The 20ft and 40ft containers are the two most popular shipping container sizes. They share the same width and height but differ in length - and therefore in volume, weight and the space they need. Here is how to decide which container to choose.
Side-by-side comparison
| 20ft container | 40ft container | |
|---|---|---|
| External length | 6058 mm | 12 192 mm |
| Internal dimensions | 5898 × 2352 × 2393 mm | 12 032 × 2352 × 2393 mm |
| Volume | 33.2 m³ | 67.3 - 67.8 m³ |
| Euro pallets | up to 11 | 23-24 |
| Tare weight | 2 150 - 2 370 kg | 3 700 - 3 800 kg |
| Payload | 21 630 - 28 335 kg | 26 680 - 26 780 kg |
| Delivery | small crane truck | large crane truck or side loader |
When to choose a 20ft container
- space is tight - in a yard, garden or cramped building site;
- you need to store household items, garden machinery or tools;
- the cargo is heavy but not bulky - metal, stone or machine parts;
- the container will become a sauna, workshop or small office;
- easy delivery matters: a small crane truck can place the container behind a fence or between buildings.
When to choose a 40ft container
- you need to store a lot of goods or equipment, for example for a business or farm;
- the cargo is bulky but light - furniture, packaging, textiles;
- you need to ship a lot of cargo in one go;
- you are planning a container home with several rooms;
- you have the space - a spot over 12 m long and access for a large truck.
Price and value
A 40ft container costs more than a 20ft one, but usually not twice as much, even though it holds twice as much. So if space allows, one 40ft container is often better value than two 20ft containers. On the other hand, two 20ft containers are more flexible: you can place them in different spots or sell them one at a time later. Read more about prices in how much a shipping container costs.
What about high cube?
Both sizes also come as high cube, which is about 30 cm taller. It suits tall cargo and container homes, where the ceiling must not end up too low after insulation.
Common mistakes
- Not measuring the site. Check not only the length of the plot but also the access, and whether there are wires or branches above the spot.
- Choosing a container that is too small. People usually end up with more to store, not less.
- Forgetting the doors. Large items have to pass through a door opening of about 2.3 × 2.3 m.
Still unsure? See the 20ft and 40ft container pages or contact us - we will recommend the right size for your needs.