Shipping Container Buyer’s Guide
Not sure which container is right for your project? This guide covers the most common sizes, conditions, and use cases to help you make an informed decision.
Container Sizes at a Glance
8ft x 10ft: A compact storage unit ideal for residential use, small job sites, or tight spaces where a full-size container will not fit. Holds roughly the contents of a large room.
16ft: A mid-size option that balances capacity with footprint. Good for small retail storage, equipment lockup, or workshop conversion.
20ft (Standard): The most widely used container size worldwide. Interior dimensions are approximately 19’4″ x 7’8″ x 7’10”. Suitable for general storage, small office conversions, and single-unit shipping.
30ft: Less common but useful when a 20ft is too small and a 40ft is more than you need. Often used for mid-size storage or specialized builds.
40ft (Standard): The second most common size, offering roughly double the space of a 20ft. Interior dimensions are approximately 39’5″ x 7’8″ x 7’10”. Ideal for large-scale storage, warehouse operations, and multi-room custom builds.
45ft (High Cube): Taller than standard containers with 9’6″ exterior height compared to the standard 8’6″, providing more vertical clearance. Popular for conversions where ceiling height matters, such as container homes and offices.
53ft: The largest standard container. Commonly used in domestic trucking and large-scale commercial storage. Provides maximum capacity for high-volume needs.
Choosing a Condition
New: Best for customers who need a pristine unit with no cosmetic wear, long-term installations, or client-facing locations where appearance matters. Expect to pay a premium.
One-Trip: Best for customers who want near-new quality at a lower price point. These units have made a single voyage and typically show only minor cosmetic marks. The most popular choice for custom conversions and permanent installations.
Used (Wind and Water Tight): Best for budget-conscious buyers who need functional storage without cosmetic perfection. Surface rust and dents are normal but do not affect structural integrity. We inspect every used unit to confirm it is wind and water tight.
Common Use Cases
- On-site storage: 20ft or 40ft used containers offer the best value
- Container homes: One-trip 40ft or 45ft high cubes are most popular
- Pop-up shops and offices: 20ft one-trip with custom modifications
- Construction sites: 20ft used containers for tool and material lockup
- Farming and agriculture: 40ft used containers for equipment and feed storage
Still not sure? Request a free consultation and our team will recommend the right container for your project.