Buy shipping container

The right size depends on what needs to go inside, how many cubic metres you require, the space available on site and how the container will be unloaded. A standard 10ft provides approximately 15.5 m³, a 20ft approximately 33.2 m³ and a 40ft approximately 67 m³. Exact internal dimensions and capacity can vary by manufacturer and model.

A 10ft model fits well on smaller sites, but is logistically less standard than 20ft. A 20ft container often offers the best balance between capacity, availability and placement. A 40ft container is mainly chosen for storage volume, provided there is enough room to deliver, unload and manoeuvre.

Always check exact external dimensions, internal dimensions and capacity on the product page. Hesitating between two large sizes? Use the 20ft vs 40ft container comparison. If you need less storage space than a 10ft provides, compare our compact storage containers from 4ft to 8ft.

A standard dry van is approximately 2.59 metres high externally. A high cube is approximately 2.90 metres high: around 30 centimetres taller, with the same usual length and width. A 20ft high cube provides approximately 37.4 m³ compared with 33.2 m³ for standard; a 40ft provides approximately 76 m³ compared with 67 m³.

Choose high cube when you will genuinely use the extra internal height for taller goods, machinery, racking, stacking or conversion into a technical room. A high cube is always more expensive than the comparable standard model and requires extra attention to gates, trees, cables and other height restrictions along the access route. Also read high cube vs standard and check the exact product specifications.

A new container looks more presentable, is clean and generally has a smooth, tidy floor, better ventilation and ample CSC validity. With normal use and proper maintenance, a service life of approximately twenty years or more is achievable. This suits visible locations, long-term storage, transport and conversion projects where you want to start with the best possible base.

A used container is often more affordable and still wind and watertight, but usually has less ventilation, an older floor and visible signs of use. Depending on the quality selected, you can expect repairs, dents and rust spots. Compare A and B quality by appearance, floor, doors and structure, and check separately whether CSC is required for transport.

Do not only prepare the final position; check the complete access route from the public road. Measure the width and clear height of gates and passages, assess sharp bends and narrow roads, and look for fences, walls, trees, cables, roof edges and parked vehicles. The chosen container size makes little difference if the truck cannot safely reach the unloading point or manoeuvre there.

Provide a level, load-bearing surface, enough unloading and crane space, and clear space to open the doors. Use the checklist to prepare the site for a shipping container and read how a shipping container is delivered. Before purchasing, also check whether local rules allow you to place a shipping container on your property. Then view the transport rates or request a quote if you want to combine price and delivery directly.