A standard 20-foot one-trip shipping container is a durable, weatherproof steel structure designed for secure transportation and storage. Measuring approximately 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet 6 inches high, it provides 1,172 cubic feet of internal space. Built from Corten steel, it resists corrosion, ensuring long-term durability even in harsh environments. The container features marine-grade plywood flooring, heavy-duty cargo doors with rubber seals, and lockable cam bars for enhanced security. Since it’s classified as “one-trip,” it has been used only once for shipping cargo, meaning it remains in like-new condition with minimal wear.
These containers are ideal for on-site storage, modifications, and transport applications. Businesses and individuals use them for temporary storage, mobile offices, workshops, or even conversion projects like pop-up shops and housing units. Their standardized size makes them easy to transport by truck, rail, or ship, offering flexibility for various industries. Compared to older units, a one-trip container maintains aesthetic appeal, structural integrity, and watertight performance, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a long-lasting, high-quality container solution.
Dimensions
- Internal Length 5.9m / 19.4ft
- Internal Width 2.3m / 7.9ft
- Internal Height 2.3m / 7.9ft
- External Length 6.1m / 20ft
- External Width 2.44m / 8ft
- External Height 2.59m / 8.5ft
- Tare Weight 2,200kg / 4,850 lbs
- Payload Capacity 25,000kg / 55,126.9 lbs
- Cubic Capacity 33.2 m3 / 1,172 cu ft
Features
- Venting: A standard shipping container typically comes equipped with two to four passive vents, usually located near the top corners of the sidewalls. These small, louvered vents help facilitate limited air circulation and reduce internal condensation by allowing moisture-laden air to escape.
- Lockbox: A shipping container lockbox is a heavy-duty steel enclosure designed to protect the container’s locking mechanism from theft and tampering. It is welded or bolted onto the container doors, covering the padlock and preventing access to bolt cutters or other tools. Lockboxes significantly enhance security, making it much harder for unauthorized access.
- Floor: standard one-trip shipping container is typically equipped with marine-grade plywood flooring, supported by steel crossmembers underneath. The plywood is usually 28mm (1.1 inches) thick and is treated to be moisture-resistant, durable, and pest-resistant.
- Forklift Pockets: Most 20-foot standard shipping containers come equipped with forklift pockets to allow for easy handling with forklifts or heavy machinery. These pockets are typically located on the bottom side rails of the container and are designed to accommodate standard forklift tines.
- Pocket Width: Approximately 14 inches (35 cm)
- Pocket Height: Around 4.5 inches (11.5 cm)
- Pocket Spacing (Center-to-Center): Approximately 69 inches (175 cm)
- Position: Integrated into the side rails of the container floor
Required Clearances for Delivery
To ensure a successful delivery of your shipping container, it is important to have adequate clearance and space prepared.
- 20 ft. container: 60 ft. of straight clearance is required.
The measurement should be taken from the point where the back of the container will sit.
Additionally, the truck delivering the container will require a total width of 12 feet. To safely drive under any obstacles, 14 feet of vertical clearance is necessary for the truck and container. At the actual delivery site, there should be a vertical clearance of 16-20 feet (depending on the truck and trailer) to ensure a safe tilt-off delivery.
