20ft Shipping Containers

20ft shipping containers are the most widely used size in Australia, and for most buyers they are the right starting point. A 20ft container gives roughly 33 cubic metres of lockable, weatherproof space, fits on a standard truck, and will go into far more sites than a 40ft unit. BWContainers supplies new one-trip and used 20ft containers, delivered Australia-wide.

20ft container dimensions. A standard 20ft container measures 6.06 m long by 2.44 m wide by 2.59 m high externally, with an internal space of about 5.90 m by 2.35 m by 2.39 m — roughly 33 cubic metres. The door opening is about 2.34 m wide by 2.28 m high. A 20ft high cube shares the same footprint but stands 2.90 m tall externally, giving about 2.70 m of internal height and roughly 37 cubic metres. Empty weight is about 2.2 tonnes, and maximum gross weight is 30,480 kg. Figures are nominal and vary slightly by manufacturer. Every size is compared in our shipping container dimensions guide.

Why the 20ft is the default choice. Three reasons. It holds enough for most jobs — roughly the contents of a two to three bedroom house, or about 10 to 11 standard Australian pallets floor-stacked. It fits where larger units cannot, needing far less approach and turning room than a 40ft. And it carries more weight than you might expect: because maximum gross weight is the same 30,480 kg for both sizes while a 20ft is lighter when empty, a 20ft actually takes more payload than a 40ft container. For dense loads such as tiles, stone, machinery or documents, two 20ft units beat one 40ft.

Condition grades. Condition is the largest single influence on price. New or one-trip containers have made a single loaded voyage, with intact paint and minimal wear — the usual choice where the container will be visible or converted. Cargo-worthy units are certified fit for further shipping, and are the grade to buy if the container will travel again. Wind and watertight units are structurally sound and keep weather out, with cosmetic marks and surface rust expected; this is the value option for static storage and where most buyers land. As-is units carry a known fault and are priced accordingly. Our new versus used comparison works through the trade-off.

20ft container types. Beyond the standard dry box, 20ft units come as high cubes for extra internal height; refrigerated containers for chilled and frozen storage; open tops for crane loading from above; side opening units giving full-length access where forklift access to the end doors is impossible; and modified containers converted into offices, workshops, change rooms and switch rooms. The 20ft shell is the most common base for conversions because it is easy to transport and relocate as a site changes.

Storage, site and business use. Most 20ft containers sold in Australia are used for secure storage: households mid-renovation or mid-move, businesses holding overflow stock, and trades storing tools and materials between jobs. On construction sites they serve as secure stores and lockups. With a lock box fitted, a steel container is one of the more secure storage options available — the weak point is the padlock rather than the structure, so a shielded lock box is worth specifying. Container accessories such as racking, shelving and high-security padlocks are available in our accessories range.

Delivery and site access. A 20ft is far easier to place than a 40ft, but access still decides the job. Allow roughly three times the container’s length in clear, straight approach for a tilt-tray delivery, plus room for the truck to manoeuvre. Check overhead power lines and tree cover on the final approach. The ground must carry a loaded truck without rutting, and the container must sit level so the doors keep working properly — a container racked out of square becomes difficult to open and close. A tilt-tray drop is the cheapest placement; a crane lift costs more but reaches positions a truck cannot. Our delivery preparation guide covers siting, footings and drainage.

What affects the price. Size, condition grade, delivery distance, placement method, modifications, specialised types and current market conditions all feed into the figure. Current pricing for each unit is shown against the individual containers below, and delivery is quoted for your address. Our guide to container prices explains each driver so you can compare quotes on equal terms.

What are the dimensions of a 20ft shipping container? A standard 20ft container is 6.06 m long, 2.44 m wide and 2.59 m high externally. Internally it is about 5.90 m by 2.35 m by 2.39 m, giving roughly 33 cubic metres, with a door opening about 2.34 m wide and 2.28 m high.

How much can a 20ft shipping container hold? Roughly the contents of a two to three bedroom house, or about 10 to 11 standard Australian pallets floor-stacked in a single layer. Racking or shelving adds considerably more usable capacity, because floor-stacked goods waste most of the available height.

Is a 20ft container better than a 40ft? For weight, yes — a 20ft carries more payload because maximum gross weight is the same for both while the 20ft is lighter empty. For volume, the 40ft is the cheaper way to buy space. For tight sites, the 20ft wins outright on access.

How much space do I need for delivery? Allow roughly three times the container’s length in clear, straight approach for a tilt-tray delivery, plus manoeuvring room for the truck. If that is not available, a crane lift may be required.

Do I need council approval for a 20ft container? Requirements vary by council and by how long the container will stay. Some treat a container on residential land as a temporary structure needing no approval; others apply time limits or require consent. Check with your local council before a long-term placement.

Is a used 20ft container watertight? A unit graded wind and watertight is structurally sound and keeps weather out. It will show cosmetic marks, dents and surface rust from its working life, but those are appearance issues rather than performance ones.

Browse the 20ft containers available below, or tell us your postcode and what you are storing and we can recommend a size, condition and delivery method.

Delivery. Flat $200 delivery Australia-wide, about 7-10 business days. That is one national rate rather than a price that changes with your postcode. Where a site needs a crane lift rather than a standard delivery, tell us the access and we will confirm what is involved.