Choosing between a 20ft and a 40ft shipping container is the first decision most buyers make, and it affects price, delivery access and how useful the unit will be on your site. This guide compares the two most popular shipping container sizes side by side, explains when a high cube is worth it, and covers what to check before delivery.
Quick answer
- Choose a 20ft container if space on your property is limited, you need storage for a home, farm or small business, or delivery access is tight.
- Choose a 40ft container if you need roughly twice the floor space, are storing long items or equipment, or want the lowest cost per cubic foot.
- Choose a high cube (in either length) if you plan to add shelving, store tall items or convert the container into a workshop or office.
20ft vs 40ft shipping container dimensions
Both sizes share the same 8ft width. The difference is length and, for high cube models, an extra foot of height. Figures below are typical for standard dry containers; exact dimensions vary slightly by manufacturer.
| 20ft standard | 40ft standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior (L × W × H) | Approx. 20′ × 8′ × 8′6″ | Approx. 40′ × 8′ × 8′6″ |
| Interior (L × W × H) | Approx. 19′4″ × 7′9″ × 7′10″ | Approx. 39′6″ × 7′9″ × 7′10″ |
| Floor area (interior) | About 150 sq ft | About 306 sq ft |
| Capacity | Approx. 1,170 cu ft | Approx. 2,390 cu ft |
| Empty (tare) weight | About 4,630 to 5,070 lb | About 7,940 to 8,600 lb |
A 40ft container gives you about twice the storage of a 20ft unit, but it is not twice the price. That is why larger projects often get better value from the longer size.
Standard vs high cube: is the extra foot worth it?
A high cube container is 9′6″ tall on the outside instead of 8′6″, which raises the interior height to about 8′10″. That extra foot adds about 12 percent more volume.
| Standard height | High cube | |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior height | 8′6″ | 9′6″ |
| Interior height | About 7′10″ | About 8′10″ |
| 20ft capacity | Approx. 1,170 cu ft | Approx. 1,310 cu ft |
| 40ft capacity | Approx. 2,390 cu ft | Approx. 2,690 cu ft |
A high cube makes sense for tall equipment, stacked pallets, racking, or any build where people will work inside. If you only need basic ground storage, a standard height container is usually enough. Browse our high cube containers.
When a 20ft container is the better choice
- Residential, garden and farm storage where space is limited
- Tool and material storage on small job sites
- Retail stock rooms and overflow storage
- Sites with narrow driveways, gates or tight turns
- Workshop or office conversions that do not need much floor space
The 20ft size is the most versatile option for most customers. See our 20ft shipping containers.
When a 40ft container is the better choice
- Commercial and industrial storage
- Construction sites that need to keep large amounts of material secure
- Storing vehicles, machinery or long items
- Warehousing and inventory overflow
- Projects where cost per cubic foot matters more than footprint
If you have the room and the delivery access, a 40ft unit usually gives the most storage for the money. See our 40ft shipping containers, or our 45ft high cube containers for even more length.
New vs used: which condition do you need?
Both sizes are available new or used. Here is how the main condition grades compare:
- New (one-trip): built new and typically shipped once with cargo before sale. Minimal wear, uniform paint and clean flooring. Best for site offices, retail and visible installations.
- Cargo Worthy (CW): a used container that is structurally sound for shipping cargo.
- Wind & Watertight (WWT): a used container sealed against wind and water for ground storage. Expect dents, surface rust and patched panels. It is not rated for shipping cargo.
Used containers cost less and work well for storage. Read more in our guides to new vs used shipping containers and Wind & Watertight vs Cargo Worthy, or our Product Condition and Warranty Policy, or shop new and used containers.
Price: what to budget
At the time of writing, prices on our store start at:
| Container | Starting price |
|---|---|
| 20ft used (Wind & Watertight) | $1,650 |
| 40ft used (Wind & Watertight) | $2,050 |
| 20ft new high cube | $3,400 |
| 40ft new standard | $4,750 |
Prices exclude delivery and sales tax and can change with availability. Standard delivery is $350 per order to eligible addresses in our 28-state service area. Check current prices in the shop.
Delivery and site preparation
Shipping containers are usually delivered on a tilt-bed truck that slides the container off at your site, so access matters as much as size. A 40ft delivery needs noticeably more straight, open space for the truck to pull forward than a 20ft delivery. Before you order, check that:
- The drop spot is firm, level and well drained (gravel, concrete or solid blocks work better than soft grass)
- The approach is wide enough for the truck, with no tight turns, low branches or overhead wires
- There is enough clear length in front of the drop spot for the truck to pull away as the container slides off
- Any local permits or HOA rules for placing a container have been checked
We confirm delivery availability and site requirements with your quote. Read our Shipping and Delivery Policy for full details.
Still not sure which size to choose?
Tell us what you plan to store, your delivery ZIP code and any access limits, and we will help you pick the right container before you pay anything.
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