"Why go to a Storage Facility... When we can bring the storage facility to you?"®
"Why go to a Storage Facility...
When we can bring the storage facility to you?"®
(800) 517-0012
Back to the Blog

Size of Shipping Containers

Steel Shipping Containers come in several different shapes and sizes. The most common shipping containers are standard 20′ and 40′ long storage containers. The standard container has an interior height of 7’10” and an exterior height of 8’6″. The interior and exterior width is the same on almost every non-modified container and is 7’8″ and 8’0″ respectively. There are different lengths of shipping containers, besides the aforementioned 20′ & 40′ container length, such as 10 ‘& 45’ lengths.

There are also custom length containers created by cutting and welding containers together. These containers are generally special order and typically require some time to build as opposed the common “off the shelf” standard container sizes built in factories.

Shipping containers are also built in a high cube versions. High cube containers are most commonly found as 40′ shipping containers, but 20′ high cube containers and even 45′ high cube containers exist and can be purchased for on site storage in the U.S. when they are available. High cube storage containers in non “standard” sizes can also be fabricated in a variety of sizes from 10′ to 30′ in one foot increments. These are generally fabricated from damaged 40′ high cube shipping containers which have damage at one end of the container only. The container is cut in two and the good portion is used to form the new modified container.

Another distinguishing factor between types of containers are the types of doors installed and the placement of those doors. All non-modified shipping containers have a set of “barn style” double doors on one end only. Quite frequently however both 20′, 40′, and 40′ High Cube shipping containers come through from the factory with an additional set of doors on the opposite end of the container. These containers are appropriately called “double door” containers.

Open-Side storage containers have become very popular over the last few years as they offer a versatile side door that can open up to the full 20′ length of a container. These containers tend to weigh much more than standard door containers and can be hard to come by in the U.S.

20ft Shipping Containers

The most common size of a shipping container is 20′ long x 8′ wide x 8.5′ tall. Aside from shipping goods across the oceans, 20′ shipping containers commonly make up the rental fleets of several on-site storage container companies, including the rental fleet of Out-Back Storage. Because 20′ shipping containers are so common they tend to offer a better cost per square foot of storage than 10′ storage containers. 20ft shipping containers can be found in several different grades of container conditions. Typically these are new (otherwise know as “one-trip”), wind and watertight, as-is, and cargo worthy. View our current inventory of shipping containers for sale by clicking here.

40ft Standard Shipping Containers

40′ Shipping containers are also very common and can be purchased in every grade of condition. These containers, like the 20′ storage container, is also 8′ wide x 8.5′ tall. These shipping containers are commonly used for shipping good and for long term storage. They can also be seen as the basis for many large scale shipping container buildings.

40ft High Cube Storage Containers

High Cube Storage Containers have an interior height of 8’10” and an exterior height of 9’6″. The most commonly found high cube containers are found in 40′ lengths. These containers have a volume of 2694 cu ft and can commonly be seen riding on tractor trailers packed with goods for delivery. A 40′ high cube shipping container can be the ideal solution for on-site materials storage for businesses that handle bulk materials.

40ft Double Door Storage Containers

This type of Double door shipping containers features “barn style” doors at both ends of the container instead of the customary single set of barn doors at only one end. These containers can be hard to come by and will generally be in the 40′ length class.

20ft High Cube Storage Containers

High Cube Storage Containers have an interior height of 8’10” and an exterior height of 9’6″. The most commonly found high cube containers are found in 40′ lengths. These containers have a volume of 2694 cu ft and can commonly be seen riding on tractor trailers packed with goods for delivery. A 40′ high cube shipping container can be the ideal solution for on-site materials storage for businesses that handle bulk materials.

20ft Open Side Storage Containers

Open-side storage containers feature double hinged doors on one or both of the containers 20ft sides. When open these doors will expose the entire inside of the container. They are much heavier than containers of the same length because of the weight of the open-side doors and hinges required to make the unit functional. There are several ways these containers can be useful. Click here to see a video.

10ft Storage Containers

Finding a 10ft storage container for sale is not always easy. New 10ft shipping containers are generally found in the standard 8’6″ height and 8′ width. Containers can also be modified to the 10′ length by simply cutting down a larger container. Structurally, most of these modified versions of the 10′ shipping container will lack the steel corners of the frame on the cut/modified end of the container.
  • 401-290-7008
  • 11 Gavitt Ave
    Westerly RI 02891

Shipping Container Uses

Shipping Containers For Sale

Company Information

800-517-0012
Get A Quote

Call Now

Monday through Friday 8:30am - 4pm EST

Visit Us

Check out our inventory of containers - buy the one you want.

Outback Storage uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and improve our services. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time by adjusting your browser settings or opting out of certain types of cookies. Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our site. For more information on how we use cookies and how you can control them, please visit our Cookie Policy.

Request A Quote

Request A Quote

Container Dimensions

All dimensions are approximate and may vary slightly from container to container.

20' Shipping Container Dimensions

Exterior

  • Length: 20'
  • Width: 8'
  • Height: 8' 6"

Interior

  • Length: 20'
  • Width: 7' 8¼"
  • Height: 7' 10"

Door

  • Width: 7' 8"
  • Height: 7' 5¾"

Exterior

  • Length: 20'
  • Width: 8'
  • Height: 9' 6"

Interior

  • Length: 20'
  • Width: 7' 8¼"
  • Height: 8' 10"

Door

  • Width: 7' 8"
  • Height: 8' 5¼"

Exterior

  • Length: 40'
  • Width: 8'
  • Height: 8' 6"

Interior

  • Length: 40'
  • Width: 7' 8¼"
  • Height: 7' 10"

Door

  • Width: 7' 8"
  • Height: 7' 5¾"

Exterior

  • Length: 40'
  • Width: 8'
  • Height: 9' 6"

Interior

  • Length: 40'
  • Width: 7' 8¼"
  • Height: 8' 8"

Door

  • Width: 7' 8"
  • Height: 8' 5¼"

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT SIZE CONTAINERS DO YOU SELL?

We offer a variety of container sizes for sale. While standard options include 20′ and 40′ containers, we frequently have other sizes available as well. Be sure to check our Containers for Sale section for the latest inventory. Our containers come in two height options: 8.5′ (standard) and 9.5′ (high-cube) to suit your storage needs.

The amount of space is minimal. For a 20-foot unit, you will need approximately 85 feet of straight clearance, 40-foot container you will need 125 feet.

We deliver 20’ containers to your site using a tilt bed truck. The driver will back in the truck, tilt the bed, and drive out from underneath the container.The container will gently slide off the truck, onto the ground. The driver will need to pull straight out from underneath the container.

Watch A Video: 20’ Container Delivery

The site will have to be fairly level, smooth, and firm. We can deliver on dirt, cement, grass, crushed stone, and asphalt. Keep in mind that a container might sink in a soft surface and our truck could leave tire marks.

We recommend that you or a designated contact person be present the first time we deliver a unit to you. If this is not possible, we can discuss other alternatives.

We strive to deliver your container in the shortest amount of time. We can usually deliver within a week.

It is your responsibility to check with your local authorities about the placement of the container.

We do not have the capability to move containers full. Our containers can be used on site, filled, and we will pick them up when it is empty. We do not provide moving services.

We offer many different container colors, please view our current inventory for sale to see colors available now.

We sell 10’, 16′, 20’, 24′, 30′, and 40’ long containers. Containers are 8’6″ tall unless it is a high cube shipping container, then it is 9’6″ tall.

We sell containers with doors at one end, both ends (double door containers), side doors (open side containers), and also can do modifications.

Full payment is due upon delivery. We accept cash, check, and major credit cards. There is a 3% processing fee for all credit/debit card transactions.

The containers on the website are the actual containers we have in stock. To purchase a particular container, note the container ID number to specify it.

Yes, all of our containers are located at 11 Gavitt Avenue, Westerly, RI 02891. We are open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. We are happy to show customers the containers in person.

HOW MUCH SPACE IS REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY?

The amount of space is minimal. For a 20-foot unit, you will need approximately 75 feet of straight clearance.

We deliver 20’ containers to your site using a tilt bed truck. The driver will back in the truck, tilt the bed, and drive out from underneath the container.The container will gently slide off the truck, onto the ground. The driver will need to pull straight out from underneath the container.

Watch A Video: 20’ Container Delivery

The site will have to be fairly level, smooth, and firm. We can deliver on dirt, cement, grass, crushed stone, and asphalt. Keep in mind that a container might sink in a soft surface and our truck could leave tire marks.

We recommend that you or a designated contact person be present the first time we deliver a unit to you. If this is not possible, we can discuss other alternatives.

We strive to deliver your container in the shortest amount of time. We can usually deliver within a week.

Your final bill will be prorated. For example, if your container is picked up on February 9, you will be charged for February 1- February 9, 9 days.

It is your responsibility to check with your local authorities about the placement of the container.

We do not provide insurance for your goods and liability of stored items rests with the customer.

We do not have the capability to move containers full. Our containers can be used on site, filled, and we will pick them up when it is empty. We do not provide moving services.

We ask that you not store any of the following materials in the container: illegal, toxic, waste, contaminated, controlled, hazardous, restricted, explosive, flammable, chemical, paint, or any inherently dangerous material of any kind.

Our rental containers are a neutral color in order to blend in with the surroundings.

The amount of space is minimal. For a 10-foot or 20-foot unit, you will need approximately 75 feet of straight clearance. For a 40’-foot unit, you will need approximately 110 feet of straight clearance.

Upon delivery, we charge the first month’s rent, delivery, and pickup. Subsequent months are billed. We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards.

When you are finished with the container and it has been swept out, give us a call. We will pick up the container as soon as the same day or as long as a few weeks depending on our schedule.  Average time for pickup is typically less than a week.

Yes, all of our containers are located at 11 Gavitt Avenue, Westerly, RI 02891. We are open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. We are happy to show customers the containers in person.