A compact space
20ft standard
≈ 6 m · 33 m³
Approximately 14 m² inside. Consider this if your goods and storage fit within this area.
20ft shipping container: price and dimensionsSizes · Types · Uses
Shipping containers: choose the size, type and condition
Choose a shipping container around the goods you need to store, the space available and your site access. Compare standard and high-cube sizes, opening types and used conditions before preparing a delivery quotation.
Ready to choose a model? Browse shipping containers for sale in our shop, with prices including and excluding VAT.
ContainerBook provides its own shop offers and a separate directory of external suppliers. Directory entries and external price examples do not imply a partnership with those businesses. View the 59 companies in the directory that mention container sales.
- 20ft standard
- ≈ 33 m³
- 40ft standard
- ≈ 68 m³
- 40ft High Cube
- ≈ 76 m³
What budget should you plan for buying a shipping container?
The price depends on the size, stated condition, departure depot and delivery to your address.
Dated supplier examples, VAT and delivered-quote checks: price of a shipping container. Each external example identifies its source, date and VAT basis. Check the stated delivery terms. These dated examples are separate from the shop's prices and are not current quotes or a market average.
Get a quote for your chosen container, including delivery and offloading at your address
Request a quote for my container with deliveryThe containerSize, condition, quantity and included equipment.
TransportDeparture depot, delivery address and site access.
OffloadingLifting method and placement at the intended location.
Compare the delivered and offloaded total incl VAT, with services itemised. Two listings at the same price can lead to different budgets for your site.
Shipping container for sale: which sellers, and how to compare them?
The ContainerBook directory lists 59 companies that mention selling containers, browsable by size, condition and area. A single free, no-obligation ContainerBook request then lets you request a quote for the container, its delivery and its offloading at your address.
Their listings may show a Companies House number (or an overseas identifier) and locations; these businesses do not automatically receive your request. Supplier directory listings and external price examples are separate from ContainerBook's own shop offers. Before paying a supplier, verify the business, the depot and the unit offered.
Where to buy a shipping container: seller types and checks before you pay
Browse companies that mention container salesWhat size and opening should you choose?
Start with the space required and site access. The volumes below are rounded guides; the dimensions of the proposed model should be confirmed.
A shipping container is a reusable transport unit, also used on land for storage. To buy one, check the size, condition and suitability for your use.
A large continuous space
40ft standard
≈ 12 m · 68 m³
Approximately 28 m² inside. Useful for a large volume or long items, with delivery to be planned according to the site.
View the 40ft containerExtra height
High Cube
≈ 30 cm more
Same external length and width as the corresponding standard. Approximately 37 m³ for the 20ft HC and 76 m³ for the 40ft HC.
Smaller footprint
Approximately 3 m long: the 10ft is considered when a 20ft takes up too much space, with delivery access to be checked.
Dimensions and choice of the 10ftMore usable height
The High Cube adds height. Compare door clearance and remaining space after fitting out.
Choose a High Cube containerLoad from the side
The Open Side makes access along the length easier. Check the usable opening and clearance around the doors.
Compare side openingsAlso check what fits through the doors.
Measure your items, their packaging and your handling method. Door height is lower than the internal height on the models shown. Also allow for aisles, dunnage and racking; the stated volume is not fully available for goods.
Buy new or used?
The right choice depends on the acceptable level of wear, your needs and the delivered budget. Ask for recent photos of the unit offered.
Used: inspect the actual condition
Marked paint, dents and repairs may be present. Ask for details of watertightness, floor, doors and known defects before comparing its price.
Checks before buying usedOne-trip: specify the model
Often marketed as new after its first journey from manufacture. Ask for confirmation of the colour, any handling marks, door operation and included equipment.
State what you will use it for.
Storing equipmentDescribe the goods, their sensitivity to moisture or temperature, weight and access frequency.
Preparing an exportHave the container, its documents and acceptance by your carrier validated before purchase.
Fitting out a spaceDescribe the openings and equipment you have in mind; have the structure and any necessary works assessed.
Plan delivery before choosing the seller
Your postcode locates your request. Access and positioning then allow the appropriate transport and offloading method to be costed.
Address and date
State the place of installation, your preferred date and your flexibility on timing.
Site access
Report gate width, bends, gradients and overhead obstructions. Send photos to the supplier when the project is assessed.
Offloading
Specify where the lorry can park and the distance to the final position. Ask the supplier to confirm the lifting method, supports and ground preparation.
The actual collection point
Ask which depot the container is at. The company's head office is not necessarily the collection point.
For an installation on your land, provide your local planning authority with the proposed location, use, dimensions and duration to check the appropriate process.
Compare your container delivered and offloaded.
Size, condition and postcode: prepare a single request to compare the container, its transport and offloading. Free and without obligation.
To explore suppliers: Browse the companies in the directory.
Dimensions, standards and markings: the useful details
This information helps to check a model and its documents. It complements the choice of size and the condition inspection.
Compare common size specificationsExternal dimensions, volume, floor area and payload of the models shown.ExpandCollapse
Scroll the table horizontally to compare sizes.
| Specification | 20ft DRY | 40ft DRY | 40ft HC |
|---|---|---|---|
| External length | 6.058 m | 12.192 m | 12.192 m |
| External width | 2.438 m | 2.438 m | 2.438 m |
| External height | 2.591 m | 2.591 m | 2.896 m |
| Stated internal volume | 33.2 m³ | 67.7 m³ | 76.3 m³ |
| Calculated internal floor area | Approximately 13.9 m² | Approximately 28.3 m² | Approximately 28.3 m² |
| Maximum payload | 28,130 kg | 28,750 kg | 28,600 kg |
External dimensions, volumes and payloads: values for the example models. Areas are calculated from internal dimensions. Manufacturer, model and modifications affect specifications; ask for the specification sheet of the container offered.
What are the container number and its CSC plate for?Identification and tracking references to ask for in the seller's photos and documents.ExpandCollapse
The container identification number
It combines an owner or operator code, an equipment category, a serial number and a check digit. This helps to spot data entry or transmission errors; it does not on its own prove the seller's authenticity or the condition of the unit.
The CSC plate and inspection records
The plate contains approval and identification information. For a transport project, have the documents, inspection records and unit condition checked by your carrier. The presence of a plate does not replace this check.
Your questions before buying a shipping container
Can you view a shipping container before buying it?
Ask the seller: the address of the depot where the offered unit is located, and recent photos of its four sides, floor, doors and its number. Beware of a seller who refuses any visit and any photo. A company's head office is not necessarily its departure depot.
Which size to choose between 20ft and 40ft?
The standard 20ft offers around 14 m² of internal floor area and 33 m³ of volume; the 40ft, around 28 m² and 68 m³. Compare the space required, the dimensions of your goods, door clearance and delivery constraints. Exact values depend on the model.
What is a High Cube container used for?
A High Cube provides around 30 cm of extra height compared with the standard of the same length. It can suit a tall load or a need for extra volume. Have the door opening, lorry access and configuration of the proposed model checked.
Is a used container suitable for storage?
It can be suitable if its condition matches your needs. Ask the seller to confirm watertightness, floor, doors and repairs, with recent photos. Also describe the goods to be stored and their constraints, especially if humidity or temperature could affect them.
Can you hire a container instead of buying one?
Hire can be considered for a temporary need. Compare hire charges over the expected duration, delivery, offloading, collection and return conditions. The hire page helps you prepare an appropriate request.
Price of a shipping container
Dated supplier price examples, VAT and delivered-quote checks.
ReadPrice comparison guide
How to compare quotations, delivery charges and the enquiry process.
ReadTransport and delivery
Compare delivery, offloading and installation conditions at your address.
Read20ft container
Price, dimensions and choice of a format of about 6 metres.
Read40ft container
Standard or High Cube: price, capacity and preparing for delivery.
ReadBuy used
Condition points, photos and documents to request from the seller.
ReadConsider hire
Prepare your temporary need and compare the cost with delivery and collection.
ReadA conversion project? View conversion options.
Updated on . Prices and dates are shown on the Shipping container prices page. External supplier examples are separate from ContainerBook's shop offers.
Prepare a more useful quote request
Check these details before comparing equipment, delivery and services.