Container buying guide

Sizes, grades, and getting your site ready — the short version.

Sizes

External dimensions, nominal. Internal space is a little smaller because of wall and floor thickness.

Container	Length	Width	Height	Capacity
10 ft	2.99 m	2.44 m	2.59 m	≈ 16 m³
20 ft	6.06 m	2.44 m	2.59 m	≈ 33 m³
20 ft high cube	6.06 m	2.44 m	2.90 m	≈ 37 m³
40 ft	12.19 m	2.44 m	2.59 m	≈ 67 m³
40 ft high cube	12.19 m	2.44 m	2.90 m	≈ 76 m³
45 ft high cube	13.72 m	2.44 m	2.90 m	≈ 86 m³

Made one voyage from the factory. Uniform paint, straight panels, good seals. Use it for offices, conversions and anything people will see.

Structurally fit for sea freight. Visible wear and dents but solid doors, floor and frame. Good for export or heavy-use storage.

Keeps rain and wind out; not certified for shipping. Expect patches, repaints and surface rust. The budget storage option.

Sold with known faults, priced to match. Inspect before you buy — great for sheds, workshops and cut-down projects.

Access. A tilt-tray needs about twice the container length in straight, clear run-in, with no low wires or branches. Tell us about tight gates or slopes when you ask for a quote.
Ground. Firm and level. Put sleepers, pavers or concrete pads under the four corners so the doors stay square and air moves underneath.
Doors. Leave room in front of the doors to swing fully open — roughly 1.2 m.
Council. Storage on private land usually needs no approval, but permanent or habitable use often does. Check with your council first.