Do you know how big is a storage container?
The size of a storage container depends on its type and use. Knowing the size of a storage container is important because it directly affects how well it meets your needs in terms of capacity, cost, space planning, transport, and safety.
It helps ensure the container fits in your available space, like a backyard, construction site, or warehouse. By knowing, you don’t over- or under-estimate how much you can store inside the storage container.
Find out how big a storage container is by reading this article thoroughly!
Contents
Storage Container Type
Construction Site Storage
Temporary container storage is crucial on a construction site. It provides cost-effective, durable, and mobile solutions for storing construction materials such as cement, wood, bricks, pipes, and steel.
It can keep the materials dry, clean, and protected from damage while still being easily accessible for on-site workers. The temporary container storage also prevents goods loss due to theft, weather, or misplacement.
Also, to provide a mobile office, meeting space, and break area at the construction site, you can convert your temporary container storage to make one. It will give you a quiet, enclosed space for planning, meeting, and resting.
Residential Storage
Homeowners use storage containers for storing furniture during renovations, seasonal item storage (e.g., patio sets, snow blowers), and temporary storage when moving homes.
Residential container storage is weatherproof, secure, and mobile. They are easy to stack and modify. For example, you can have a container house with integrated storage, as there are shipping containers converted into livable spaces.
Commercial and Industrial Storage
Storage containers are made from corten steel construction, marine-grade plywood, or steel floors that are weather and rust-resistant.
Commercial and industrial storage containers are heavy-duty shipping containers or custom-modified units used by businesses for storing tools, inventory, machinery, raw materials, hazardous substances, and more.
Therefore, storage containers are perfect for warehouses and businesses for overflow inventory. Moreover, they also use refrigerated containers to store perishable goods near food distribution hubs.
Retail & Pop-Up Businesses
Entrepreneurs in the city use new storage containers as storage for merchandise and display fixtures. The e-commerce sellers in the area also use storage containers as an overflow inventory storage, secure packaging & shipping centers, or seasonal product warehousing.
Food & Beverage / Catering
When it comes to Food & Beverage storage containers (in the context of shipping containers or modular units), the focus is on temperature control, hygiene, safety, and regulatory compliance.
The F&B sector often uses refrigerated containers for cold storage, general containers for storing bulk dry goods, and as mobile prep kitchens or bar setups.
Agriculture & Urban Farming
Using shipping containers for agriculture and urban farming is a smart, scalable solution for both storage and cultivation. Whether you’re growing crops or storing equipment, containers offer flexibility, security, and weather resistance.
Used to store tools, feed, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and equipment on farms, community gardens, or greenhouses.
Storage Container Size
Storage containers originally come in standardized sizes. Here’s a breakdown of the most common sizes:
| Type | External Dimension | Internal Dimension | Volume | Max Payload |
| 20’ | 20’ x 8’ x 8.6’ | 19.4’ × 7.9’ × 7.10’ | 1,170 ft³ | 55,000 lbs |
| 40’ | 40’ x 8’ x 8.6’ | 39.5’ × 7.9’ × 7.10’ | 2,390 ft³ | 59,000 lbs |
| 40’ High Cube | 40’ x 8’ x 9.6’ | 39.5’ × 7.9’ × 8.10’ | 2,690 ft³ | 58,900 lbs |
| 45’ High Cube | 45’ x 8’ x 9.6’ | 44.4’ × 7.9’ × 8.10’ | 3,040 ft³ | 62,000 lbs |
The 20’ can contain 10-11 pallets, ideal for small moves, tools, and furniture. Meanwhile, the 40’ container storage is ideal for home content, small warehouses, or 20-22 pallets. For the 45’, it usually can fit 24 pallets.
However, you can also get a storage container larger than that. Combine 2 or more containers side by side, end to end, or in L/T shapes to create larger custom storage units. You can weld containers together or build connecting corridors. Many companies, especially Tradecorp, offer prefab modular joining kits.
Recommendation from Tradecorp
Here are some available models of storage containers from Tradecorp, one of the trusted container providers:
Standard Dry Container
Our standard containers represent the most popular and economical option for businesses and individuals seeking durable storage solutions. These units offer unparalleled versatility, serving countless applications from secure storage to the foundation for creative modification projects.
Built with premium Corten steel and featuring wind and water-tight construction, these containers maintain their structural integrity through extreme weather conditions, making them perfect for both short and long-term applications.
High Cube Container
Tradecorp offers High Cube Storage Units, specialized storage solutions that conventional storage facilities cannot provide.
Available in 10’, 20’, 40’, and 45’ sizes in high cube design, these self-storage units are perfect for helping homes and businesses protect precious belongings and seasonal items.
Since their designs are inspired by standard shipping containers, expect the durability of Corten steel-based construction to protect your belongings and materials.
Standard container features, including insulated walls, castors with twist locks, corner castings, forklift pockets, air vents, and vinyl flooring, are available to maximize the units’ ability to fulfill their tasks.
20′ Dry Container Storage with 2 Roller Doors
Use Tradecorp’s 20′ Dry Container Storage with 2 Roller Doors, an innovative storage container with two distinct storage rooms within a single unit, to easily organize and separate items.
Each roller door opens to its dedicated storage area, making it easy to access items without disrupting the other room.
The roller doors are perfect for smooth operation and have secure locks to ensure the safety of your stored goods.
With its durable construction, this container can handle harsh weather conditions, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Its compact size also allows it to fit into tight spaces, providing flexibility in placement.
20’ Food Storage Container
Designed to protect food items before consumption and help with daily operations, Tradecorp introduced its latest 20’ Food Storage Container to help food businesses and similar enterprises.
Your business can set this container in a park or your branch location and provide customers with the best food and drink services.
Using a similar Corten steel-based construction as standard shipping containers, the 20’ Food Storage Container provides better protection for tenants than standard buildings.
The container also has two service windows, which can help you serve your produce if you convert it into an ice cream shop, taco joint, burger shop, and more.
20′ Compartment Storage Container
The 20’ Compartment Storage Container is the practical and customizable solution for those needing multiple distinct storage spaces in a single unit.
Designed to accommodate between four and six separate compartments, this container is perfect for businesses or individuals looking to organize their belongings efficiently.
The 20′ Compartment Storage Container is built for durability and ease of use. Each compartment within the container is designed with functionality and security.
You can customize the size and layout of the compartments to suit your needs, ensuring maximum usability.
40′ Reefer High Cube with Roller Door Container
Tradecorp’s 40’ Reefer High Cube with Roller Door Container offers roller doors instead of sectional cargo doors, which provide certain benefits during use. With this door, you can flexibly insert more cargo into the container from the front.
Furthermore, the door comes with locking bars like in other container door types, meaning you do not have to worry about the door’s security.
This container also has a reefer machine on the opposite side of the door, which is its main feature.
This machine can freeze temperature-sensitive cargo such as foods, drinks, and pharmaceuticals, helping industries involving these products protect their cargo during storage or shipment.
Gas Cylinder Storage Containers
The Gas Cylinder Storage Containers provide the finest solution for clients to keep gas cylinders without fear of spilling. With their protective capabilities, you should only use these containers as tools to protect sensitive gas cylinders in various environments.
Constructed from durable materials like galvanized steel, these containers protect cylinders from external damage, ensuring safety in industrial and residential settings. They come in 20’ or 40’ sizes to accommodate different cylinder types and capacities.
Conclusion
So, the answer to the “how big is a storage container” question depends on its size. The regular container sizes are 20’, 40’, 20’ high cube, 40’ high cube, and 45’ high cube. However, you can make it larger by merging a few units.
Buy or rent shipping containers from Tradecorp, a reliable container sales, purchase, rental, and modification service company. Tradecorp is here to meet your jobsite storage container needs.
We also provide modification and custom shipping container services by adding windows, doors, walls, and roof insulation.
Our experienced staff is ready to help you arrange the shipping of your container to your requested location. Fill out our quote form to buy or rent from us!