20ft Shipping Containers for Sale & Hire
Our 20-foot shipping containers are an ideal option if you're searching for a flexible, safe, and affordable storage or transportation solution.
Cleveland Containers offers a large inventory of both new and used 20-foot containers that can be used for custom conversions as well as on-site storage and residential use. Compared to a 10ft container, a 20ft unit offers significantly more storage capacity, while remaining more compact and easier to position than a 40ft container.
20ft Shipping Container Types
Most Popular
20ft Shipping Containers
Our most popular choice, and for good reason. Cost-effective, perfectly sized and built to keep your tools, stock or equipment safe and secure.
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20ft High Cube
The same length and width as standard units, but with an extra foot of internal height for increased storage space.
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Most Popular
20ft Side Opening - Standard
Full side access across the container length, ideal for large or awkward loads. Access stock, bulky goods, or equipment with ease.
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20ft Side Opening - High Cube
Full-length side access with added internal height, making it easy to load and reach goods along the entire unit.
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20ft Tunnel - Standard
Double-ended access with doors at both ends of the unit. Ideal for quick stock requirements and dual-use conversions.
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20ft Tunnel - High Cube
Doors at both ends and additional height provide extra clearance for taller equipment and stacked pallets.
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20ft Open Top
An open roof allows for top-loading bulky or oversized cargo by crane or hoist.
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What is a 20ft shipping container?
A 20ft shipping container is a standard-sized steel container used for storage, transport and conversion projects. It typically measures 20 feet in length, 8 feet in width and 8 feet 6 inches in height, offering a balance of capacity and space efficiency.
It is one of the most commonly used container sizes in the UK due to its versatility, making it suitable for both commercial and residential applications. Thanks to its manageable footprint and excellent internal capacity, it's a popular option for a wide range of industries.
Whether you need dependable storage for equipment or a solid base for a container conversion project, our 20ft units deliver on quality and value.
Built to Last: Key Features
Durability and usability are key considerations when manufacturing our 20 foot containers. Key features of our containers are:
- Sturdy 28mm marine plywood flooring (on new units)
- Watertight and windproof designs for protection in all weather conditions
- Lock box for extra security (optional on used units or standard on new ones)
- Comes in the colours blue or green (on new units)
- Secure lashing points to hold items in place during transit
- Several air vents for efficient airflow
Our new (one-trip) containers are built to the highest industry standards. Many models have PU-coated floors, grease fittings for the doors, easy-open locking bars, and more than 14 air vents for long-term use or high-security storage.
Explore Our 20ft Container Options
We stock several 20ft container types to meet a range of requirements:
- Standard Containers – The go-to model for most storage and shipping needs.
- High Cube Containers – Same length and width as standard units, but with an extra foot of internal height.
- Tunnel Containers – Double-ended access with doors at both ends of the unit.
- Side Opening Containers – Full side access across the container length, ideal for large or awkward loads.
- Open Top Containers – Used containers with an open roof to allow loading by crane or hoist.
Creative Container Applications
Our 20ft shipping containers can be used for far more than just shipping and storing. They can be converted into:
- Meeting spaces or site offices
- Pop-up shops or temporary businesses
- Bars or food and drink huts
- Workshops, art studios, or classrooms
- Chemical storage facilities
- Switch rooms or utility housing
Through our Cleveland XTRAS range, you can upgrade your container with practical features such as lighting, plug sockets, insulation, personnel doors, windows, racking, painting, and Grafo-Therm coating. These enhancements improve usability, comfort, and storage efficiency on site.
Additional modification options, including roller shutters, partitioning, and flooring upgrades, can also be completed by our in-house team to meet specific operational requirements.
Take a look at our projects and case studies for inspiration.
Industries
Thanks to their size, structure, and customisation options, our 20ft containers are used across a wide variety of industries, including:
- Construction – for site storage, welfare units, and office space
- Agriculture – for machinery, feed, and seasonal storage
- Self Storage – for flexible rental units
- Retail – for surplus stock or temporary retail outlets
- Education – as extra classroom or activity space
- Energy and Utilities – housing electrical and mechanical equipment
- Events and Hospitality – mobile bars, pop-ups, or ticket offices
With 20ft storage, we frequently support homebuilding projects and are thrilled to be a reliable nationwide supplier to major construction clients like Persimmon Homes.
20ft Shipping Container Prices
Pricing for 20ft containers depends on the type, condition (new or used) and delivery location. While new models offer the latest features and enhanced durability, our used containers still meet high standards and provide excellent value.
With stock held at locations across the UK, we can offer fast and cost-effective delivery to your site. For the latest prices and stock in your area, get in touch with our team today or use our instant online quote tool.
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FAQ
Yes, 20ft containers can be customised for a wide range of uses. Through our Cleveland XTRAS service, we offer modifications such as doors, windows, lighting, electrics, insulation and shelving to suit different operational or site requirements.
Yes, all used containers are inspected to ensure they are wind and watertight. Additional security features, such as lock boxes and heavy-duty padlocks, can also be added for enhanced protection in commercial environments.
20ft containers are widely used across sectors such as construction, agriculture, education, retail, events, utilities, and self storage, due to their durability, portability and ease of deployment.
Pallets in a 20ft container are usually loaded in a single row along the floor due to the internal width being slightly under 8 feet. This means most standard pallets are placed lengthways, with limited space for side-by-side loading. Efficient packing and pallet size can influence how many units fit within the container.
A standard 20ft shipping container offers approximately 33.2 cubic metres (1,172 cubic feet) of internal space. High cube versions provide additional vertical capacity, making them more suitable for storing taller items or maximising overall storage volume
The tare (empty) weight of a standard 20ft unit is approximately 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs). This weight can vary slightly based on the specific model and manufacturing tolerances. Get in touch with our team for the exact weight of the unit being delivered.