usa containers

20′ Container - Novelt Can Inc

What is a 20-Foot Shipping Container?

A 20-foot shipping container (also called a “20ft dry van” or “20ft box”) is a standardized steel container used in global trade. It’s the most common size because it offers a balance between capacity, maneuverability, and cost efficiency.

It’s large enough to carry heavy goods but small enough to be delivered to most locations without major handling issues. That’s why it’s the workhorse for both cargo shipping and on-site storage.

Dimensions of a 20-Foot Container

(These are ISO-standard sizes, though they may vary slightly by manufacturer.)

External Dimensions

Length: 20 ft (6.06 m)

Width: 8 ft (2.44 m)

Height: 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)

Internal Dimensions

Length: ~19 ft 4 in (5.9 m)

Width: 7 ft 8 in (2.35 m)

Height: 7 ft 10 in (2.39 m)

High Cube Version

External Height: 9 ft 6 in (2.89 m)

Internal Height: 8 ft 10 in (2.69 m)

Weight & Capacity

Tare Weight (empty): ~2,200 – 2,400 kg (4,850 – 5,290 lbs)

Maximum Gross Weight: 24,000 – 30,480 kg (52,900 – 67,200 lbs)

Payload Capacity: ~21,600 – 28,000 kg (47,600 – 61,700 lbs)

Volume Capacity: ~33 – 37 cubic meters (1,165 – 1,310 cubic feet)

A 20ft container can usually hold 10–11 standard pallets (Euro or ISO) or the contents of a 2–3 bedroom house.

Construction

Material: Corten steel (weather-resistant, durable against corrosion).

Flooring: Marine-grade plywood or bamboo with steel cross members.

Doors: Double swing doors at one end with locking bars and rubber seals.

Ventilation: Small vents to reduce condensation and protect cargo.

Security: Can include lockboxes for anti-theft protection.

Uses of a 20-Foot Container

1. Shipping Cargo (Primary Use)
   • International freight (furniture, electronics, textiles, vehicles, food, etc.)
   • Can carry heavy goods better than 40ft containers (because of weight distribution).
   • Fits most transport systems (ships, trains, trucks).
2. On-Site Storage
   • Warehouses, retail stock, construction materials.
   • Personal use for household items, farm tools, or seasonal storage.
3. Specialized Versions
   • Reefer (Refrigerated) – for perishable goods.
   • Open Top – for oversized cargo loaded from above.
   • Flat Rack – for heavy machinery and vehicles.
   • Tank Containers – for liquids and chemicals.
4. Conversion Projects
   • Container homes, cabins, or offices.
   • Pop-up retail shops or cafés.
   • Site offices and portable workshops.
   • Emergency shelters, clinics, or classrooms.

Cost of a 20-Foot Container

New (One-Trip): $3,000 – $5,000

Used (Cargo-Worthy): $1,800 – $3,000

Rental: $75 – $120 per month (depending on location and condition)

Advantages

Most versatile size – fits both shipping and storage needs.

Widely available – easier to find and cheaper compared to 10ft or 40ft.

Easier to transport – doesn’t require special trucks like 40ft does.

Cost-efficient – lower rental and purchase costs.

Perfect weight balance – handles dense/heavy cargo better than larger containers.

Things to Consider

Limited capacity vs. 40ft – if shipping bulky (but light) cargo, a 40ft is more efficient.

Space requirements – needs at least 75 ft of straight clearance for delivery by truck.

Availability of specialized versions may vary by region.

The 20-foot shipping container is the most practical, flexible, and cost-efficient container size in global trade. It’s the go-to option for businesses, homeowners, and innovators alike—small enough to handle easily, but large enough to store or ship a significant volume of goods.

Head Office

Head Office Address: 1075 Clark Blvd Industrial Building Brampton, ON L6T 3W4

Phone Call: [+1 (343) 633-3658](tel:+1 (343) 633-3658),

[+1 (520) 209-2911](tel:+1 (520) 209-2911)

Email: sales@noveltcaninc.com

Branch Offices

Office - Alberta: 235093 Wrangler Dr Industrial Building Rocky, AB T1X 0K3

Office - BC: 7342 Industrial Way2, Pemberton, BC V0N 2L0

US Office - Arizona: 260 S Hibbert St Industrial Building Mesa, AZ 85210

Subscribe Nesletter

Sign up to searing weekly newsletter to get the latest updates.

- [x] I agree to the Privacy Policy.

©2026 All rights reserved

We respect your privacy

Cookies help us improve your experience, deliver personalized content, and analyze traffic. You can choose which cookies to allow by clicking Customize. Click Accept All to consent or Reject All to decline non-essential cookies.

Personalize Your Cookie Preferences

We use cookies to ensure smooth navigation and enable essential site functions. You can view detailed information about each cookie category below.

Cookies marked as Necessary are stored in your browser because they are essential for basic site functionality. These cookies do not require your consent under GDPR.

We also use third-party cookies to analyze site usage, remember your preferences, and deliver relevant content and ads. These will only be activated with your consent. You can choose to enable or disable these cookies, but please note that turning off some types may affect your browsing experience.

... show more

►Necessary Cookies Standard - [x]

Necessary cookies enable essential site features like secure log-ins and consent preference adjustments. They do not store personal data.

None

►Functional Cookies Remark - [x]

Functional cookies support features like content sharing on social media, collecting feedback, and enabling third-party tools.

None

►Analytical Cookies Remark - [x]

Analytical cookies track visitor interactions, providing insights on metrics like visitor count, bounce rate, and traffic sources.

None

►Advertisement Cookies Remark - [x]

Advertisement cookies deliver personalized ads based on your previous visits and analyze the effectiveness of ad campaigns.

None

►Unclassified Cookies Remark

Unclassified cookies are cookies that we are in the process of classifying, together with the providers of individual cookies.

None