20ft Shipping Container
20 Foot Shipping Container for Sale | Container Logistics
Jun
Table of Contents
20 Foot Shipping Container for Sale: The Complete Buyer’s Guide (2026)
Whether you need a 20 foot shipping container for international freight, secure on-site storage, or a creative conversion project, this guide covers everything you need to know — from dimensions and pricing to the difference between standard and high cube units. Plus, find out where to buy shipping containers for sale in Europe with fast, guaranteed delivery to your door.
Why the 20 Foot Shipping Container Remains the World’s Most Popular Choice
The 20 foot shipping container — officially known as a Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) — is the backbone of global trade. Since the standardisation of containerised shipping in the 1950s, the 20ft unit has become the most widely manufactured, traded, and repurposed container on earth. Its dimensions strike the perfect balance: spacious enough for significant cargo or storage, yet compact enough to fit in tight spaces, on flatbed trucks, and in domestic settings.
At Container Logistics, the 20ft container consistently accounts for the majority of our orders — from businesses buying new one-trip units for export, to homeowners purchasing used shipping containers for sale for garden storage, to developers sourcing second hand shipping containers for sale for modular construction. The versatility is unmatched.
📦 Quick Fact: Standard 20ft Dimensions External: 6.06m (L) × 2.44m (W) × 2.59m (H) | Internal: 5.90m (L) × 2.35m (W) × 2.39m (H) | Max Payload: approx. 28,000 kg | Internal Volume: approx. 33 m³
Shipping Containers for Sale: New, Used & Second Hand Options Explained
When searching for shipping containers for sale, the first decision to make is condition grade. At Container Logistics, we offer three primary grades, each suited to different budgets and use cases.
🆕 New / One-Trip
Used once to ship cargo from the manufacturer to Europe. As close to brand-new as possible. Includes our 10-year structural warranty and 10-year no-leak guarantee.
♻️ Used Containers
Fully inspected used shipping containers for sale — wind and watertight, structurally sound, and available at significantly lower price points. Ideal for storage.
🔄 Second Hand / Cargo-Worthy
Second hand shipping containers for sale that meet international cargo-worthy standards. Ideal for ongoing shipping use or robust on-site storage.
All grades are available in our Available Containers section. If you’re unsure which grade suits your project, our team is ready to advise — simply request a free quote and we’ll match you with the right option.
Our most affordable entry-level 20ft unit — the 20ft Standard Cargo Shipping Container — is currently available from just €1,750, making it one of the most competitive prices for used shipping containers for sale across the European market.
20ft Shipping Container for Sale: Key Use Cases
The question we hear most often is: “What can I actually do with a 20ft container?” The answer is wider than most people expect.
- International cargo shipping — the original purpose, moving goods by sea, rail, or road
- On-site storage — construction sites, farms, warehouses, and commercial premises
- Secure document and equipment storage — weather-tight and lockable
- Pop-up retail units and cafés — growing in popularity across Europe
- Modular offices and site accommodation — convert to a fully insulated workspace
- Container homes and studios — architects and self-builders increasingly choose 20ft units
- Emergency or temporary structures — disaster relief, events, festivals
- Workshop conversions — garages, art studios, gym spaces
For all these applications, browse our full range of 20ft shipping containers for sale and find the unit that fits your project and budget.
20ft High Cube Container: When Standard Height Isn’t Enough
One of the most significant upgrades you can make when choosing a 20ft shipping container for sale is stepping up to a high cube shipping container. The difference comes down to one crucial dimension: height.
📐 Standard vs High Cube — The Height Difference Standard 20ft external height: 2.59m (8ft 6in)
High cube 20ft external height: 2.90m (9ft 6in)
That extra 305mm of internal clearance transforms the usability of the unit.
Why Choose a 20ft High Cube Container?
A 20ft high cube container provides approximately 37.3 m³ of internal volume compared to 33 m³ in a standard unit — around 13% more space. For cargo that stacks vertically, or for conversion projects where headroom matters, the high cube is the practical choice.
The high cube shipping container is particularly popular for:
- Container conversions — offices, studios, and homes where ceiling height is a comfort factor
- Vertical storage of palletised goods, machinery, and equipment
- Refrigerated or reefer unit conversions requiring ducting space above the goods
- Retail and hospitality pop-ups where a sense of space matters to customers
- Self-storage facilities offering premium storage tiers
At Container Logistics, our high cube inventory spans both 20ft and 40ft sizes. You can view our full range of high cube shipping containers — including side-access and full-access variants — in our Available Containers section. Not sure whether a standard or high cube container is right for your project? Contact our team for a no-obligation consultation.
20ft vs 40ft Shipping Container: Full Comparison
One of the most common questions from buyers is whether to choose a 20ft shipping container for sale or step up to a 40ft unit. The answer depends on your cargo volume, available ground space, and budget. Here’s a full side-by-side comparison drawn from the containers available at containerlogistics.eu:
| Specification | 20ft Standard | 20ft High Cube | 40ft Standard | 40ft High Cube |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| External Length | 6.06 m | 6.06 m | 12.19 m | 12.19 m |
| External Width | 2.44 m | 2.44 m | 2.44 m | 2.44 m |
| External Height | 2.59 m | 2.90 m | 2.59 m | 2.90 m |
| Internal Volume | ~33 m³ | ~37 m³ | ~67 m³ | ~76 m³ |
| Max Payload | ~28,000 kg | ~28,000 kg | ~26,500 kg | ~26,500 kg |
| ISO Certified | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Starting Price (Used) | From €1,750 | Contact for quote | Contact for quote | From €3,750 |
| Best For | Storage, shipping, conversions | Tall cargo, conversions | Large volume shipping | Max volume, workshops |
| View on Site | Shop 20ft → | View all → | Shop 40ft → | Shop HC → |
As a general rule: if you have limited ground space or a tighter budget, the 20ft shipping container for sale is your best starting point. If you regularly move or store high volumes of goods, the 40ft delivers better cost-per-cubic-metre economics. Request a personalised quote and our team will help you decide. buy 20 foot shipping containers for sale
20 ft Shipping Container (One Trip) Blue (RAL 5013)
Product Specifications
| External Length (m) | 6.06 |
|---|---|
| External Width (m) | 2.44 |
| External Height (m) | 2.59 |
| Internal Length (m) | 5.84 |
| Internal Width (m) | 2.35 |
| Internal Height (m) | 2.39 |
| Door Width (m) | 2.34 |
| Door Height (m) | 2.28 |
| Weight (kg) | 2180 |
| Floor Type | 28mm Bamboo Ply |
| Cubic Capacity (cubic feet) | 1172 |
Shipping Containers for Sale in Europe: Fast Delivery, Transparent Pricing
Finding reliable shipping containers for sale in Europe with genuine quality guarantees and clear pricing is harder than it should be. At Container Logistics, we’ve built our business specifically to solve that problem.
We operate from our European depot, with a logistics network covering fast doorstep delivery across Spain, France, Germany, Ireland, the UK, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, and beyond. Every unit ships within 10–14 working days of order confirmation, and we provide real-time updates throughout the delivery process.
🚚 Delivery Coverage for Shipping Containers for Sale in Europe Spain · France · Germany · Ireland · United Kingdom · Portugal · Belgium · Netherlands · Italy · and more. We also ship to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
View our full Shipping & Delivery policy →
What Makes Container Logistics Different?
- Every container is thoroughly inspected before dispatch — no hidden condition surprises
- New / One-Trip units come with a 10-year structural warranty and 10-year no-leak guarantee
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees — what you see is what you pay
- Lifetime customer support for all container grades, for as long as you own your unit
- ISO-certified stock across all sizes and grades
- Flexible delivery scheduling to suit your site access requirements
Learn more about who we are, our values, and our commitment to quality on our About Us page.
Second Hand & Used Shipping Containers for Sale: Are They Worth It?
The honest answer is: yes, in most cases. A well-graded second hand shipping container for sale or used shipping container for sale will serve the vast majority of storage and on-site applications just as effectively as a brand-new unit — at a fraction of the price.
At Container Logistics, our used shipping containers undergo the same inspection regime as our new stock. We assess structural integrity, floor condition, roof integrity, door seal quality, and corrosion levels before classifying any unit for sale. A container graded “cargo-worthy” meets active international shipping standards. A container graded “wind and watertight” is ideal for storage, secure and weatherproof but may show cosmetic wear.
💡 When to choose used over new ✔ On-site construction storage where aesthetics don’t matter
✔ Agricultural storage — grain, equipment, tools
✔ Budget-sensitive projects with a large number of units
✔ Temporary storage that may be resold within 2–3 years
✖ Avoid for food-grade cargo, hazardous materials, or high-end conversion projects where finish quality matters
How to Buy a 20ft Shipping Container from Container Logistics
Buying a 20ft shipping container for sale from Container Logistics takes minutes. Our process is designed to be straightforward and secure:
- Browse our Available Containers page and select your preferred size, grade, and configuration.
- Request a quote via our free quote form — include your delivery postcode and we’ll confirm pricing and availability within 24 hours.
- Place your order securely online with our encrypted payment system.
- Schedule delivery — our logistics team contacts you to arrange a delivery window that suits your site.
- Take delivery — your container arrives within 10–14 working days, inspected and ready to use.
Have questions before you commit? Visit our FAQs page for answers to the most common buyer questions, or contact our team directly. You can also reach us on WhatsApp at +34 631 129 371.
Frequently Asked Questions: 20 Foot Shipping Container
How much does a 20 foot shipping container cost?
Prices vary by grade and configuration. At Container Logistics, used 20ft shipping containers for sale start from €1,750 for a standard cargo-worthy unit. New one-trip 20ft containers range from approximately €2,250 to €7,950 depending on door configuration and specification. Get a current quote here.
What is the difference between a 20ft standard and a 20ft high cube container?
A standard 20ft container has an external height of 2.59m. A 20ft high cube container is 2.90m tall — 305mm (1 foot) higher. This extra headroom adds around 4 m³ of internal volume and is particularly valuable for conversion projects, tall pallet stacking, and any application where internal ceiling height matters.
Can I buy a 20ft shipping container for personal use?
Absolutely. Many of our customers are private individuals buying a 20ft container for sale for garden storage, workshop conversion, or a self-build project. There are no commercial-only restrictions on purchasing. Browse personal use containers here.
Do you deliver shipping containers across Europe?
Yes. Container Logistics delivers shipping containers for sale in Europe across Spain, France, Germany, Ireland, the UK, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, and more. We also ship internationally to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. View our delivery policy.
Do used containers come with a warranty?
Our new and one-trip containers include a 10-year structural warranty and 10-year no-leak guarantee. All grades — including used shipping containers for sale — come with lifetime customer support. Full terms are outlined in our Terms & Conditions.
Follow Container Logistics on Social Media
Stay up to date with new stock arrivals, special offers, container conversion inspiration, and industry news across our social platforms:
📌 Pinterest 𝕏 Twitter / X ✍ Medium t Tumblr 📷 Flickr
We regularly post container inspiration, project ideas, and stock updates on Pinterest — a great resource if you’re planning a container conversion or home project. Follow us on Twitter / X (@CLogisticsEU) for real-time updates and industry news.
Ready to Find Your 20 Foot Shipping Container?
The 20 foot shipping container is one of the most practical, durable, and versatile assets you can purchase — whether for shipping, storage, or a creative project. At Container Logistics, we stock new one-trip units, used shipping containers for sale, and second hand shipping containers for sale across all grades and configurations, with fast delivery to your location anywhere in Europe and beyond.
From a standard 20ft container for sale to a 20ft high cube container with maximum internal headroom, our team is ready to match you with the right unit at the right price. With transparent pricing, lifetime support, and a 10-year warranty on new stock, buying from Container Logistics is the simplest decision you’ll make.
Container Logistics Editorial Team Specialists in shipping containers for sale across Europe. View all our guides on the Container Logistics Blog.
