UK 20ft Used Shipping Container Sales

This is a very important question to ask when buying a container, unfortunately, sometimes the great deal you see is too good to be true!

We recommend doing your research to make sure the company you're buying from is trustworthy and has a good track record.

Make sure they have great independent reviews.

Check the company is registered, e.g. on the governments companies house website.

Check that they're a member of the relevant trade associations such as the CSTA (Container Self Storage and Traders Association) and/or they're an approved supplier on the SSA (Self Storage Association) website, or if they are a registered company on the BIC (Bureau of International Containers) website.

All shipping containers are a created at a 'standard' size (in order to stack them during shipping).

20ft units externally measure: 20ft (6.1 meters) long, 8 ft (2.44 meters) wide, and 8ft 6 inches (2.59 meters) high.

The internal dimensions of the containers may vary slightly depending on the construction method used.

The sides of a container are in nearly all cases, corrugated. The depth of the corrugation is usually 1 inch (25mm), which means that 2 inches (50mm) 1 inch per side is lost from the external width dimension, giving an internal width of 7 feet 10 inches (2.38 meters).

The back (blank end) of the container is also corrugated and the doors are around 2 inches (50mm) thick meaning that approximately 3 inches (75mm) is lost from the length, giving an internal length of 19 feet 9 inches (6.02 meters).

The main reduction from external to internal dimensions is with height. The floor of a standard container has an underside clearance of approximately 6 inches (150mm) and the floor has a thickness of 27mm (1.1 inches). As the roof is corrugated another 1 inch (25mm) is lost resulting in an internal dimension of around 8 inches less than external – 7ft 10 inches (2.39 meters), though this can vary slightly depending on the flooring material used.

Through the door height is further reduced because of the steel top rail above the door which is a part of the structural integrity of the container, this is 4 inches (100mm) thus reducing the entrance height of a standard 20ft container to 7ft 6ins (2.28 meters), though this can vary slightly either way.

20ft External Dimensions
(Length Width Height)
20' x 8' x 8'6" (Imperial)
6.1m x 2.44m x 2.59m (Metric)

20ft Internal Dimensions
(Length Width Height)
19'9" x 7'10" x 7'10" (Imperial)
6.02m x 2.38m x 2.39m (Metric)

The internal storage capacity of a 20ft is approx. 33.2 cubic meters or 1,170 cubic feet.

There are three relevant weights relating to containers, the Tare Weight, the Gross Weight and the Payload (Net) Weight.

These are painted onto the outside of the container doors when it is in shipping service or before it has been repainted for another application.

The Container Tare Weight is the weight of the container without cargo or contents.

The Container Gross Weight is the weight of the container plus the maximum payload it can hold i.e. the maximum total weight of the container.

The Payload (or Net Weight) is the weight of the cargo or contents that a container can hold.

Typical 20 foot Container Weights (Imperial)
Max Gross Weight: 67,200lbs
Tare Weight: 4,780lbs
Payload Net Weight: 62,420lbs

Typical 20 foot Container Weights (Metric)
Max Gross Weight: 30,480kg
Tare Weight: 2,170kg
Payload Net Weight: 28,310kg

*Some 20ft units are constructed to a lower specification - these lower grade containers have a max gross weight of 24,000kg

Containers are typically manufactured in China, they then begin life as shipping containers and transport goods around the world. They are used for several years before being re-sold on from various ports/container depots in good used condition.

20ft units are constructed using high quality weathering cor-ten steel which is designed to stand up to the harsh rigours of sea conditions. Due to the harsh environment they are all manufactured to a high standard and are both wind and water tight to protect their cargo.

Cor-ten steel is a corrosion resistant weathering steel, used within many industries.

High quality rubber seals are used to prevent water ingress through the double-doors.

The internal flooring is typically formed from 27mm hardwood.

This will depend on how you use your container and the environment it's situated in.

A well cared for used shipping container purchased from us should last for several years (10+). See our container care page for more information on caring for your container.

All our used containers are checked to ensure they are both wind and water tight before being delivered to you.

In order to offer the best possible price, we'll source your container from the depot offering the best price and closest to your location.

Your container will then typically be delivered from the depot on a HIAB Lorry. The lorry mounted crane will then be used to place your container onto your pre-prepared location.

Please ensure you have prepared the ground prior to your container being delivered.

Please be sure to provide us with your delivery postcode as part of your initial enquiry so we can accurately estimate delivery costs.

Yes - your container should to be placed on a flat level surface.

For uneven surfaces we recommend using paving slabs to create a level surface.

We recommend using paving slabs to allow the four corner castings of your container to sit on a solid level base.

An uneven surface can result in the container not sitting straight, this can mean the container doors may not fully open and can cause the container body to twist.

The area for your shipping container will need to be prepared before our delivery driver arrives on site.

With our delivery drivers using a HIAB lorry, please check for any overhead cables as this can mean that the HIAB cannot extend its lifting arm out to lift the container to the ground.

If you are unsure if the HIAB lorry will have sufficient space to unload your container - please make us aware of any restrictions before placing your order.

Yes - please let us know if you are able to collect from one of our depots. Please note that unit prices do often vary from depot to depot so this could affect the price we are able to offer.

Caring for a container is mostly common sense, but there are a few things you can do to keep your box in a good condition.

Ensure the contents of your container are dry and moisture free before you put them inside - this will help reduce moisture build up inside your container.

Regularly check the double end door hinges and locking bars, apply oil to lubricate the hinges and locking bars to keep them moving freely.

Try to keep a little space free at the top of the unit and down the sides to allow the air to circulate. This helps heat to disperse and prevent moisture.

Yes - 20ft shipping containers are often converted for uses other than shipping and basic secure storage. Take a look at our conversions page for some examples of our recent conversion projects.

If you have a conversion in mind, we'd love to complete the conversion work for you - get in touch to discuss your requirements.