The 20ft shipping container is the most popular steel box in America, and for good reason. It is big enough to store the contents of a two to three bedroom home, compact enough to fit on a driveway or tight job site, and priced to suit almost any budget. At StackCrateCo we stock new (one-trip) and used 20ft shipping container for sale options, every unit inspected, graded and delivered across the lower 48 states. If you want secure, weatherproof space without the footprint of a 40ft box, this is the size to start with.
Why buy a 20ft shipping container?
A 20 ft shipping container is the do-everything choice. It balances generous capacity with easy placement, which is why homeowners, tradespeople, farmers and businesses buy more of them than any other size. Because the supply of used 20ft units is strong, prices stay competitive, and the smaller footprint means delivery is simpler than with longer boxes.
- Fits almost anywhere: a driveway, yard or compact site will usually take a 20ft box.
- Easy to deliver: shorter length means simpler tilt-bed access than a 40ft.
- Strong value: plenty of stock keeps the 20ft container price keen.
- Secure and weatherproof: heavy steel, lockable doors and sealed gaskets.
- Relocatable: light enough to move again if your needs change.
20ft shipping container dimensions and capacity
A standard 20 foot container for sale measures roughly 20ft long by 8ft wide by 8ft 6in tall externally, giving about 1,170 cubic feet of internal volume and around 160 square feet of floor space. That is enough for the contents of a small home, a workshop full of tools, or a season of stock. High cube versions add a foot of height for taller loads. For exact internal and door measurements, see our shipping container dimensions guide, and for the international build standard you can review the reference on intermodal containers.
New vs used 20ft containers
The grade you choose is the biggest factor in price. A new, one-trip box looks almost factory fresh, while a used unit offers excellent value for storage and site work.
- New / one-trip: a new 20ft shipping container has made a single voyage and arrives near-pristine, ideal for offices, homes and visible projects.
- Used / cargo-worthy: a used 20ft container for sale is certified wind and watertight with honest cosmetic wear, the smart pick for storage.
- Repainted: ask about a fresh coat to match your property or brand.
20ft high cube containers
Need more headroom? A 20ft high cube container stands 9ft 6in tall, a full foot more than standard, which helps with tall equipment, racking, insulated linings and conversions. Explore our dedicated high cube containers range if ceiling height is a priority for your project.
20ft vs 40ft containers: which should you buy?
The most common question we hear is whether to size up. A 20ft container is easier to place, cheaper up front and simple to relocate, making it perfect for homes, small businesses and restricted sites. A 40ft container offers the best cost per square foot and suits warehousing and larger conversions. If access is tight or you only need moderate storage, the 20ft wins. If you need maximum volume, compare our 40ft shipping containers.
How much does a 20ft shipping container cost?
The 20ft container price depends on condition, location and any modifications. Used cargo-worthy boxes are the most affordable, one-trip units carry a premium for their near-new look, and high cube options sit slightly higher. Delivery is the other variable, which we price transparently by ZIP code so there are no surprises. For a full breakdown of what drives pricing, read our guide on how much a shipping container costs, then check live prices in our shop.
Popular uses for a 20ft container
The 20ft size is endlessly useful. Customers buy a 20ft storage container for almost any project that needs secure, dry space.
- Home and garden storage: furniture, tools, seasonal gear and overflow.
- Job-site storage: a lockable steel store that moves between projects.
- Workshops and hobby spaces: a compact, secure base for tools and equipment.
- Retail and hospitality: stock rooms, pop-ups and bars.
- Conversions: the base for compact offices and cabins and container homes.
What to check when buying a used 20ft container
A good used 20ft shipping container can last for decades, but it helps to know what to look for. Inspect the roof for dents and pooling, the floor for soft spots, and the doors for clean opening and a tight seal. Surface rust is normal and easily treated, while deep corrosion is a warning sign. At StackCrateCo we carry out this inspection for you and grade every unit honestly, so you never have to gamble on an unseen box.
- Doors: should swing freely and seal against the gaskets.
- Floor: solid marine plywood with no rot.
- Roof: no major dents or standing water.
- Frame: straight rails and sound corner castings.
Modifying your 20ft container
A 20ft box adapts beautifully. Add personnel or roll-up doors, cut in windows and vents, line and insulate the walls, or fit shelving and power to build a workshop or office. The strong structure means most modifications are straightforward, and our team can advise on what is simple and what needs engineering. Finish the job with genuine container accessories such as lock boxes, shelving and ramps.
Delivery of your 20ft container across the USA
We deliver every 20ft shipping container for sale nationwide from our Sauget, Illinois depot using tilt-bed and flatbed transport. Tilt-bed needs no equipment and slides the container gently onto a level surface, while flatbed suits sites with a forklift or crane. Delivery is priced by distance from your ZIP code at checkout, so the figure you see is the figure you pay. Confirm coverage and access on our delivery areas page before you order.
How to prepare for delivery
A 20ft container needs a firm, level spot and reasonable truck access. For tilt-bed delivery, allow roughly 60 to 80ft of straight clearance so the driver can angle the bed and roll the box off. A bed of gravel or sleepers keeps the unit off wet ground and helps the doors stay square. Our team will confirm site requirements when you order so the drop goes cleanly first time.
Why buy your 20ft container from StackCrateCo
When you buy a 20ft container from StackCrateCo, every unit is physically inspected and honestly graded, so the box that arrives matches what you ordered. You get transparent ZIP-based delivery pricing, genuine advice from container specialists, and secure online checkout by card, wire or crypto. New to the terminology? Learn what a conex box is, then call us on (312) 998-4030 or request a fast quote.
20ft container grades explained
Knowing the grades helps you buy a 20ft shipping container with confidence. One-trip units are the newest available, having shipped just once, so they show minimal wear and the cleanest paint, perfect for conversions and anything on display. Cargo-worthy boxes remain certified for international transport and are structurally excellent with cosmetic age. Wind and watertight units are sealed and dry but no longer cargo-certified, which makes them an ideal, affordable choice for static storage. As-is containers are sold purely for their steel value and are best left to specialist projects. Every 20 ft shipping container we list carries a clear grade, so you always know precisely what you are buying and never pay for condition you do not need.
Using a 20ft container as a home, office or studio
The 20ft footprint is a favourite for compact builds. Its manageable size makes it easy to deliver, place and connect to services, and a single box converts neatly into a backyard office, art studio, guest room or tiny home. With insulation, a window, a door and some power, a plain steel box becomes a comfortable, secure room that costs far less than a traditional extension. Pair two or more units to create larger layouts, or combine a 20ft with a deck for indoor-outdoor living. Explore our shipping container homes and cabins ranges for inspiration and conversion-ready units.
The sustainable, eco-friendly choice
Buying a used 20ft storage container is one of the greenest building decisions you can make. Each box is a massive, ready-made steel structure that would otherwise sit idle in a port, so repurposing it keeps thousands of pounds of steel in productive use rather than the scrap yard. Compared with pouring concrete or framing a new structure, reusing a container dramatically cuts the material footprint of your storage or build. It is durability and sustainability in a single, rugged package, which is part of why container projects have become so popular with environmentally minded buyers.
Secure online checkout and support
Buying steel should feel as easy as any modern online purchase. Browse our live 20ft shipping container for sale listings, choose your grade and any modifications, then enter your ZIP code for an instant, all-in delivery price. Check out securely by card, bank wire or crypto, receive full order confirmation, and lean on our team at any stage. There is no haggling, no hidden fees and no vague callbacks, just a clear price and a container delivered to your door. When you are ready to buy a 20ft container, the whole process is transparent from click to delivery.
Security, colours and finishing touches
A 20ft shipping container is secure out of the box, but a few additions make it even tougher and better looking. A weld-on lock box shrouds the padlock so bolt cutters cannot reach it, louvre vents control condensation to keep contents dry, and a fresh coat of paint in your chosen colour protects the steel while smartening the exterior. Inside, shelving, racking and a timber lining turn raw space into an organised store or workshop. These small upgrades cost little, extend the life of the container and tailor it precisely to how you work, which is exactly why so many buyers add them when they order.
20ft shipping container FAQs
How much does a 20ft shipping container cost?
Used 20ft units are the most affordable, while new one-trip and high cube boxes carry a premium. Condition, location and delivery distance all affect the final 20ft container price, which we show transparently at checkout.
What are the dimensions of a 20ft container?
A standard 20ft container is about 20ft long, 8ft wide and 8ft 6in tall, with high cube versions standing 9ft 6in tall for an extra foot of interior headroom.
How much can a 20ft container hold?
A 20ft container offers roughly 1,170 cubic feet, about the contents of a two to three bedroom home, with around 160 square feet of floor space.
Can you deliver a 20ft container to my site?
Yes. We deliver 20ft containers across the 48 contiguous states by tilt-bed or flatbed, priced by ZIP code. Allow around 60 to 80ft of clear, level access for a smooth tilt-bed drop.
Should I buy a new or used 20ft container?
Choose a new one-trip box for conversions and customer-facing uses, and a used cargo-worthy unit for storage and site work where value matters most.
Is a 20ft container better than a 40ft?
It depends on your space and needs. A 20ft container is easier to place and cheaper up front, while a 40ft offers more capacity and the best cost per square foot.
How long does a 20ft container last?
With basic care, a quality 20ft container lasts 25 years or more. Keep it on a level base, treat any surface rust and maintain the door seals to keep it watertight for decades.
Can I use a 20ft container for a tiny home?
Yes. The 20ft size is one of the most popular bases for tiny homes, studios and backyard offices because it is easy to deliver, place and convert. One-trip units are best for living spaces thanks to their clean condition.
Do you offer repainted 20ft containers?
Many of our 20ft units can be repainted in a colour of your choice to match your property or brand, which also refreshes and protects the exterior. Ask our team when you request your quote.
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