Blog

  • Shipping Container Sizes: Complete Dimensions Guide (20ft, 40ft & High Cube)

    Choosing the right shipping container size comes down to matching interior space to what you actually plan to store or build. This guide covers exact dimensions for every size we stock, plus guidance on which one fits common use cases.

    Shipping Container Dimensions at a Glance

    These are the industry-standard (ISO) exterior and interior dimensions for the container sizes and configurations we stock. For the full reference table including door openings, see our dimensions page.

    • 20ft Standard — 20′ x 8′ x 8’6″ exterior; roughly 19’4″ x 7’8″ x 7’10” interior
    • 40ft Standard — 40′ x 8′ x 8’6″ exterior; roughly 39’5″ x 7’8″ x 7’10” interior
    • 40ft High Cube — same footprint as a 40ft standard, but 9’6″ tall exterior for an extra foot of usable interior height
    • Refrigerated (Reefer) — slightly reduced interior space due to insulation and refrigeration unit housing

    20ft vs. 40ft: Which Should You Choose?

    A 20ft container is the most maneuverable option — it fits comfortably in most residential driveways and side yards, and is easier to place on uneven ground. It’s the right call for personal storage, a small job-site office, or a first-time buyer testing out container use.

    A 40ft container doubles your floor space for the same width and height, making it the better choice for bulk inventory, larger equipment, or any project where you’re already committing to a permanent placement. The cost per square foot of storage is usually lower with a 40ft unit than two 20ft units.

    When to Choose a High Cube

    The 40ft High Cube adds a full extra foot of interior height over a standard 40ft unit. That foot matters more than it sounds: it’s often the difference between fitting racking, HVAC ductwork, or tall equipment inside versus not. If you’re planning any kind of container conversion — office, workshop, or living space — the High Cube is almost always worth the modest price difference.

    Matching Size to Common Uses

    • Personal or residential storage — 20ft Standard
    • Job-site office or tool storage — 20ft Standard or 40ft Standard depending on crew size
    • Bulk inventory or warehousing overflow — 40ft Standard
    • Container home, office conversion, or workshop — 40ft High Cube
    • Cold storage for produce or temperature-sensitive goods — Refrigerated (Reefer)

    See our full guide to container uses for more detail on matching a configuration to your project.

    Ready to See Sizes In Stock?

    Browse current inventory by size on our shop page, or get a delivered price instantly with our quote calculator.

    Curious whether we deliver to your area? Check our state, city, and international delivery guides for pricing and timelines specific to your location.

    Related Articles

  • How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost in 2026? Pricing Guide

    If you’re researching shipping container prices, the honest answer is: it depends heavily on size, condition grade, and how far the unit needs to travel. This guide breaks down real 2026 pricing by size and condition so you know what to expect before you request a quote.

    Shipping Container Prices by Size

    Container pricing scales with steel and length. Here’s the typical starting-price range you’ll see across depot networks in 2026:

    • 20ft Standard Dry — typically $2,000–$4,500 depending on condition
    • 40ft Standard Dry — typically $2,800–$5,500
    • 40ft High Cube — typically $3,500–$7,000, thanks to an extra foot of interior height
    • Refrigerated (Reefer) — typically $4,000–$10,000+ depending on working condition and unit age
    • Open Side & Double Door — typically $500–$1,500 more than an equivalent standard dry unit, due to added steel framing

    You can see current, exact pricing for in-stock units on our shop page, or use the delivered price calculator to get a number that already includes freight to your ZIP code.

    Why Condition Grade Changes the Price More Than Anything Else

    Two containers of the same size can differ in price by thousands of dollars purely based on condition. Understanding the grading system is the single biggest factor in getting a fair price:

    • New / One-Trip — made a single loaded ocean voyage, minimal wear, highest price
    • Cargo Worthy (CW) — passes a full structural and watertight inspection, mid-range price
    • Wind & Watertight (WWT) — weatherproof but not cargo-certified, budget-friendly for static storage
    • As-Is — sold without a condition guarantee, lowest price, best for buyers planning heavy modification

    If you’re not sure which grade fits your use case, our New vs. Used Shipping Containers guide walks through how to choose.

    What Affects Your Delivered Price

    The listed unit price is only part of the total. Delivery cost depends on distance from the nearest depot, site accessibility, and whether you need liftgate or tilt-bed service for a difficult drop location. This is why we quote delivered pricing rather than a flat container price — it’s the number that actually matters when you’re budgeting.

    Financing Shipping Containers

    If you’d rather spread the cost out, third-party financing is available on select orders. See our financing options page for details on how that works.

    Get an Exact Price for Your Container

    Ready to see a real number instead of a range? Use our quote calculator to get delivered pricing based on your container size and ZIP code — no broker markup, no hidden fees.

    Curious whether we deliver to your area? Check our state, city, and international delivery guides for pricing and timelines specific to your location.

    Related Articles