20ft Container Dimensions & Specifications: 20-Foot Guide

Want to know what you could fit in a 20 ft container? Here you’ll find the sizes and capacity for different types of 20ft containers. The dimensions of a 20-foot shipping container are usually measured in “feet” (imperial system) along its exterior and interior (usable) dimensions. These 20 ft shipping containers are a standard size for international shipping, and they are also becoming increasingly popular as storage units and tiny homes. So, just how big are they? In short, a 20-foot container is 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high. That’s about 1,360 cubic feet measured on the outside, and roughly 1,172 cubic feet of usable interior space. To put that into perspective, it’s about the size of a large studio apartment or a small one-bedroom apartment. If you want to customize your shipping container for specialized purposes, Shipping Container Depot can just do that! Below, you’ll find a complete list of 20ft shipping container dimensions.

20 foot Shipping Container Dimensions in Feet

The 20-foot dry container dimension in feet are as follows.

• Exterior Dimensions (in feet): 20’ long x 8’ wide x 8’ 6” high
• Interior Dimensions (in feet): 19’ 4” long x 7’ 9” wide x 7’ 10” high
• Tare Weight (in pounds): 5,181 lbs
• Payload Capacity (in pounds): 62,026 lbs
• Usable Capacity: 1,172 cubic feet

20 foot Shipping Container Dimensions in Meters

The 20-foot container dimension in meters are as follows:

• Exterior Dimensions (in meters): 6.10m long x 2.44m wide x 2.59m high
• Internal Dimensions (in meters): 5.898m long x 2.352m wide x 2.393m high
• Tare Weight: 2,350 kg
• Payload Capacity = 28,130 kg
• Usable Capacity: 32.6m3 or 32.6 CBM

Dry Container Size and Capacity

The above dimensions represent the size of a standard dry storage container – the most common type of container van. Dry storage container sizes differ depending on their manufacturer and their age. However, the sizes listed above are the average sizes found in the majority of dry storage containers. Dry container sizes come in lengths of 20, 40, and 45 feet, and they are designed to transport dry goods. These containers cannot have temperature controls, so they would not be good for transporting food or chemicals that need to be refrigerated.

Other Types of 20ft Containers and Their Container Size and Capacity

Now, let’s find out the sizes of other types of 20ft storage containers.

20ft Open Top Container – Dimensions

20ft Open-top containers are ideal for transporting oversized and awkwardly-shaped cargo. The open-top allows for easy loading and unloading of heavy or bulky items, and the tarp provides protection from the elements. The end doors also give flexibility for loading and unloading, making it easy to get your cargo in and out. Open-top containers are a great option for anyone who needs to transport large or difficult-to-handle items.

20 ft Open-side Storage Container

Customers who need frequent access to their storage items or those who need an architectural or retail display should consider purchasing a 20 ft side-door storage container. These containers provide easy access to stored items, as well as a more attractive option for displays. Side-door containers are made of high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. They are also weatherproof, making them ideal for storing items in all types of environments.

20ft Flat Rack Container

Flat rack containers are ideal for a variety of applications. They are perfect for carrying heavy loads, and their open design allows for easy loading from the top or sides. Additionally, flat rack containers come in both collapsible and non-collapsible models, giving you the flexibility to choose the right option for your needs. And with 20′ and 40′ size options available, you can find the perfect fit for your cargo. Manufactured from strong steel, flat rack containers are built to last.

20ft Reefer Container/Refrigerated ISO containers

20ft Reefer (Refrigerated) Tank Containers are intermodal containers used for the transport of perishable goods that require temperature-controlled transportation, such as dairy products, meat, fish, ice cream, pharmaceuticals, etc. The refrigerated tank containers have a volume of 1,360 ft3 (38 m3) and can accommodate up to 24,000 lbs (10,886 kg) of cargo. The tanks are insulated with either fiberglass or polyurethane and have a stainless steel inner liner. The 20ft reefer containers are equipped with a refrigeration system that uses either Freon or ammonia as the coolant. The containers are also fitted with pressure relief valves, temperature gauges, and pressure gauges. The 20ft reefer container is an ISO Standard container and can be transported by road, rail, or sea.

So, What Fits in a 20-foot container?

A 20-foot shipping container offers a versatile storage option for a variety of purposes. You can fill it with just about anything, from furniture to vehicles to construction materials. And because the interior dimensions of a 20-foot container are typically around 19 feet long by 7.9 feet wide by 7.8 feet high, you have plenty of space to work with. If you’re looking for ideas on what to put in your 20-foot container, here are a few possibilities:

• Furniture: A 20-foot container can comfortably fit several pieces of furniture, including couches, chairs, tables, and dressers.
• Vehicles: If you need to store a car, truck, or recreational vehicle, a 20-foot container is a perfect size. You can also use it to store ATVs, motorcycles, or other types of vehicles.
• Construction materials: If you’re a contractor or do-it-yourselfer, a 20-foot container can be used to store lumber, drywall, tools, and other construction materials.

These are just a few ideas for what you can put in a 20-foot shipping container. With so much space to work with, the sky’s the limit!

Where to Buy 20ft Shipping Containers – Shipping Container Depot

Shipping Container Depot offers a wide variety of new and used ISO shipping containers for sale and lease across the country. Our specialty is in shipping container modifications & services such as shipping container conversions into habitable living spaces, office containers, pop-up restaurants, and shops. We can also provide the most basic uses for a shipping container, to be shipped overseas, or to be used as an additional secured outdoor portable storage unit. No matter your need, Shipping Container Depot Inc. is here to help! Visit our website, email us at Contact@ShippingContainerDepot.com or give us a call today at (626) 765-9446 to order your shipping container needs.

Related articles:

• Weight of 20 ft Shipping Container
• How to Buy a Shipping Container: 7 Steps 

20 ft Container Dimensions at a Glance

Quick recap of 20ft container dimensions: a standard unit gives you about 33 cubic meters (1,172 cubic feet) of space, while the high cube version adds an extra foot of height. Maximum gross weight is rated at 67,200 lbs (30,480 kg), so a 20-footer handles surprisingly heavy cargo. Two 20ft units placed side by side cover roughly the footprint of one 40ft container — useful when your site layout demands a wide range of configurations. Please note that 20 foot container specifications can vary slightly by manufacturer, so always confirm the CSC plate on the unit you buy.

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