20 ft shipping containers serve as the foundation of global commerce. Sea transport accounts for over 80% of worldwide trade by volume. A 20 ft shipping container’s purchase deserves careful thought, whether you need it for business logistics, storage solutions, or creative projects.
These steel boxes follow standard measurements. The external dimensions reach 20 feet (6.1 m) in length, 8 feet (2.44 m) in width, and 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 m) in height. A standard 20ft container weighs about 2,300 kg (5,070 lbs) empty and can carry an impressive payload of 21,700 kg (47,840 lbs). New containers cost between $1,500 and $3,500, while used ones range from $1,300 to $2,600.
This piece covers essential information you need before investing in a 20ft shipping container. We explore exact dimensions, weight capacities, costs and inspection guidelines. Ready to make a purchase? Visit ftshippingcontainers.com to buy 20 ft shipping containers with free worldwide shipping and secure payment options.
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The 20 ft shipping container dimensions follow strict international standards that keep shipping operations consistent worldwide. These measurements are vital for anyone who plans to buy, transport, or use these versatile metal boxes.
A standard 20 ft shipping container measures exactly 20 feet (6.06 meters) long, 8 feet (2.44 meters) wide, and 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters) high externally. These exact measurements serve a purpose – ISO 668 standardizes them so containers stack easily on ships, trains, and trucks worldwide.
External dimensions play a big role in:
The containers take up about 160 square feet of exterior space. This measurement helps you plan the right spot for your container. ftshippingcontainers.com ships these containers free worldwide with secure payment options.
Standard 20ft containers have slightly smaller interior dimensions because of their wall thickness:
These dimensions give you about 33.2 cubic meters (1,172 cubic feet) of volume and 150 square feet (14.86 m²) of floor space. The actual usable storage space comes to around 28 cubic meters (988.8 cubic feet).
A 20ft container fits:
This size works great for smaller shipments or storage needs when a 40ft container would be too much.
Door openings are a bit smaller than interior measurements, which affects loading and unloading:
You need proper clearance around the container for delivery. A minimum 14-foot height and width works best. The container reaches about 20 feet at its highest point when the driver slides it off the trailer.
High cube containers keep the same door width but give you more height inside – about 8 feet 9 inches (2.69 meters). This extra foot of vertical space makes them perfect for taller cargo or custom modifications.
The weight specifications of 20 ft shipping containers play a vital role in transportation planning, site preparation, and shipping regulation compliance. These specs affect how you’ll use your container and what you can legally transport.
A standard 20ft shipping container’s empty weight ranges from 1.8 to 2.2 metric tons (about 3,970 to 4,850 lbs). The exact tare weight (empty weight) usually sits at 2,300 kg (5,071 lbs). Manufacturing date and construction materials can cause slight variations, as newer containers feature more efficient designs.
Different types of 20ft containers come with varying weights:
| Container Type | Tare Weight | Maximum Gross Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 20ft | 2,300 kg (5,071 lbs) [103] | 24,000 kg (52,913 lbs) |
| High Cube 20ft | 2,313 kg (5,100 lbs) | 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs) |
| Reefer 20ft | 3,080 kg (6,791 lbs) | 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs) [103] |
The container’s specific tare weight appears on its door. This detail matters a lot when you calculate shipping costs and plan transportation.
The tare weight refers to the empty container’s weight. The payload capacity shows how much cargo the container can safely hold. You get this number by subtracting the tare weight from the maximum gross weight.
A standard 20ft container with a tare weight of 2,300 kg typically offers payload capacity between:
Maersk and some carriers list higher payload limits of about 28.2 tons. These limits may change based on shipping routes and regulations.
A single 20ft container can hold about 11 Euro pallets. The container’s space-to-weight ratio works best for dense, heavy cargo that doesn’t need much volume.
Gross weight means the total weight of the container plus everything inside – cargo, packing materials, and securing equipment. Shipping authorities monitor and enforce this number closely.
Standard 20ft containers have a maximum gross weight limit of 24,000 kg (52,913 lbs). This limit exists to ensure:
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) requires a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) before loading containers onto ships since 2016. This rule helps prevent accidents from overweight or wrongly declared containers.
You can find 20 ft shipping containers at ftshippingcontainers.com. They offer free worldwide shipping and secure payment options. Their stock includes standard, high cube, and specialized containers for different payload needs.
Looking at options for 20 ft shipping containers, you’ll find two main types: standard and high cube models. These containers share the same length and width but their height differs by a lot. This difference can really affect your storage or shipping needs.
Standard and high cube 20 ft shipping containers have different vertical measurements:
High cube containers give you an extra foot of height, which means 12% more space inside. You get about 37.1 cubic meters (1,310 cubic feet) of space in a high cube compared to 33.2 cubic meters (1,172 cubic feet) in a standard container.
This extra height changes how you can use the container:
High cube 20 ft shipping containers cost 10-15% more than standard ones. You might want to pick a high cube container if you need:
Standard 20 ft containers work better for regular shipping or storage with normal-height cargo. They’re easier to find, usually arrive faster, and often cost less.
You can buy 20 ft shipping containers at ftshippingcontainers.com with free worldwide shipping and secure payment options.
Most shipping experts suggest using standard containers unless you really need that extra foot of height. This approach usually gives you the best value for your money.
The cost of 20 ft shipping containers can change a lot based on several important factors. Buyers need to understand these price differences to make smart choices that fit their needs and budget.
New or “one-trip” 20 ft shipping containers cost between USD 3000.00 and USD 6000.00. Used containers are easier on the wallet, with prices from USD 1300.00 to USD 3000.00. The best quality used options are “one-trip” containers that have made just one trip. These sell between USD 2500.00 and USD 4000.00.
You’ll find different grades of used containers:
Most used containers have spent 15-20 years at sea. You’ll see signs of their time on the ocean through dents, patches, and surface rust.
These things change container prices:
Here’s where to look for local containers:
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You can find 20 ft used containers for less than USD 1000.00, but it’s not common. Cities like Chicago, Houston, and Vancouver sometimes sell cargo-worthy 20 ft containers for about USD 950.00. Online container markets help you search by price and location.
A really good inspection of a shipping container before purchase can save you from getting into pricey mistakes. Look closely at corners, seams, and surfaces of 20 ft shipping containers to spot warping, rust, and cracks that point to structural problems. The container’s watertight seal needs testing – step inside, close the door, and watch for any light coming through.
The container’s exterior needs a careful check for rust and dents. Used containers will show wear, but watch out for cancerous rust that shows up as wart-like lumps under the paint. The doors should open and close smoothly, and the roof must be free from damage or corrosion that could weaken the structure.
Container grades tell you about quality and condition:
Containers need CSC certification with a CSC plate for international shipping. The plate shows everything about identification numbers, stacking ability, weight standards, and manufacture dates. ISO certification proves the container meets intermodal freight transportation requirements.
Good suppliers should offer:
The exact unit’s photos should be available to check its condition yourself.
You’ll find 20 ft shipping containers at ftshippingcontainers.com with worldwide free shipping and secure payments. The best suppliers give you several payment choices including credit cards with fraud protection, ACH transfers, or third-party financing.
Shipping containers give businesses and individuals amazing flexibility in their operations. We’ve covered everything about 20 ft containers in this piece – from exact dimensions and weight limits to price ranges and what to check during inspection. This knowledge will help you make smart buying decisions and avoid getting stuck with expensive mistakes.
Standard containers work great for most uses, and high cube versions give you that extra foot of height when you need more vertical space. New containers cost quite a bit more than used ones, but quality levels can be very different. A proper inspection becomes vital whether you’re buying in person or online.
Your specific requirements should drive your final choice. A cargo-worthy used container works well for simple storage needs. However, sensitive equipment or conversion projects might need newer models that have fewer surface issues and last longer.
Shipping containers stand out from other big purchases because they’re incredibly tough and easy to move when you take good care of them. The specs we’ve covered here will help you pick a container that meets your needs for years ahead.
Want to get your container now? Check out ftshippingcontainers.com. They offer free worldwide shipping, secure payments, and their inventory has containers of all grades and types to fit any project or budget.
Q1. What are the key dimensions of a 20 ft shipping container? A standard 20 ft shipping container measures 20 feet (6.06 meters) in length, 8 feet (2.44 meters) in width, and 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters) in height externally. The internal dimensions are slightly smaller, with a length of 19 feet 4 inches, width of 7 feet 8 inches, and height of 7 feet 10 inches.
Q2. How much does a 20 ft shipping container typically cost? The cost of a 20 ft shipping container varies depending on whether it’s new or used. New containers generally range from $3,000 to $6,000, while used containers can be found for $1,300 to $3,000. Prices may fluctuate based on factors such as location, condition, and market demand.
Q3. What’s the weight capacity of a 20 ft shipping container? A standard 20 ft shipping container has a tare weight (empty weight) of about 2,300 kg (5,071 lbs) and a maximum gross weight of around 24,000 kg (52,913 lbs). This allows for a payload capacity of approximately 21,700 kg (47,840 lbs), making it suitable for transporting heavy cargo.
Q4. What’s the difference between a standard and high cube 20 ft container? The main difference is height. A standard 20 ft container has an external height of 8 feet 6 inches, while a high cube version is 9 feet 6 inches tall. This extra foot of height in high cube containers provides about 12% more internal volume, making them ideal for taller cargo or conversion projects requiring more headroom.
Q5. What should I check before buying a used shipping container? When inspecting a used container, look for structural integrity, checking corners, seams, and surfaces for warping, rust, and cracks. Ensure doors open and close properly, and the container is watertight. Check for a valid CSC plate if you plan to use it for shipping. Consider the container’s grade (e.g., Cargo Worthy, Wind and Watertight) and request photos of the exact unit you’re purchasing if buying online.