How to choose between a 20 foot container and a 40 foot container?
This is the question our clients ask us most often. 20' or 40'? Standard or High Cube? The answer depends on three criteria: your storage volume, your transport budget, and the space available on your site. We guide you through our range of standard containers.
Dimensions: what a “foot” really hides
A shipping container is measured in feet (ft), a legacy unit of measurement ISO standards defined in the 1960s. But be careful: the dimensions exterior and interior are not the same, and it is the interior capacity that matters for your use.
| Model | Int. length | Internal volume | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20' Dry Standard | 5.90 m | 33.2 m³ | 28,200 kg |
| 40' Dry Standard | 12.03 m | 67.7 m³ | 26,780 kg |
| 40' High Cube | 12.03 m | 76.4 m³ | 26,480 kg |
What you notice immediately: the 40' offers exactly double the volume compared to the 20', but its payload is slightly lower. This is explained by the higher self-weight of the structure. If you store heavy materials (steel, stone, industrial equipment), the 20' can therefore be more suitable despite a reduced volume.
The real cost: purchase + transport + installation
Many customers only compare the purchase price. This is a mistake. The total cost of a container includes three items that must be added together before making a decision.
The purchase price: a used 20' costs between €1,300 and €2,100, a 40' between €2,200 and €3,800. The 40' is therefore approximately twice as expensive to purchase, which logically corresponds to the doubling of volume.
Transport: this is where the logic reverses. Deliver a 40' costs almost as much as delivering a 20', because it is the movement of the crane truck which represents the majority of the cost. If you need two 20', you pay two deliveries. If you take a 40', you only pay one. Over a 200 km journey, the difference can reach €400 to €600.
Installation and authorizations: a 40' requires more surface area on the ground (approximately 30 m² vs 15 m²) and may require a building permit if the installation is permanent. In certain municipalities, a container of more than 20 m² is subject to prior declaration.
The right container for your use
Choose the 20'
- → Site storage (tools, materials)
- → Limited access or sloping terrain
- → Heavy goods (steel, stone)
- → Tight budget or temporary use
- → Moving or personal storage
Choose the 40'
- → Logistics or e-commerce storage
- → Layout (office, workshop, bar)
- → Light and bulky goods
- → Replacement of two 20' (transport economy)
- → Architectural or modular project
And the High Cube: when is it relevant?
The High Cube (HC) is a 40' with an interior height of 2.70 m instead of 2.39 m. This 31 cm surplus may seem anecdotal, but it is decisive in two situations.
First situation: you store double pallets or large goods height (mattress, furniture, auto parts on rack). The additional 31 cm make it possible to optimize up to 13% of storage capacity at height.
Second situation: you convert the container into a living or working space. A height of 2.39 m creates a feeling of oppression, especially after insulation thermal which further reduces space. The HC, with its 2.70 m, allows you to obtain a ceiling height of approximately 2.40 m after insulation — which corresponds to the standard height of a French room.
Our recommendation
If you are still hesitant, here is the simple rule we give our clients: if you need less than 30 m³ and potentially move the container within two years, choose a 20ft container. In all other cases, the 40' is almost always the best volume/total cost ratio over time.
Our team can advise you free of charge and without obligation. We respond to all quote requests within 24 hours, from our depots in Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, Le Havre and Marseille.
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