The first question that arises after you plan on buying a container is “which shipping container suits my needs?” Since shipping container costs increase with size, you need to make sure you are only paying for the space you need. While 20 and 40ft containers are most common, the best shipping container size to buy will depend on your budget and your use case. 20ft containers are best for storage requirements, especially for personal use. 40ft containers provide extra space that is mostly beneficial for businesses to meet their warehouse demands. This blog delves into the uses, costs and benefits of each type, to help you make an informed decision.
Why Shipping Container Size Matters
The main reason why the size of shipping containers matters is the value of purchase. Buying a 40ft container for instance when you have no need of the extra space is not a valuable purchase. Since transporting goods have a weight limit, 20 and 40ft versions offer distinct uses of shipping containers. For the same weight limit and lesser storage, 20ft can accommodate heavy items like machine parts and industrial equipment while 40ft containers can fill voluminous items like furniture, textiles and electronics. Therefore, choosing container dimensions will depend on your type of use and the budget.
How Much Does a 20ft vs 40ft Shipping Container Cost?
The difference between 20ft container price vs 40ft is very evident. As of 2025, 20 ft containers generally start from $1,500 and go up to $3,500 while 40ft containers start from $3,000 and go up to $5000. This difference is why it is important to make the right decision, so that you get the best value for your money.
Purchase Price Breakdown
The price of a new 20ft shipping container is $3000 – $5000 depending on the condition of the container. Used 20ft containers cost $1500 to around $3000 because they look a bit worn off, but provide almost the same level of safety. Storage container rental prices for 20ft dimensions usually start from $99 to $150 a month, depending on the rental duration.
shipping container rental prices
As of 2025, conex rental cost per month is influenced by factors such as container size, condition, and market demand. For a 20-foot container, monthly rental rates typically range from $99 to $150, making them suitable for smaller or denser cargo loads. In contrast, 40-foot containers offer double the space and are more cost-effective for bulk or voluminous cargo, with rental prices generally between $149 and $250 per month. These rates can fluctuate based on location, container condition, and additional services like delivery and pickup.
Delivery & Transportation Cost
When renting shipping containers in the U.S., it’s essential to account for delivery charges, which can significantly impact your overall costs. For short-distance deliveries (under 200 miles), prices typically range from $600 to $1,200, often using tilt-bed trucks that simplify unloading. Urban deliveries within the same city are more affordable, averaging $300 to $500, while long-distance hauls (over 500 miles) can climb to $1,000 to $5,000, depending on factors like fuel costs, road conditions, and unloading requirements. Additionally, many providers charge separate fees for delivery and pickup, usually around $150 each way.
Storage Capacity and Space Efficiency
Type | Tare weight | Payload capacity | Gross weight |
20ft Standard | 2,280 kg / 5,030 lbs | 28,200 kg / 62,170 lbs | 30,480 kg / 67,200 lbs |
40ft Standard | 3,750 kg / 8,267 lbs | 26,730 kg / 58,933 lbs | 30,480 kg / 67,200 lbs |
So how much can a 20ft container hold vs 40ft? As you can see from the above table, the weight of a 40ft container is almost double of 20ft container (tare weight). And since the gross weight is limited for both sizes, the total weight of cargo that can be loaded in a 40ft container is less than 20ft. So, even after having more room, the cargo weight limit is the same, which is why 40ft containers mostly transport lighter voluminous goods like furniture and textile.
How to Maximize Storage in Your Shipping Container
After you’ve measured your shipping container, it’s time to efficiently utilize that internal space. Adding sturdy racks and shelving can help you create vertical storage areas and access items easily. Stackable bins or implementing a smart floor plan can really help increase capacity and efficiency. Interested in expert tips to improve organization and capacity in your storage container? Visit our shipping container dedicated blog to find ideas and methods to make your container more efficient.
When Should You Buy a 20ft Container?
A 20ft container is a great option for anyone who requires compact yet secure storage. A 20ft container is best for personal or small business storage. A home owner needing to declutter or for a small business operator needing extra space, especially if space is limited. If you’re asking yourself, “is a 20ft container enough?”, the answer lies in your needs. It’s a viable option for on-site or related storage, pop-up retail in a mall or flat space also a cost-effective alternative for temporary inventory storage. In short, this option is affordable while remaining durable or accessible if you are ready to buy a 20ft container.
When Should You Buy a 40ft Container?
Whether you are dealing with a big move, running a growing business, or shipping goods internationally, the 40ft container could be the answer for you. The 40ft container holds double the capacity of the 20ft unit and is ideal for large storage or international shipping. If you are asking Google, “Why choose a 40ft container?” Let us simplify it, more space, fewer trips, and better logistics when buying a 40ft unit. Buying a 40ft container makes complete sense when you need long-term storage for a sizable item, and you’re dealing with international freight.
Pros and Cons: 20ft vs 40ft Containers
Feature | 20ft Container | 40ft Container |
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More Affordable | Lower upfront cost and delivery fees | Lower cost per cubic foot of storage |
Easier to Transport | Fits easily on smaller trucks and into tight spaces | Ideal for high-volume shipping like furniture & textile |
Quick Setup | Requires less site space and prep | Can store large machinery or high inventory volumes |
Great for Personal Storage | Ideal for homeowners, small businesses, or mobile storage needs | Suitable for industrial, commercial, and overseas freight |
Readily Available | High availability in both new and used conditions | Easily available in standard and high cube options |
| ||
Limited Storage Space | Offers ~1,170 ft³, not suitable for bulk storage | Requires more space for delivery and placement |
Higher Cost Per Cubic Foot | Less cost-effective for volume-based storage | More expensive upfront compared to 20ft containers |
May Not Fit Large Items | Challenging for oversized equipment or bulk goods | Heavier and harder to move without large equipment |
Lower Resale Value | Smaller market demand for resale | Higher total cost even if not all space is used |
Weight Restrictions | Lower payload capacity (~55,000 lbs max gross weight) | May exceed weight limits on certain roads or local transport rules |
Pros
ConsFinal Verdict: Which Container Should You Buy?
Whether to choose a 20ft container or a 40ft container is ultimately always determined by your budgets, purposes and delivery. If your budget is tight, then a 20ft container will be a better option, not just because of lower purchase or rental cost, but also because it will cost you less for delivery or relocation. If you are looking for high volume storage, to manage inventory for a business, or preparing for international shipping, then a 40ft container is the right choice for you because you get almost twice the space without doubling the cost. Get ready for a 40ft container to take up a lot more clearance and access room on delivery, but this should not be an issue if you are storing smaller products, say for a small business. On the flip side, for remote or limited access sites, the smaller footprint of a 20ft unit may be easier to manage.
FAQs
1. Should I buy a 20ft or 40ft container for storage?
20ft containers are ultimately simpler for weight, savings, and more flexibility. Whereas, 40ft containers are less like a residential storage, bulkier in purpose and larger for business sizing.
2. Which is better: 20ft or 40ft shipping container?
There is no definitive answer to this question. It mainly depends on your budget and type of usage.
3. How big is a 40ft shipping container in feet and meters?
A 40ft container has the following dimensions: 12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m (40.00 ft × 8.00 ft × 8.50 ft)
4. How many pallets fit in a 40ft container?
a) EURO Pallets (1200 × 800 mm)
- Straight loading: 11 pallets (along the length), 2 rows = 22 pallets total
- Turned (crosswise) loading: Less efficient; still 21-22 pallets
b) ISO/Standard Pallets (1200 × 1000 mm)
- Straight loading: 10 pallets (along length), 2 rows = 20 pallets total
- Optimized loading (some overlap, tight stacking): Sometimes up to 21
5. Is it affordable to buy two 20ft containers or one 40ft?
Buying one 40ft container is more affordable than two 20ft containers since a 20ft version costs around $2500 whereas a single 40ft container costs $3500, which is not double.
6. How much is it to rent a container for a month?
For 20ft containers, rental for a single month costs around $150, while the cost of rental for 40ft versions is around $200. Please note that the rentals for extended periods are often lesser.
