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20ft Shipping Container Dimensions
The 20ft shipping container is the global standard for logistics and static storage. Shipping Containers of Grangemouth supplies these robust units to businesses and individuals across Scotland. They offer an ideal balance between storage capacity and physical footprint, fitting comfortably into most driveways, car parks, and construction sites.
We supply high-specification containers built to ISO standards. Whether you need a 20ft shipping container for international export or secure local storage, our units are ready for immediate use. They are constructed from Corten steel, ensuring they remain wind and watertight in the harsh Scottish climate.
Standard 20ft Dimensions
Knowing the exact measurements is critical for planning your site layout and ensuring the delivery vehicle can access your location. The table below details the external and internal dimensions of our standard general-purpose units.
| Description | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| External Length | 20ft | 6.096 m |
| External Width | 8ft | 2.438 m |
| External Height | 8ft 6in | 2.591 m |
| Internal Length | 19ft 4in | 5.898 m |
| Internal Width | 7ft 8in | 2.352 m |
| Internal Height | 7ft 10in | 2.393 m |
| Door Opening Width | 7ft 8in | 2.343 m |
| Door Opening Height | 7ft 6in | 2.280 m |
| Internal Volume | 1,165 cu ft | 33.2 m³ |
| Max Gross Weight | 67,200 lbs | 30,480 kg |
| Tare Weight (Empty) | 4,850 lbs | 2,200 kg |
| Max Payload | 62,350 lbs | 28,280 kg |
Note: Weights and internal dimensions can vary slightly between manufacturers. If you have critical space restrictions, please contact our team for the exact specifications of the specific batch in stock.
Capacity and Usage
A standard 20ft container offers approximately 150 square feet of floor space. To visualise the capacity:
- Europallets (1.2m x 0.8m): A 20ft unit holds 11 Euro pallets in a single tier.
- Standard Pallets (1.2m x 1.0m): It accommodates 10 standard pallets.
- General Storage: It holds roughly the contents of a three-bedroom house, making it popular for furniture storage during renovations.
Construction Features
Shipping Containers of Grangemouth ensures every unit meets strict quality criteria. The walls and roof are made of corrugated Corten steel, a weathering steel alloy designed to resist corrosion. The flooring consists of 27mm marine-grade plywood, treated to withstand moisture and pests. This flooring is strong enough to support forklift trucks driving inside to load cargo.
For security, standard units feature heavy-duty locking bars and a factory-fitted lockbox. This steel cowl protects your padlock from bolt croppers and angle grinders, providing peace of mind for site storage.
Delivery Space Requirements
While the container is only 20ft long, the delivery vehicle requires significantly more space. We deliver using a HIAB truck (a rigid lorry with an onboard crane).
To safely offload a 20ft container, the driver needs approximately 60ft of straight-line space (20ft for the container + 40ft for the truck). The width requirement is 10ft to allow the stabilising legs to extend. You must also check for overhead cables; the crane arm extends upwards, so we cannot operate directly under power lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a 20ft and a 20ft High Cube container?
The footprint (length and width) is identical. The difference lies in the height. A standard 20ft container is 8ft 6in high, whereas a High Cube container is 9ft 6in high. This extra foot provides more internal volume and allows for taller cargo, but check that your delivery site has sufficient overhead clearance.
How much does a 20ft container weigh?
An empty (tare) 20ft container weighs approximately 2.2 tonnes (2,200kg). If you plan to move the container after we deliver it, you will need a crane or forklift capable of lifting this weight.
Can I fit a car inside a 20ft container?
Yes, most standard cars fit inside a 20ft container. However, you must secure the vehicle properly to prevent it from moving during transport. You also need to consider the width; once the car is inside, there is limited room to open the car doors to exit.
Do the dimensions include the locking gear?
External dimensions are measured to the outermost points of the corner castings. The door handles and locking gear may protrude slightly beyond the front face, but they stay within the overall ISO handling footprint.
Where do you deliver?
We deliver throughout Scotland from our depots in Grangemouth, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. This local presence keeps delivery costs competitive.
