Are 20ft containers available new or used?

Yes. Choose new (once-used) 20ft for cleaner presentation and longer service life, or used 20ft for best value. All are supplied watertight with warranty.

What are the typical 20ft dimensions and weight?

External approx 20 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in. High Cube height is approx 9 ft 6 in. Tare typically 2,200–2,400 kg. Figures vary by build, so for exact internal sizes and door openings see our Container Dimensions Chart .

DV vs High Cube — which 20ft should I pick?

20ft DV is standard height and suits most storage and conversion needs. 20ft High Cube adds roughly 1 ft of internal height for extra headroom or tall loads. Availability varies by depot — ask on a quick quote .

Which door type should I choose — S1, S2, S3 or S4?

Door options are matched to use. S2 are original cargo doors. S1 and S3 are easy-use or heavy-duty fabricated sets. S4 is a roller shutter where space in front is tight. See examples on the 20ft page or talk to us for guidance.

How are 20ft containers delivered and offloaded?

We deliver by HIAB with crane offload on weekly discounted runs. You will need clear access and firm, level ground. See delivery information or start a quick quote for site-specific advice.

What should I place a 20ft container on?

Use firm, level hard standing and support all four corners to prevent racking. If a full slab is not possible, use level concrete slabs at the corners or railway sleepers under the door and end walls. See preparing the ground .

Can a 20ft be shipped or stacked?

Original ISO 20ft units with cargo doors can be supplied cargo-worthy or re-certified for export on request. Cut-down or heavily modified units are intended for static use and are not suitable for shipping, stacking, or lifting when loaded. Please tell us your intended use.

Is repainting included and what colours can I choose?

Used units can be supplied with an exterior respray in a standard shade from our RAL colour chart . Very light or bright colours may carry a small supplement. New once-used units can also be repainted if you need a specific colour.

Can you add insulation, electrics, windows or personnel doors?

Yes. Popular factory-fit options include ply lining with insulation , electrics and LED lighting , personnel doors , and anti-vandal windows . We also offer side door variants for wide access.

What security and warranty are included?

Sub-40ft units include a welded steel lockbox as standard — pair with a closed-shackle padlock. Used 20ft containers include a 12 month watertight warranty and new 20ft containers include a 3 year warranty .

20ft Shipping Containers for Sale - New and Used

20ft containers for sale - access the UK's largest stock of new and second hand.

Our network of nationwide depots gives you access to the cheap local delivery rates wherever you are. As the most common ISO size worldwide, 20ft container offers the best balance of price and usability, with plentiful stock available. Choose new (once-used), used or refurbished units, then match door types (S1 to S4), security options and side doors for access needs. It is also an ideal base for conversions and fits comfortably on most UK sites. For the fastest response, start a free quick quote.

20ft container size, strength and storage capacity

Engineered for heavy handling and harsh marine environments, a standard 20ft shipping container has a durable Corten steel body. It is one of the two main standard ISO container sizes. That robustness translates into long-term secure storage and a reliable base for conversions such as workshops, offices and chemical stores.

Footprint: approximately 160 sq ft externally, based on the nominal 20ft x 8ft size.
Height: standard 8ft 6in or 9ft 6in High Cube for additional headroom.
Security: a welded steel lockbox is included with 20ft containers.

Check usable internal space and door openings before planning racking or a fit-out. Our container dimensions chart gives more detailed measurements.

20ft container doors and factory-fit upgrades

Pick access that suits how you use your 20ft container. The four door types differ in how they open, how they seal and the space needed in front of the container.

S1: easy-access steel doors for frequent use.
S2: original heavy-duty container doors on the standard ISO version.
S3: easy-access doors with internal compressed door seals.
S4: roller shutters that open upwards rather than swinging outwards.

For side loading or display access, see our SD side door range. Popular upgrades include ply lining with insulation, electrics and LED lighting, vent kits and a RAL exterior repaint.

20ft standard-height container dimensions, weight and capacity

External: 20 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (6.06 x 2.44 x 2.59 m)
Internal: ~5.90 x 2.35 x 2.39 m
Door opening: ~2.34 W x 2.28 H m
Tare: ~2,200 - 2,400 kg
Payload: up to ~28,000 kg
Volume: ~33 m3

Indicative figures for a standard-height, unlined ISO 20ft container with original doors. Internal space, door openings and weights vary by build and modification. See our container dimensions chart and confirm payload and handling requirements for the specific unit.

For delivery, check vehicle access, crane offload space and a firm, level base. See our 20ft container delivery guidance and ground preparation guide.

Used 20ft Shipping Containers

Used 20ft shipping container - S3 heavy duty doors

Used 20ft shipping container - S4 roller shutter door

New 20ft Shipping Containers

New once used 20ft shipping container - S1 doors

New once used 20ft shipping container - S2 cargo doors

New once used 20ft shipping container - S3 heavy duty doors

New once used 20ft shipping container - S4 roller shutter door

Used 20ft shipping containers - best value

Used shipping containers usually have 15 plus years in cargo service, so expect evidence of cosmetic wear such as scrapes, surface rust and the odd dent. We upcycle in-house with structural checks and repairs where needed, then prepare for resale. Improve appearance with a RAL repaint and choose door types to suit access. Every unit is supplied watertight with a 12 month guarantee, keeping costs low and embodied carbon lower than a new build. Add a Living Roof to further reduce carbon footprint and enhance biodiversity.

New 20ft shipping containers - once-used

New (once-used) shipping containers arrive in the UK after a single cargo trip. They offer cleaner interiors, smarter exteriors and a longer expected service life, ideal where presentation matters. Popular factory options include electrics, factory repaint and SD side doors. All are supplied watertight with a 12 month guarantee.

Preparing and modifying 20ft shipping containers

We check and prepare 20ft shipping containers with original S2 doors for supply through our nationwide depot network. Locations include London, Southampton, Glasgow, Birmingham, Newport, Manchester and Felixstowe.

Door upgrades and modifications at our Knowsley depot

We fabricate and fit S1 easy-access doors and S3 doors with compressed seals in-house, or replace the original doors with S4 roller shutters. We can also add side doors, lining and insulation, electrics and other factory-fit upgrades before delivery. For a non-standard length, see our cut-down container range.

Structure, floor, door alignment and seals checked, with repairs where needed.
Matching corrugated steel used where new panels or end walls are required.
Full seam welds for strong, watertight joins.
Exterior preparation and repainting in shades from our RAL colour chart.

View Modifications

Benefits of 20ft shipping containers

Secure

Shipping containers are manufactured from 16 gauge Corten steel making them strong and secure.

Versatile

Our in-house depot can modify and convert shipping containers for a variety of different uses.

Portable

Shipping containers benefit from being portable, meaning you can move them when needed.

Customisable

With an extensive range of optional extras to choose from, have your container modified to suit you.

Guarantee

We offer all our shipping containers with a 12 month guarantee for your peace of mind.

Request a Quick Quote!

Contact our sales team for your no-obligation quote, including delivery!

Get your quote today!

Our quality guarantee

Every 20ft shipping container we supply is inspected and prepared so it is structurally sound and watertight before release. We select better grade used units and refurbish in-house to keep quality consistent and pricing competitive.

Frame, corner posts and crossmembers checked for integrity.
Floors inspected, fasteners tightened, problem areas repaired.
Door alignment, locking gear and seals adjusted or replaced.
Panels prepared and repainted where specified.

Warranty: used 20ft containers include a 12 month watertight warranty and new 20ft containers include a 3 year warranty. The same standards apply to our 40ft shipping containers.

Factory-fit options and popular upgrades

Because we build and modify on site, we can add time-saving upgrades to your 20ft before delivery.

Ply lining with insulation to reduce condensation and stabilise temperature.
Electrics and LED lighting for plug-and-play usability.
Personnel doors, anti-vandal windows or S4 roller shutters for frequent access.
Vent kits, shelving and loading ramps for safer, organised storage.
Exterior repaint in standard RAL shades with optional vinyl graphics for branding.
Need wider openings or display access? See our SD side door range.

Used units can vary cosmetically, so a fresh exterior repaint is recommended to protect the steel and lift presentation.

Popular Optional Extras

Ply lining interior panels – popular optional extra for containers

External cladding for shipping containers

Grafotherm anti-condensation coating for container roofs

Electrical installations and lighting for containers

Compressed door seals for improved weather protection

High-security padlock for container doors

Overview of all shipping container optional extras

Lockbox included with your 20ft container

All our 20ft containers include a welded steel lockbox as standard. It shields the padlock body and shackle to make cutting, drilling and prying more difficult.

Use a compatible closed-shackle container padlock. Our guide to padlocks and lockboxes explains what to look for.

Steel lockbox shielding a container padlock

Exterior repainting for used 20ft containers

A repaint gives a used 20ft container a more uniform finish and helps protect the steel. We prepare the exterior and apply specialist rubberised marine paint, with colours chosen from our RAL colour chart.

You can also add vinyl graphics for company branding. Tell us your preferred colour and finish when requesting your container quote.

20ft Container Dimensions

Container Type	Length	Width	Height
20ft DV	20ft	8ft	8ft 6in
20ft High Cube	20ft	8ft	9ft 6in

Container Type

Length

Width

Height

20ft DV

20ft

8ft

8ft 6in

20ft High Cube

20ft

8ft

9ft 6in

If you are seeking exact dimensions and specifications for all sizes of containers, visit our Shipping and Storage Container Dimension Charts page.

See how versatile a 20ft containers can be

Converted

A 20ft shipping container is a robust base for many conversion projects - from offices and workshops to chemical stores and pop-up retail.

Flat pack option

Where access is tight, choose flat pack containers. Units are man-portable in sections and can be joined to achieve around a 6 metre footprint - similar to a 20ft storage run.

Joined flat pack containers forming an approx 20ft storage run

Bespoke sizes

Need a different footprint or more floor area? We can join containers, build extra wide, or go narrow with the SlimLine® range.

Two 20ft shipping containers joined to create a larger internal space

20ft container FAQs

Are 20ft containers available new or used?: Yes. Choose new (once-used) 20ft for cleaner presentation and longer service life, or used 20ft for best value. All are supplied watertight with warranty.
What are the typical 20ft dimensions and weight?: External approx 20 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in. High Cube height is approx 9 ft 6 in. Tare typically 2,200–2,400 kg. Figures vary by build, so for exact internal sizes and door openings see our Container Dimensions Chart.
DV vs High Cube — which 20ft should I pick?: 20ft DV is standard height and suits most storage and conversion needs. 20ft High Cube adds roughly 1 ft of internal height for extra headroom or tall loads. Availability varies by depot — ask on a quick quote.
Which door type should I choose — S1, S2, S3 or S4?: Door options are matched to use. S2 are original cargo doors. S1 and S3 are easy-use or heavy-duty fabricated sets. S4 is a roller shutter where space in front is tight. See examples on the 20ft page or talk to us for guidance.
How are 20ft containers delivered and offloaded?: We deliver by HIAB with crane offload on weekly discounted runs. You will need clear access and firm, level ground. See delivery information or start a quick quote for site-specific advice.
What should I place a 20ft container on?: Use firm, level hard standing and support all four corners to prevent racking. If a full slab is not possible, use level concrete slabs at the corners or railway sleepers under the door and end walls. See preparing the ground.
Can a 20ft be shipped or stacked?: Original ISO 20ft units with cargo doors can be supplied cargo-worthy or re-certified for export on request. Cut-down or heavily modified units are intended for static use and are not suitable for shipping, stacking, or lifting when loaded. Please tell us your intended use.
Is repainting included and what colours can I choose?: Used units can be supplied with an exterior respray in a standard shade from our RAL colour chart. Very light or bright colours may carry a small supplement. New once-used units can also be repainted if you need a specific colour.
Can you add insulation, electrics, windows or personnel doors?: Yes. Popular factory-fit options include ply lining with insulation, electrics and LED lighting, personnel doors, and anti-vandal windows. We also offer side door variants for wide access.
What security and warranty are included?: Sub-40ft units include a welded steel lockbox as standard — pair with a closed-shackle padlock. Used 20ft containers include a 12 month watertight warranty and new 20ft containers include a 3 year warranty.

Testimonials

As a long established and reputable shipping container company, we want to instil confidence in our customers that we can deliver on our promises, and provide high quality products and service.

But don't just take our word for it, see for yourself what our past and present clients have to say about Containers Direct.

Read All Testimonials Here

"Fantastic Customer service from getting a quote to the container being delivered, everyone who I dealt with were wonderful. This is our second container and I would highly recommend to anyone! Cory has been very helpful from start to finish. Your Delivery man is also a credit to you, very pleasant and helpful." Beck Bottom Community Garden Group
1st October 2026
order - a 2m Insulated Flat Pack Container Store

"Superb communications from enquiry to delivery. Special thanks to Ray for pre-delivery communications and to the delivery guys." Wolverton Community Orchard
28th September 2026
order - a 3m Flat Pack Container Store

"Excellent customer service and support for an urgent enquiry." Faye @ M&R Hydraulics
24th September 2026
order - a Used 20ft Modibox Xtra on our Clearance Page

"Good communication about the delivery of the containers. Both the chaps who delivered them did it so effortlessly, like it was no bother at all! Amazing, will use containers directly again, who gave the best quotes too!" The Techie Whisperer Limited
14th September 2026
order - a Used 10ft Modibox Office and a Used 20ft Container

"All aspects of the process, including communication and service across all the departments, were excellent. In particular, though, the delivery driver stood out. We deal with a lot of delivery companies on site, and by comparison, the service provided by the driver was excellent - super helpful during delivery and great communication." University of Edinburgh
10th September 2026
order - a 3m Flat Pack Store Container

"Excellent service. Very happy, thank you." Surrey County Council
3rd September 2026
order - a 'Once-Used' 20ft Container

Committed to Quality

We are ISOQAR Approved and certified to ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems, demonstrating our commitment to excellence. We are also members of MakeUK, who champion British manufacturing, and the Container Self Storage and Traders Association (CSTA), representing global operators and innovators. In addition, we are registered members of JOSCAR, the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register.

MakeUK Member – Supporting British Manufacturing

Container Self Storage and Traders Association Member

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