20ft vs 40ft containers: what’s the difference?

If you close your eyes and think of a shipping container, you’ll almost definitely picture either a 20ft or 40ft unit.

While other sizes (8/10/48ft) are available, 20 and 40 footers account for around 90% of the world’s containers.

A 20ft container equals one twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), the international standard for container size. 40ft containers (2 TEU) are more popular however, particularly for international shipping, thanks to their greater capacity.

But which is right for you?

In this practical guide we’ll compare 20ft and 40ft containers in terms of specifications, costs and typical use cases, to help you make the right choice for your situation.

What is a 20ft container?

The basis of the standardised TEU used in international shipping, 20ft containers are the smaller of the two options.

20ft container specifications

• External dimensions: 6.06m (L) x 2.44m (W) x 2.59m* (H)
• Internal dimensions: 5.90m (L) x 2.35m (W) x 2.39m (H)
• Door opening dimensions: 2.34m (W) x 2.28m (H)
• Internal floor area: 13.88m²
• Internal volume: 33.1m³
• Maximum payload: 28,200kg

20ft container use cases

• Transport of small or dense goods
• Secure commercial and residential storage
• Workshops and site offices
• Sales kiosks and market stalls
• Garden and tool sheds
• Backyard retreats/entertainment areas

What is a 40ft container?

As the name suggests, 40ft containers are twice the length of 20ft, though the other dimensions stay the same. The extra length slightly reduces strength, so 40ft containers actually have a lower payload limit than 20ft.

40ft container specifications

• External dimensions: 12.19m (L) x 2.44m (W) x 2.59m* (H)
• Internal dimensions: 12.03m (L) x 2.35m (W) x 2.39m (H)
• Door opening dimensions: 2.34m (W) x 2.28m (H)
• Internal floor area: 28.37m²
• Internal volume: 67.7m³
• Maximum payload: 26,990kg

40ft container use cases

• Transport of bulkier goods
• Large-scale secure storage
• Tiny homes
• Container pools
• Retail conversions

*Both 20ft and 40ft shipping containers are available in ‘high cube’ versions that are 305mm taller than standard.

Price differences

Another key factor in your decision is your budget. 40ft containers are understandably more expensive to buy and move, but by how much?

You can check out our complete breakdown of costs here, but in short:

Purchase price

While 20ft containers are cheaper, cost per square metre typically favours 40ft containers – for example:

• 20ft standard (used – cargo worthy): Approximately $2000-$4000 ($144-$288/m²)
• 40ft standard (used – cargo worthy): Approximately $3000-$5000 ($106-$176/m²)

Transport and delivery

The smaller the container, the cheaper it is to transport and deliver. 20ft containers can be unloaded with a tilt-tray truck, while 40ft containers typically demand a more expensive side loader. Example prices for deliveries in and around Brisbane:

• 50km delivery, empty 20ft shipping container, tilt tray: $350
• 50km delivery, empty 40ft shipping container, side loader: $451

Which container is right for you?

Before making the final call on container size, factor in the following considerations:

• Available space: 20ft containers suit smaller sites, tighter backyards and locations with limited manoeuvring room. 40ft containers require more clearance for delivery, placement and ongoing access.
• Delivery: Restricted driveways, narrow streets and limited access for cranes favour 20ft containers. 40ft containers typically need easier access and more space for safe unloading.
• Intended use: 20ft containers are ideal for simple storage, small workshops and sales kiosks. 40ft containers are better for larger-scale storage, container pools and more spacious living/working areas.
• Budget: 20ft containers demand a lower upfront investment and are cheaper to transport, though a 40ft container will typically offer greater value on a per square/cubic metre basis.

No matter which container you decide to invest in, at shipping-containers.com.au our nationwide network of dealers means that you could secure your container in a matter of days.

Quiz

Find the right container for your project

Let us help. Our smart form guides you step-by-step to the best container option based on your use case and location.

Shop now