CONTAINER GUIDE
Which shipping container do you need?
Compare sizes, dimensions and condition grades, and learn what to check before you buy. Not sure after reading? We are happy to help you choose.
SIZES AT A GLANCE
Shipping container dimensions
Every standard container is 8ft wide. What changes is the length and, for high cube units, an extra foot of height.
| Size | Outside (L × W × H) | Inside (L × W × H) | Door opening (W × H) | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft | 10' × 8' × 8'6" | ≈ 9'2" × 7'8" × 7'10" | ≈ 7'8" × 7'5" | ≈ 560 cu ft |
| 20ft | 20' × 8' × 8'6" | ≈ 19'4" × 7'8" × 7'10" | ≈ 7'8" × 7'5" | ≈ 1,170 cu ft |
| 40ft | 40' × 8' × 8'6" | ≈ 39'5" × 7'8" × 7'10" | ≈ 7'8" × 7'5" | ≈ 2,390 cu ft |
| 40ft High Cube | 40' × 8' × 9'6" | ≈ 39'5" × 7'8" × 8'10" | ≈ 7'8" × 8'5" | ≈ 2,700 cu ft |
| 45ft High Cube | 45' × 8' × 9'6" | ≈ 44'5" × 7'8" × 8'10" | ≈ 7'8" × 8'5" | ≈ 3,040 cu ft |
Measurements are typical and vary slightly by manufacturer. Refrigerated containers are smaller inside because of their insulation; ask us for exact figures on a specific unit.
SIZE BY SIZE
What each size is best for
10ft Containers
≈ 560 cu ft · 10' × 8' × 8'6"
Best for: Small sites, garden and tool storage, tight access.
Fits where bigger units cannot, and is the easiest size to place in backyards and narrow lots.
20ft Containers
≈ 1,170 cu ft · 20' × 8' × 8'6"
Best for: Home, farm and business storage; site offices.
Our most popular size. Compact enough for most driveways, roomy enough for furniture, equipment or seasonal stock.
40ft Containers
≈ 2,390 cu ft · 40' × 8' × 8'6"
Best for: Bulk storage, equipment and vehicles, shipping.
Twice the floor space of a 20ft. A great choice when you have room for the longer footprint.
40ft High Cube
≈ 2,700 cu ft · 40' × 8' × 9'6"
Best for: Tall equipment, racking, workshops and conversions.
An extra foot of interior height, which makes it the favourite for builds and anything stacked high.
45ft Containers
≈ 3,040 cu ft · 45' × 8' × 9'6"
Best for: Maximum bulk storage in a single unit.
The longest common size, with high cube height. Needs plenty of room for delivery and placement.
Refrigerated Containers
Available in 20ft and 40ft high cube
Best for: Food, produce, farm and commercial cold storage.
Insulated walls and a built-in refrigeration unit. Needs a suitable electrical supply on site to run.
CONDITION GRADES
New, used and everything in between
Condition affects price far more than size. Here is what each grade means, so you can match the container to the job.
BEST CONDITION
New (one-trip)
Built recently and shipped once, usually loaded with cargo from the factory overseas.
What to expect
- Clean, solid floors and straight panels
- Minimal dents or scratches
- Doors and seals in excellent condition
Best for: Conversions, homes and offices, retail, and anywhere looks matter.
SEA-READY
Cargo-worthy
A used container that is structurally sound and fit to carry cargo overseas.
What to expect
- Normal dents, scuffs and surface rust
- Sound frame, floor and roof
- Doors that open, close and seal properly
Best for: International shipping, plus storage where you want a strong, proven unit.
BEST VALUE
Wind and watertight
A used container that keeps out wind and rain, but is no longer rated for ocean shipping.
What to expect
- Visible wear, dents and patches of rust
- No holes, with working door seals
- Floors may show stains or wear
Best for: Most storage on farms, job sites and at home, at a lower price.
LOWEST PRICE
As-is
Sold exactly as seen, with wear or damage that may need repair.
What to expect
- Possible holes, rust-through or door issues
- Priced to reflect its condition
- Best inspected or reviewed in photos first
Best for: Buyers who plan to repair, cut, modify or repurpose the steel.
SPECIALTY CONTAINERS
Need something different?
Beyond standard units, we sell high cube and refrigerated containers and can source other types on request.
IN OUR RANGE
High cube
One foot taller than a standard container, at 9'6" outside. Ideal for tall equipment, racking and conversions.
IN OUR RANGE
Refrigerated (reefer)
Insulated, with a built-in refrigeration unit for chilled or frozen goods. Requires a suitable power supply.
ON REQUEST
Open-top
A removable tarp roof so tall or bulky items can be loaded from above by crane.
ON REQUEST
Double-door
Doors at both ends for easy access and drive-through loading.
ON REQUEST
Side-opening
Full-length side doors that open the whole wall, popular for workshops and retail.
ON REQUEST
Flat rack
Collapsible end walls and no roof or sides, for machinery, vehicles and oversized loads.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Four questions to ask before you buy
How much space do you need?
Measure what you are storing and add room to move around inside. When in doubt, size up: one larger container is often better value than two small ones.
Where will it go?
Check the footprint and the access route. Delivery trucks need straight, clear approach space roughly twice the container length, plus overhead clearance.
What condition suits the job?
Storage rarely needs a new unit. Wind and watertight is the usual sweet spot; choose new for conversions and cargo-worthy for shipping.
Will you need extras?
Think about lockboxes, vents, shelving or doors at both ends. Tell us when you order or request a quote.
Still not sure which container fits?
Tell us what you are storing, where it is going and your budget. We will recommend the right size and condition and send you a delivered price.