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.
Available RAL colours
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?+
Compare format, condition, specialisation and equipment. Materials, transport and available offers can influence the quote, without an established annual percentage change here. Used A, model: £1,104 – £2,205. Used B, model: £904 – £1,890. Used C, model: £703 – £1,575. Delivery, reference to confirm: £263 – £945. New, model: £1,807 – £3,544.
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.
Also worth seeing
40-foot container
The long format — 67 m³ of usable space, ideal for volumes over 30 m³.
High cube 40 feet
30 cm taller — essential for living and office spaces.
Used container
Classes A/B/C explained, how to buy well, points to inspect.
20ft container hire
Temporary need? Compare the monthly rates of a 20ft from £40/month.
10ft container
The size below: 16 m³, for a small garden and tight access.
Go for the real price
You may receive up to 5 quotes depending on the container type, delivery area and available suppliers. The number of replies and response time depend on the partners; neither up to 5 quotes nor a fixed deadline is guaranteed.