Housing affordability is a real issue in Australia. The price of homes just keeps on climbing, leading many people to look at alternative and often less traditional dwellings. The shipping…
20ft Shipping Container: Specs, Prices, and Uses (AU 2026)
Compact, cost-effective and versatile, 20ft shipping containers are the ultimate infrastructure solution. Our independent platform connects you with vetted local suppliers to get the right container, at the right price, every time.
Find Your Perfect ContainerNew & Used Options Available
Features + Specs
Compact, tough and customisable
20ft shipping container dimensions
6.06m (20ft) (L) x 2.44m (W) x 2.59m (H), 33m³ of internal space.
20ft shipping container durability
- Waterproof and weatherproof steel construction.
- Choose any container grade – new, used, as-is – from vetted suppliers.
20ft shipping container extras
Our modification partners can customise your container your way.
Use cases
What can a 20ft container be used for?
1. Construction site storage
Why:
A strong, secure and portable space for storing tools, machinery and materials.
Customisation:
Can be used as a temporary site office by adding ventilation, insulation and windows.
2. Workshops and studios
Why:
An affordable art studio, mobile workstation or space for your DIY projects.
Customisation:
Make the space more comfortable and usable with electrical fit-outs, lighting and shelving.
3. Tiny homes and granny flats
Why:
An ideal basis for a modular living space, particularly in rural and off-grid areas.
Customisation:
Add insulation, windows, plumbing and solar to create a livable, comfortable space.
4. Personal and farm storage
Why:
A strong, secure and portable space for storing valuable items on your property.
Customisation:
Add windows, ventilation and flooring to create a usable work or personal space.
5. Retail and pop-up shops
Why:
A low-cost way to create usable floorspace for cafes, retailers, boutiques and event stalls.
Customisation:
Brand the container and easily transport it to events, markets or a permanent commercial site.
New or used
New vs used: which container is right for you?
3,000+ Satisfied Clients
best for business, from $3,200 + GST
New 20ft shipping container
Single-trip containers in as-new condition.
Ideal for long-term use or prominent, high visibility locations.
Available in multiple colours and fully customisable.
Can be supplied complete with factory lockbox and vents.
Budget pick, from $2,050 + GST
Used 20ft shipping container
Choose your rating: As-is/project-grade, wind & watertight (WWT) or CSC-plated/cargo-worthy.
Ideal for budget storage and remote/low visibility sites.
May have cosmetic wear and (protective) external rust.
Limited colours, but cost-effective and fully customisable.
3,000+ Satisfied Clients
About 20ft shipping containers
The world’s most popular shipping container
Close your eyes and think of a shipping container, and you’ll probably imagine a 20-footer, because it’s the world’s most widely used container size. And there are very good reasons for this popularity.
At around 6m long and 2.5m wide, it is easy to transport overland, and can fit comfortably on most residential or commercial properties. But don’t let the external compactness fool you: inside you’ll find an impressive 33 cubic metres of space, ready to be used as storage, as a workspace, even as a place to live.
Why choose a 20ft container?
- Strong and protective: Built from corten steel, designed to offer total protection, with optional lockboxes and vents.
- Easy to modify: Add insulation, windows, doors, plumbing and electrical to turn it into a living/working space.
- Readily available: Connect with vetted local suppliers across the country, and get a container delivered to your door.
- Great for tight spaces: Place your container in a driveway, on a construction site, or outside your commercial premises.
Got questions? Let’s chat.
Hello! I’m Sophie – Container Specialist, how can I help you?
We’re here to make container buying simple.
Talk to a real expert, get advice, and find your perfect fit – fast.
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FAQs
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers
All you need to know about 20ft shipping containers.
01
Generally speaking, the price of high-quality used 20-footers is in the low-to-mid thousands, while new or specialised units – high cube, side opener – require a higher investment. Pricing naturally varies based on condition, modifications and availability. As an independent platform, we provide up-to-date market context and connect you with vetted local suppliers who offer transparent, competitive quotes tailored to your specific project budget.
02
Yes, shipping containers can be used as secure, portable and perfectly affordable garages. At 6.06m long and 2.44m wide, their dimensions are ideal for most passenger vehicles. Buying a container can be far more cost-effective than building a dedicated garage, and if you ever need to move it, you can.
03
Whether you need a concrete slab for your shipping container will depend on the ground you plan to place it on. A standard 20ft shipping container weighs approximately 2200kg (and far more when full), with the weight spread across a relatively compact 14.8m² footprint. A hard substrate like granite will generally be able to handle the load, but softer soil may require a concrete slab, and marshy soil will always need support from concrete pilings.
04
20ft shipping containers are intermodal, meaning they can be transported on sea, rail and road. This means that they can be delivered almost anywhere in Australia. And by accessing our sprawling network of local container suppliers, delivery of your ideal container can be completed in quick time.
05
High cube containers are the same length and width as a general purpose 20ft shipping container, but they are approximately 30cm taller, making them 2.89m high. High cube containers therefore offer more internal volume, and are great for bulkier goods.
06
Not only is it possible to customise a shipping container, these simple metal boxes are perfect for modification. Storage, site offices, pop-up retail spaces, workshops, garages, garden sheds, galleries, tiny homes; if you can think of a use, there’s probably a way to make it happen. In fact, someone has probably already done it. And our modification partners are ready to help bring your container dreams to life. If your cargo needs a purpose-built solution rather than a modification, see our specialised container range.
07
As a container platform, we connect you with vetted local suppliers. Some exclusively sell containers, others also offer leasing and rental services. Renting can make sense for short-term use, while purchasing may be more suitable for longer-term or customised projects. Because pricing and availability vary by region and supplier, we recommend submitting your requirements to receive options tailored to your situation.