External dimensions
19 ft 10.5 in × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in
Length × width × height, rounded. Also allow space for the doors and delivery.
Purchase · New & used
20ft containers for sale: sizes, condition and prices
Compare new, one-trip and used 20-foot shipping containers. Check dimensions and condition, then request a total including sales tax, delivery and unloading to your ZIP code.
- External length
- 19 ft 10.5 in
- Internal floor area (example)
- ≈ 149.6 sq ft
- Internal volume (example)
- ≈ 1,172.4 cu ft
- Tare weight (example)
- ≈ 5,180.9 lb
Dimensions: 19 ft 10.5 in × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in external and 19 ft 4.3 in × 7 ft 8.6 in × 7 ft 10.3 in internal on the example model (length × width × height), i.e. approximately 149.6 sq ft of internal floor area and 1,172.4 cu ft. See the table
20ft prices: Request a US-dollar quote for the actual unit, applicable sales tax, delivery and unloading to your ZIP code. See prices and models
Compare the delivered price to your site.
The departure depot and unloading method affect the total. A single request allows you to compare offers on the same basis.
- Independent supplier matching service
- ContainerFox helps you compare suppliers and request quotes
- Free and without obligation
20ft dimensions: footprint, interior and door opening
To work out whether it is suitable, check the external footprint, the space inside, the door opening and the weight to be handled. The figures below relate to a standard 20ft container, also called a DRY container. The external dimensions are those of the standardized format; the internal dimensions, doors and weights describe one example model per column.
| Reference | 20ft standard (dry) | 20ft High Cube |
|---|---|---|
| External length | 19 ft 10.5 in | 20 ft |
| External width | 8 ft | 8 ft |
| External height | 8 ft 6 in | 9 ft 6 in |
| Internal length | 19 ft 4.3 in | 19 ft 5 in |
| Internal width | 7 ft 8.6 in | 7 ft 8 in |
| Internal height | 7 ft 10.3 in | 8 ft 10 in |
| Door opening width | 7 ft 8.1 in | 7 ft 8 in |
| Door opening height | 7 ft 6.2 in | 8 ft 5 in |
| Stated internal volume | 1,172.4 cu ft | Not published: available on request |
| Calculated internal floor area | Approximately 149.6 sq ft | 148.9 sq ft (calculated) |
| Tare weight | 5,180.9 lb | 5,115 lb |
| Maximum payload | 62,016 lb | 62,085 lb |
| Maximum gross mass | 67,196.9 lb | Not published: available on request |
Standard: international fleet reference dimensions. High Cube: one manufacturer specification, checked on . Its exterior length is nominal and its imperial measurements are rounded. Confirm actual unit dimensions, capacity and availability before ordering.
Gross weight: The maximum gross mass published for the table example is 67,196.9 lb. Use the actual unit's current markings, CSC plate and inspection status for its container rating; a generic ISO-series figure is not permission to load to that mass. The load also has to satisfy floor and concentrated-load limits, handling equipment ratings and the carrier's road, axle and route restrictions. A container's gross rating is not the allowable gross weight of the truck and trailer.
- Tare weight
- The weight of the empty container. It matters for delivery and lifting.
- Maximum payload
- The unit's rated gross mass minus its actual tare. Cargo, pallets, packaging and securing materials all consume this allowance; operational limits may be lower.
- Maximum gross mass
- Container plus all contents. Confirm its rated limit on the actual unit's CSC plate and current documentation. Vehicle, axle, handling and route limits are separate.
Internal dimensions
19 ft 4.3 in × 7 ft 8.6 in × 7 ft 10.3 in
Length × width × height on the example model. Internal measurements vary by manufacturer.
Floor area and internal volume
≈ 149.6 sq ft · 1,172.4 cu ft
Calculated internal floor area and stated internal volume for the example model. Shelving, securing and walkways reduce the space available for your goods.
Door opening
≈ 7 ft 8.1 in × 7 ft 6.2 in
Width × height on the example model. Measure your load and confirm the clearance on the unit offered.
20ft standard, High Cube or 40ft?
Standard: approximately 1,172.4 cu ftTo consider if the volume and door height are sufficient for your equipment.
High Cube: extra heightCompare the published door opening and finished interior. Ask for the volume of the actual unit.
40ft: 40 ft longTo consider if the 20ft is too short or too small. Check the available space for delivery.
High Cube: the reference sheet does not state its internal volume. Confirm usable capacity, openings and load ratings for the unit offered.
How many North American pallets fit?
The illustrated calculation fits 10 nominal 48 × 40 in pallets on this reference floor in one layer. It uses 4 ft × 3 ft 4 in footprints with no overhang, aisle, handling or securing allowance. Rotated pallets need compatible fork entry and a workable loading sequence. Verify the actual loaded dimensions, door clearance, floor loads and carrier requirements; this is not a guaranteed capacity.
Adjust the allowances or compare Euro pallets in the pallet planner.
Model examples, floor-area calculation and usable volumeCheck which model each figure describes and allow for internal obstacles when loading or converting.ExpandCollapse
The standard interior, doors, volume and weights belong to one international carrier fleet example. The external dimensions use a separate equipment-provider reference, 19 ft 10.5 in × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in; no other measurements from that reference are mixed into the interior or mass figures. Actual specifications vary by manufacturer.
The standard internal floor area is 19 ft 4.3 in × 7 ft 8.6 in = 149.4 sq ft, rounded to 149.6 sq ft. This geometric area does not deduct aisles, racking or fittings.
The 20ft High Cube reference uses one manufacturer specification, checked on . Its published feet/inches and pounds are converted with exact unit factors; this does not make the rounded source measurements a survey of the unit offered. Floor area is calculated from the published interior. Internal volume and maximum gross mass are not stated on this sheet: obtain them for the actual unit, together with current plate and inspection information.
| Obstacle | What it is | What to bear in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Corner posts and corner castings | Corner posts and corner fittings can intrude into the loading space | The usable volume is not a cuboid: the corners are taken up |
| Lashing rings and lashing bars | Securing points and fittings vary by container construction | Check their location, condition and permitted loads before planning cargo securing |
| Door sill | The threshold profile and height depend on the unit | Measure the threshold and clear door opening; internal height alone does not establish loading access |
| Floor | Floor materials, thickness, crossmembers and permitted loads depend on the unit | The stated height is measured above the finished floor |
| Wall corrugation | Corrugated walls and local reinforcements affect the clear space | Ask for the minimum clear width and local obstructions at the height needed by your load |
These are features to inspect, not universal construction dimensions. ISO 1496-1 covers general cargo container specifications and testing; obtain the actual unit’s drawings and loading limits before a loading or conversion design.
20ft container prices and delivered project costs in the USA
The delivered total depends on the size, condition, depot, transport, unloading and any conversion work. Our US catalog lists container specifications and indicative prices where comparable references are available. Ask for conversion and site installation to be priced separately. Request an itemized quotation showing applicable sales tax and every required charge.
Which 20ft container should you buy?
Same nominal length, different height, access or condition: compare the specifications before requesting a US-dollar quotation. Availability and delivery are confirmed for your location.
Scroll to see all formats.
Scale
5 ft 8.9 in
length 9 ft 9 in height 8 ft 6 in
20ft standardthis page
length 19 ft 10.5 in height 8 ft 6 in
length 20 ft height 9 ft 6 in
length 40 ft height 8 ft 6 in
length 40 ft height 9 ft 6 in
20ft High Cube
Ext. height 9 ft 6 in
Same footprint, greater height. Useful if your equipment is taller than the standard door.
20ft Open Side
Side opening ≈ 18 ft 9 in · ≈ 1,084.2 cu ft
Load access via the long side. The clear opening height must be requested.
New / one-trip
Same dimensions as standard · condition to be checked
Usually marketed after one loaded journey from manufacture. Confirm the unit's history; handling marks may remain.
Used 20ft
Same dimensions · condition varies by unit
Watertightness, floor, doors and repairs: what to check before buying.
Converted 20ft
Insulation and openings reduce the usable space
Office, workshop or premises: the conversion work is priced separately from the container.
For rental
Refrigerated 20ft
Refrigeration unit · connection required
For perishable goods or sensitive products. Power, maintenance and return are to be detailed.
10ft
External length 9 ft 9 in · approx. 565 cu ft
About half the length of a 20ft container, for a limited space.
40ft
External length 40 ft · approx. 2,390.8 cu ft
Approximately twice the length. Check the space for delivering a large container.
All sizes and their uses: the shipping container guide.
New, one-trip or used: which should you choose?
Start from your intended use and the acceptable level of wear. The photos of the container on offer matter as much as its trade name.
To prioritize budget
A used container
To consider for storing equipment if signs of use are acceptable. Ask for details on watertightness, the condition of the floor, doors and repairs.
Ask for: recent photos of the unit offered.
To prioritize condition and appearance
A one-trip container
Marketed as new after its first journey from manufacture. It may show handling marks: ask to confirm the color, condition and included fittings.
Ask for: photos and the specification of the model sold.
Understanding used container descriptionsWind and watertight, cargo worthy, refurbished or sold as-is: the points to have the seller confirm.ExpandCollapse
- Wind and watertight
- Term used to describe wind and watertightness. Have the seller confirm what is checked and included in the sale.
- Cargo worthy
- Term used for a container fit for carrying cargo. For export, have the unit, its documents and its acceptance by your carrier validated.
- Refurbished
- Ask for the list of works: repainting only, floor repair, seals or structural work.
- Sold as-is
- Have the defects listed and the repairs costed before comparing its price with that of a unit that has been refurbished.
Have you found a private seller listing?
Ask for photos of the interior, floor, doors and markings, as well as the collection location. Check the seller’s identity and the condition of the unit. Add transport and unloading to your budget if they still need to be arranged.
Warning signs in a listingMissing photos, unreadable markings, CSC plate, price, inspection and transport: what to ask before paying.ExpandCollapse
| Warning sign | What to check | What to ask for |
|---|---|---|
| No photos of the inside or the roof | The roof, walls and floor still need to be checked | Dated photos of the inside with doors closed, and of the roof |
| No readable container number | Missing or repainted identification makes it harder to match the unit to its records; check the seller’s right to sell separately | The full code and matching records; the check digit detects transcription errors, not ownership |
| CSC plate or current examination details missing | CSC concerns international container transport. Static storage still needs separate checks for siting, handling, condition and intended use | Legible plate details and applicable examination records; confirm acceptance with the carrier |
| Price well below market value | Check the condition, seller and omitted charges; a low price alone does not establish fraud | Verify the seller, actual unit and written terms before paying; consider an independent inspection and payment protection |
| Refusal to allow a viewing | Prevents you from checking the container before paying | An on-site appointment before payment |
| Transport “at your expense” without specified access | Clarify who arranges transport, the collection and delivery access, and who receives each payment | The collection address and an itemized written delivery agreement, whether arranged by you or the seller |
For international transport, check CSC approval and current examination arrangements with the owner and carrier. US rights depend on state law, contract terms and whether the seller is a business or private person. Verify the actual seller and unit, title or authority to sell, delivery terms and payment method independently. A listing, container check digit or transport plate does not prove ownership, and a low price alone does not establish fraud.
What can you do with a 20ft container?
The items to be stored and how often you need access will help you choose the equipment that will genuinely be useful.
CASE 1
Keep your belongings safe under cover during building work
Furniture, boxes and garden tools can stay close to the house during a renovation or a move. Leave an access aisle, distribute loads appropriately and check floor loading for heavy items. Have the truck access and ground checked before ordering.
Equipment to consider
Pallets or duckboards on the floor, shelving, moisture absorbers and a suitable padlock.
CASE 2
Secure site equipment
Tools, consumables and small machines stay on site, locked up in the evening. Place the container out of the way of plant and where the truck can collect it again. Depending on the length of the site, compare buying and renting.
Equipment to consider
Sturdy shelving, wall hooks, reinforced locking and self-contained lighting.
CASE 3
Expand a shop’s stockroom
Seasonal stock, packaging, furniture or event equipment free up the back of the shop. Sort items by how often they are taken out and keep fast-moving items near the doors. Watch humidity if you store cardboard boxes or textiles.
Equipment to consider
Labelled shelving, a ramp for a sack truck or pallet truck, ventilation or dehumidification depending on the contents.
CASE 4
Start with a 20ft container for a conversion project
Workshop, office or technical room: insulation, openings and services should be decided before purchase, as they reduce usable space. Get the work quoted separately. Confirm municipal zoning and development requirements and the applicable state or local building, fire and electrical approvals before installation.
Equipment to consider
Insulation, door and window openings, electrical installation, ventilation and floor covering.
A workshop, office or premises? Plan a container conversion project.
20ft container delivery and installation
The ZIP code locates your project. The access conditions then allow the supplier to propose suitable transport and unloading.
Address and preferred date
Specify the town, the installation site and your flexibility on the date.
Site access
Report the gate width, bends, slopes and overhead obstructions.
Siting location
Give the distance between where the truck can park and the planned location. A few photos help to prepare for delivery.
Unloading
State whether you have suitable equipment on site or whether it should be arranged by the seller. Have the supports and ground preparation checked.
Preparing the site
The supports and ground must carry the loaded unit and allow the doors to operate. Ask the supplier and, where needed, a qualified local designer to assess soil bearing, drainage, frost movement, support positions and anchoring. Arrange snow clearing and check seasonal access restrictions where relevant. Check local container siting and permit rules before installation.
A nearby seller, or a closer depot? The company’s address is not necessarily the container’s location. Ask for its departure point to compare the delivered cost. View companies for a 20ft.
Zoning and building approval: check your project
External footprint of a 20ft: approximately 159 sq ft. This is a dimensional estimate, not a permission threshold.
Before delivery, check the site's zoning and intended use with the city, county or authority having jurisdiction. Describe the container's position, height, duration, foundations, utilities and access. Zoning, building, fire and floodplain approvals are separate checks. Floodplain development rules can cover storage or site work even where no building permit is needed. Use the adopted state or local code and ordinances; a small footprint, mobility or a shipping certificate does not establish an exemption.
- California: zoning and building
Ask the city or county whether the proposed storage or commercial use, location, duration and appearance are allowed. Confirm applicable Title 24 building and fire requirements, local amendments and any factory-built approval route for converted or occupied units. Residential use needs a separate assessment.
- Texas: zoning and building
Confirm municipal or county authority, deed restrictions, floodplain rules and the proposed use. Ask TDLR whether factory conversion falls within the IHB program. Certain nonpublic construction-site buildings and temporary commercial units have program exemptions; an IHB exemption does not settle local permits, installation or workplace requirements.
- Washington: zoning and building
Confirm zoning, setbacks, duration, fire access and site approvals locally. A factory-built occupied or converted unit can fall within L&I's modular-building or commercial-coach program; establish its classification and required approval or insignia before fabrication and shipment. A bare storage shell and a completed office do not necessarily follow the same route.
- Other states and Washington, DC: zoning and building
Identify the zoning, building, fire and floodplain authorities for the actual parcel, including any tribal or federal jurisdiction. Check the adopted code, local ordinances and any state modular-building program. Repurposed containers can be subject to container-specific structural provisions, but a model-code publication alone does not establish local law or a permit exemption.
Moisture and securityCondensation, moisture absorbers, ventilation, locking and alarms: what the technical references say, with their limitations.ExpandCollapse
| Measure | How it works | Its limitation |
|---|---|---|
| High and low level ventilation grilles | Ventilation can exchange moist internal air with outside air, depending on openings, wind and temperature differences | Outdoor air whose dew point exceeds the temperature of the cargo or container surfaces can cause condensation. Added vents do not guarantee dry storage in a hot, humid climate |
| Moisture absorbers | Desiccants absorb moisture up to a limited capacity; follow the manufacturer’s positioning and handling instructions | Ask the desiccant supplier to size the product for the goods, moisture load, storage period and ventilation, and specify inspection and replacement intervals |
| Insulation | A correctly designed insulation system can help control surface temperatures and condensation risk; insulation alone does not guarantee dry conditions | For occupied conversions, coordinate insulation, air leakage, vapor control and ventilation; have the designer assess condensation in the proposed assembly |
| Protection for moisture-sensitive goods | Suitable packaging or covers may reduce damage from droplets; specify protection for the goods and storage conditions | Covers do not remove moisture and can trap it. Avoid relying on loose paper or film as the sole condensation control |
These are planning considerations, not a guarantee of dry storage or a building specification. Assess moisture in the goods, temperature changes, ventilation and the actual use before selecting controls.
| Device | Protects against | Its limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Shackle protector | Masks the padlock shackle: bolt cutters, angle grinder, lever | Check what the product's test or certification covers; a lock rating does not establish the resistance of the whole container |
| Anti-break-in bar | Against levering: it clamps the locking rods of both doors | Ask how the locking bar, its fixings and the container doors have been assessed together; do not infer whole-container resistance from a lock rating |
| Alarm | Ask for the actual alarm model, intended environment, power supply and communication method | Ask the installer to confirm the environmental class, operating temperature and suitability for an unheated container and any exposed components |
Check the resistance of the whole assembly: doors, fittings, lock and protections. A commercial security designation does not establish a resistance level
Compare your 20ft container delivered and unloaded.
Size, condition and ZIP code: prepare a single request to compare the container, its transport and unloading. Free and without obligation.
How to compare 20ft container suppliers and quotes
Step 1
Specify your container
Container type, condition, purchase or rental and quantity.
Step 2
Submit one request
Your requirements and ZIP code, entered only once.
Step 3
Compare the delivered price
Container, transport and unloading, on the same basis.
Free and with no obligation. ContainerFox helps you compare suppliers and request quotes. Your request goes through our comparison service: the companies listed in the directory are not necessarily the recipients of your request. Professionals may pay for the introduction service (How the service works).
Prepare my request20ft shipping container suppliers in the USA
This selection reproduces the information published by the companies in the directory. Directory order, not a ranking; it does not guarantee stock or receipt of your request.
No listing yet describes all these criteria for this mode. You can consult the directory or specify your project in the form; the absence of a corresponding listing does not describe market stock.
Browse the directory with these criteriaFrequently asked questions about 20ft containers
What is the price of a new or used 20ft container?
Prices are available by quotation in US dollars. Specify the condition, dimensions, fittings and delivery ZIP code, then request an itemized total including applicable sales tax, delivery and unloading. This page does not publish a US market average or a fixed base-container price.
What are the internal and external dimensions of a 20ft container?
A 20ft container (also written 20-foot container) counts as 1 TEU, the unit “twenty-foot equivalent unit” (TEU in English): its length of 19 ft 10.5 in equals approximately 20 feet. Externally, the standard 20ft container measures 19 ft 10.5 in × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (length × width × height). Internally, the example model offers 19 ft 4.3 in × 7 ft 8.6 in × 7 ft 10.3 in, i.e. approximately 149.6 sq ft of internal floor area and 1,172.4 cu ft. Internal dimensions vary by manufacturer: ask for the specification sheet of the unit offered.
How much does an empty 20ft container weigh and what load can it carry?
The example model has a tare weight of 5,180.9 lb, a rated payload of 62,016 lb and a maximum gross mass of 67,196.9 lb. Confirm the actual unit's markings, CSC plate, inspection status and floor limits. Cargo, pallets and securing all count towards the load; the carrier's vehicle, axle, lifting and route limits can require a lower mass.
What are the door opening dimensions of a 20ft container?
On the example model, the door opening measures 7 ft 8.1 in wide and 7 ft 6.2 in high, i.e. 4.1 in less than the internal height. The High Cube given as an example states a door height of 8 ft 5 in. Measure your load, including packaging and support, and have the opening confirmed on the unit offered.
How many 48 × 40 inch pallets fit in a 20ft container?
The illustrated calculation fits 10 nominal North American pallets of 48 × 40 in on the reference floor in one layer. It is a candidate layout, not a proven maximum or an approved loading plan. Actual pallet dimensions, overhang, securing, handling clearance and cargo mass may reduce the count. Check rotated-pallet fork entry, the loading sequence, door clearance and floor loads with the supplier and carrier.
Are transport and unloading included?
The scope is confirmed in your quotation. Ask for the container, delivery, unloading and placement, any site work and applicable sales taxes to be itemized. Do not assume that transport or crane work is included in a container-only amount.
What should a 20ft container be placed on?
Use supports and ground suitable for the loaded unit, with clear space at the doors. Have the supplier and, where needed, a qualified local designer assess soil bearing, drainage, frost movement, support positions and any anchoring. Allow truck access and check the permits for your proposed use.
What is the delivery lead time for a 20ft container?
It depends on the depot where the unit is located, available stock, the carrier and access to your site. No lead time is given here: ask in each quote for a delivery date, and what it assumes (confirmed availability, time slot, validated access).
Can you choose the color of a 20ft container?
Depending on condition and stock, the seller offers an existing shade or a repaint. If color matters, provide the RAL reference and ask for written confirmation, along with the possible cost of painting. The one-trip container guide details the points to check on appearance.
How much does it cost to rent a 20ft container?
Ask for a monthly rental rate, with delivery, unloading, collection and return conditions. Compare the total cost over the planned period.
Do you need zoning or building approval for a 20ft container on your property?
Before delivery, check the site's zoning and intended use with the city, county or authority having jurisdiction. Describe the container's position, height, duration, foundations, utilities and access. Zoning, building, fire and floodplain approvals are separate checks. Floodplain development rules can cover storage or site work even where no building permit is needed. Use the adopted state or local code and ordinances; a small footprint, mobility or a shipping certificate does not establish an exemption.
Practical guides for your 20ft container project
- Transport and unloadingPrepare access and compare costs up to the delivery location.
- Rental or buy?Compare rental and purchase over the same period, including rental charges and return transport.
- Request a rental quote for a 20ft containerThe 20ft size is preselected; enter the rental period and ZIP code.
- Buy usedPrepare your questions about doors, flooring, watertightness and overall condition.
Updated on · Dimensions and weights describe the cited reference models, not a reserved unit. US prices, stock, applicable taxes, delivery and unloading are confirmed by quotation for your ZIP code.
Prepare your 20ft container quote request
Check these details before comparing equipment, delivery and services.