The 20ft shipping container is the most popular container size in the UK, and for good reason. It is big enough for a garage full of equipment, a small workshop or a season of business stock, yet compact enough to fit on most driveways, farmyards and building sites. If you are thinking about buying one, this guide covers the dimensions, the different types available, what affects the price and how to get one delivered.
20ft Shipping Container Dimensions
Every 20ft container is built to international ISO standards, so the outside dimensions are almost identical whichever manufacturer built it. The inside measurements vary slightly depending on wall and floor construction. The figures below are typical and are a good guide for planning.
| Measurement | 20ft Standard | 20ft High Cube |
|---|---|---|
| External length | 6.06m (19ft 10in) | 6.06m (19ft 10in) |
| External width | 2.44m (8ft) | 2.44m (8ft) |
| External height | 2.59m (8ft 6in) | 2.90m (9ft 6in) |
| Internal length | approx. 5.90m | approx. 5.90m |
| Internal width | approx. 2.35m | approx. 2.35m |
| Internal height | approx. 2.39m | approx. 2.69m |
| Floor area | approx. 13.9m² | approx. 13.9m² |
| Internal volume | approx. 33m³ | approx. 37m³ |
| Empty weight | approx. 2,200 to 2,300kg | approx. 2,300 to 2,400kg |
In practical terms, a 20ft container holds roughly the contents of a three-bedroom house, or will comfortably take a small car with room left over for shelving along the walls. The end doors open to about 2.3m wide by 2.3m high on a standard unit.
Standard or High Cube?
A High Cube container is exactly the same length and width as a standard one but stands about 300mm (roughly 1ft) taller. That extra height makes a real difference if you plan to stack pallets or racking, or if people will be working inside. For a workshop, office or any conversion where you want to stand up comfortably after adding insulation and a floor covering, a High Cube is usually the better choice. For straightforward storage, a standard height container does the job for less money.
Types of 20ft Container
Beyond the classic sealed box with doors at one end, there are several variations built for particular jobs:
- Standard 20ft containers with double doors at one end, the most economical choice for storage.
- High Cube containers with the extra 300mm of internal height.
- Open-side containers, such as our 20ft open-side container, where full-length doors along one side give access to everything inside without digging from the back.
- Container garages, like our 20ft container garage with roller shutter door, fitted with a wide door for vehicles, mowers and plant.
- Workshop containers, such as our 20ft workshop container, with openings and a layout designed for working inside rather than just storing.
New, One-Trip or Used?
Condition is the biggest factor in both price and appearance. New containers come straight from the factory. One-trip containers are new-build units that have made a single loaded voyage, so they are structurally as good as new with perhaps a few light marks, and usually cost noticeably less. Used containers have been in service for longer and show their age cosmetically, but our used stock is graded wind and watertight (WWT), meaning it is sound and sealed against the weather.
We cover this choice in more detail in our guide to one-trip vs used 20ft containers.
How Much Does a 20ft Shipping Container Cost?
Prices depend on condition, height, colour and any modifications. As a rough guide from our own range:
- Used and wind and watertight 20ft containers typically sit at the lower end of the range, from around £1,000.
- One-trip 20ft containers usually cost a little more, reflecting their near-new condition.
- High Cube and painted units in specific RAL colours are priced slightly higher again.
- Converted containers such as open-side units, garages and workshops cost more because of the extra doors, framing and fittings, typically £2,000 to £4,500.
Delivery is priced separately because it depends on your postcode and site. You can see current prices on every product in our shop, or request a quote if you want a delivered price.
Delivery and Site Preparation
A 20ft container is normally delivered on a lorry with a crane (often called a HIAB) or on a tilt-bed vehicle that slides the container off onto the ground. Before delivery day it is worth checking:
- The ground where the container will sit is firm and level. Railway sleepers, concrete pads or a compacted hardcore base all work well.
- There is enough room for the delivery vehicle to get in, position itself and unload.
- The route is clear of low branches, overhead cables and tight gateways.
- You leave space at the door end so the doors can open fully.
Our delivery and site access page explains what we need in more detail.
Do You Need Planning Permission?
It depends on how and where the container is used. A container placed temporarily on a construction site, or used for storage on agricultural or commercial land, often does not need permission, but one placed permanently in a residential garden or converted into a habitable space may do. Rules vary between councils, so check with your local planning authority before you commit if you are unsure.
Is a 20ft Container the Right Size?
For most people, yes. It is the best balance between space, price and ease of delivery. If you only need to store tools or garden equipment, a 10ft container may be enough. If you are storing large machinery or need a lot of floor space in one unit, a 40ft container may make more sense. Our shipping container buyer’s guide goes through the size decision step by step.
Buy a 20ft Container from CH Containers
We sell new, one-trip and used 20ft shipping containers direct from our yard in Billericay, Essex, with delivery across the UK. Browse our current 20ft containers or get in touch and we will help you find the right unit for your site and budget.