20ft Shipping Containers - New and Used
20ft shipping containers - the world standard for secure storage and conversions
Our network of nationwide depots gives you access to the cheapest local delivery rates wherever you are.. As the most common ISO size worldwide, the 20ft offers the best balance of capacity and footprint, with plentiful stock and parts. Choose new (once-used), used or refurbished units, then match door types (S1 to S4) and security to your 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.
Why 20ft is the sweet spot
Engineered for heavy handling and harsh marine environments, a 20ft container delivers serious strength and value. Typical payloads reach 27 tonnes and units stack safely in port conditions. That robustness translates into long-term secure storage and a reliable base for conversions such as workshops, offices and chemical stores. Need exact sizes? See our container dimensions chart for internal and door openings.
- Approx. 160 sq ft floor area in a footprint that fits most UK sites.
- Corten steel body with marine-grade doors and seals for security.
- High resale demand and easy availability of parts and upgrades.
Doors and factory-fit upgrades
Pick access that suits daily use: original cargo doors, easy-use S1 to S3 doors, or S4 roller shutters. For side display or frequent loading, see our SD side door range. Popular upgrades include ply lining with insulation, electrics and LED lighting, vent kits and RAL exterior repaint. Our team will match spec to budget and delivery constraints.
- Security: welded lockbox included on sub-40ft units.
- Finish: exterior repaint options in standard RAL colours.
- Comfort: insulation and power for plug-and-play use.
Key specs at a glance
- 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
Figures are typical and may vary by build. For exact specs see our container dimensions chart.
Used 20ft Containers
New 20ft Containers
Used 20ft shipping containers - best value
Used shipping containers usually have 10 plus years in cargo service, so expect honest 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. Add presentation 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.
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.
The build process for 20ft shipping containers
We supply 20ft shipping containers with original S2 cargo doors direct from our nationwide depots to keep haulage costs low and lead times short. Strategic locations include London, Southampton, Glasgow, Birmingham, Newport, Manchester and Felixstowe.
Built by us - new door sets and cut downs
All modifications are completed in-house. Our fabrication team precision cuts standard 40ft shipping containers to length and manufactures new door sets where required. If you need a different access style on a 20ft, we build and fit our S1 easy-access doors, S3 heavy-duty doors or S4 roller shutters. Where a smaller footprint is needed, popular alternatives include 15ft containers.
- High-gauge steel with matching corrugated panels for new end walls and doors.
- Full seam welds for strength and a watertight finish.
- Preparation and repaint available in standard shades from our RAL colour chart.
- Supplied watertight with a 12 month guarantee.
Note: cut down containers are intended for static storage. They are not suitable for shipping, stacking or lifting when loaded.
Learn MoreBenefits 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!
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
Free with 20ft Shipping Containers
Lockbox
All our 20ft containers include a welded steel lockbox as standard, which shrouds the padlock to deter cutting, drilling and prying. Typical retail value is £75, included at no extra cost on Containers Direct 20ft containers.
- Factory welded to the door set for strength and a tidy finish.
- Compatible with S1, S2, S3 and S4 door options.
- Designed for closed-shackle, container-grade padlocks.
- Added weather protection for the padlock body and shackle.
Tip: pair the lockbox with a high security closed-shackle padlock and keep a spare key stored separately. See our guide to padlocks and lockboxes.
Recommended Product for Used 20ft Containers
Repainting
Our exterior repaint service uses specialist rubberised marine paint to seal repairs, protect the steel and deliver a uniform finish. It is the quickest way to lift presentation on second hand units and extend service life.
- Full surface prep with degrease and mechanical key where required.
- Spot priming on bare steel followed by an even top coat for coverage and protection.
- Choose standard shades from our RAL colour chart. Very light or bright colours may attract a small supplement.
- Optional vinyl graphics or stencilling for branding.
20ft Container Dimensions
| Container Type | Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft DV | 20ft | 8ft | 8ft6 |
| 20ft High Cube | 20ft | 8ft | 9ft6 |
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 shipping container 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.
Bespoke sizes
Need a different footprint or more floor area? We can join containers, build extra wide, or go narrow with the SlimLine® range.
20ft container FAQs
- Are 20ft containers available new or used?
- What are the typical 20ft dimensions and weight?
- DV vs High Cube — which 20ft should I pick?
- Which door type should I choose — S1, S2, S3 or S4?
- How are 20ft containers delivered and offloaded?
- What should I place a 20ft container on?
- Can a 20ft be shipped or stacked?
- Is repainting included and what colours can I choose?
- Can you add insulation, electrics, windows or personnel doors?
- What security and warranty are included?
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.
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.
ISO Cert No. 13586-QNS-001
ISO 9001:2015
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