Container Availability
20ft Standard Dry Container
Quick answer: A 20ft standard dry container measures 6,058 mm externally, offers about 33 m³ of load space and carries a maximum payload of roughly 28,000 kg, depending on the unit. It is the most common enclosed container for general cargo and site storage, available new (one-trip), cargo worthy or used.
The 20ft standard dry container is the most common enclosed unit for general cargo and site storage. It balances capacity against transport cost and is widely available in new, cargo-worthy and used condition. The figures below are nominal specifications; the actual unit offered is always confirmed against your enquiry.
Typical specifications
Bottom line: The 20ft standard dry container is the most available unit in the trade: about 33 m³ of capacity and roughly 28,000 kg of payload make it the default choice for general cargo and site storage.
Key figures: A standard 20ft container is 6,058 mm long, 2,438 mm wide and 2,591 mm high externally. Internal load space is about 33 m³, with a door opening near 2,340 × 2,280 mm. Maximum payload is roughly 28,000 kg; the exact figure varies by unit and is confirmed before quotation.
| Measure | Nominal value |
|---|---|
| External length | 6,058 mm |
| External width | 2,438 mm |
| External height | 2,591 mm |
| Internal length | ≈ 5,898 mm |
| Internal width | ≈ 2,352 mm |
| Internal height | ≈ 2,393 mm |
| Door opening | ≈ 2,340 × 2,280 mm |
| Cubic capacity | ≈ 33 m³ |
| Maximum payload | ≈ 28,000 kg (varies by unit) |
Nominal ISO figures for planning only. The offered unit’s actual specification, tare and payload are confirmed against your enquiry, with photographs and documents where required.
Common uses
- General cargo movements where a full 40ft is not required
- On-site storage where space or access limits larger equipment
- Conversion bases for storage units, site cabins and small workshops
Condition options
20ft units are commonly offered as new (one-trip), cargo worthy, wind & watertight or as-is. The right grade depends on whether the unit will move loaded in international service or stand in static storage. Compare the grades on the Quality & Conditions guide before deciding.
Related guidance
- Container condition grades explained
- Request a buying quotation
- Leasing options for 20ft units
- Plan collection or delivery
Inspection checklist before you buy
Photographs help, but check these points on the actual unit (in person or through an independent inspection) before you commit:
- Doors open, close and lock freely, with intact rubber seals
- Floor is solid with no soft, rotten or delaminated boards
- Roof and walls have no holes; check for light from inside with the doors shut
- Corner posts and castings are straight and undamaged
- Previous repairs are sound, and any odour or contamination is disclosed
- For cargo use: a valid CSC plate and the inspection documents the movement requires
The cargo-worthy vs wind & watertight guide and the CSC plate guide explain which documents matter for which use.
Buy or lease?
Buying suits long-term storage or a conversion you will keep. Leasing suits a fixed project or a short peak in demand, without resale risk at the end. The leasing vs buying guide compares the two, and you can request either option through the enquiry form.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 20ft container big enough for my load?
It depends on volume, weight and how the load is packed. A 20ft standard unit offers roughly 33 m³ and about 28 tonnes of payload, but the usable space is less than the nominal volume once loading gaps and door clearance are allowed for. Share the cargo dimensions and weight for a practical check.
Can I get a 20ft container in cargo-worthy condition?
Usually, yes — availability depends on location and quantity at the time of enquiry. Ask for recent photographs and the inspection or documentation relevant to your intended use.
How heavy is an empty 20ft container?
An empty 20ft standard dry container typically weighs about 2,200 to 2,300 kg. The exact tare is marked on the door and on the CSC plate of the unit you are offered, so check it when planning lifting and transport.
What base does a 20ft container need on site?
A firm, level and well-drained base. Concrete pads, compacted hardcore or sleepers under the four corner castings are common; a level base keeps the doors opening and closing properly.