Whether you are shipping long-distance or looking for extra storage space, sea containers are the perfect option for both business and personal use. Among the aspects that concern buyers most often are container sizes. Let's take a closer look at a 20 ft container vs 40 ft container comparison to determine which size and capacity is best for you.
We will consider various factors, from 20ft/40ft container sizes and weight to use cases and pricing, so you can choose the best type for your needs and cargo requirements.
Why are the Standard 20ft and 40ft Container Sizes so Popular?
The difficulty in choosing between 20 ft vs 40 ft containers is due to the fact that these sizes are the most popular and widespread. The reasons for the demand include several factors, such as historical, practical, and logistical.
Historically, these standard sizes are a consequence of unification, which simplified stacking and handling.
From a practical point of view, a 20 ft container is ideal for dense and heavy goods, while a 40 ft container is perfect for bulky shipments. Both of these types are widely used to transport large amounts of goods, such as barrels, pallets, machinery, electronics, clothing, and so on.
Finally, standard containers are logistically ideal, fitting perfectly with ships, trains, and trucks while ensuring stability of structure and efficient transportation without requiring complex adjustments, making standard dimensions the best for residential and commercial uses, as well as for various industries.
20ft and 40ft Container Dimension Comparison
It can be seen that a 20 ft container vs a 40 ft container differ largely in length, while the other dimensions are approximately the same, but let's take a closer look.
Generally speaking, 20ft vs 40ft container dimensions are as follows:
20 Foot Container Dimensions
Standard 20-foot container dimensions are:
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exterior: 19’10” x 8’ x 8’6”;
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interior: 19’3” x 7’7” x 7’8”;
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door Opening: 7’8” x 7’5”;
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maximum Gross Weight: ~ 53,000 pounds or 24,000 kg;
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length: 19.3 ft;
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width: 7.7 f ;
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height: 7.8 ft.
40 Foot Container Dimensions
Standard 40-foot container dimensions are:
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exterior: 40’ x 8’ x 8’6”;
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interior: 39’4” x 7’8” x 7’10”;
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door Opening: 7’8” x 7’5”;
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maximum Gross Weight: ~ 67,200 pounds or 30,500 kg;
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length: 39.4 ft;
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width: 7.8 ft;
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height: 7.8 ft.
20ft and 40ft Container Payload Capacity Comparison
Payload capacity is one of the main criteria showing how much cargo it can hold. This includes both the volume and weight of the container.
Let's compare payload 20ft vs 40ft containers:
20ft Container Payload Capacity
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20ft container weight: ~ 5,100 pounds or 2,300 kg;
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20ft container load capacity: ~ 47,700 pounds or 21,600 kg;
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cubic capacity: 1,172 cu ft or 33.2 m3.
The 20 foot model allows you to put inside:
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all the items from an average 3-room house/apartment;
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10 pallets with 60 boxes on each;
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about 400 TVs;
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almost 60 refrigerators.
40ft Container Payload Capacity
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40ft container weight: ~ 8,300 pounds or 3,800 kg;
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40ft container load capacity~ 61,200 pounds or 27,600 kg;
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cubic capacity: 2,39 cu ft or 67.7 m3.
The 40 foot model allows you to put inside:
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all the items from an average 5-room house/apartment;
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20 pallets with 120 boxes on each;
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up to 2 or 4 cars, depending on their type (e.g., 4 compact-sized cars or 2 SUVs);
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bulky agricultural equipment and machinery.
20ft and 40ft Container Cost Comparison
The cost can vary depending on a number of factors, the key one being perhaps the condition, namely whether you are buying a new or used container.
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A new 20 ft container costs around $2,500-5,000, while a used one can cost you $1,500-3,000.
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A new 40 ft container costs around $3,500-6,500, while the price for a used model could be around $2,000-4,500.
Overall, there are some important aspects to note. The 40ft model can offer almost twice as much storage capacity and costs just about 30% more.
However, if we are talking about shipping costs, then the 20ft models are more preferable, as their smaller size and lighter weight make them cheaper to ship. At the same time, the cost per cubic meter for shipping is more attractive for 40ft containers, making them a better option for bulk cargo.
Explore the smartest ways to use 20ft and 40ft containers with Midstate Containers
Best Uses of 20ft and 40ft Containers
When choosing the preferred size, it is worth considering the type of cargo, budget, and operational constraints first of all, since each of the types (20ft/40ft) has its own advantages and features depending on your personal or business goals and needs.
When to Use a 20ft Container
When it comes to shipments where weight is more crucial than size, this is the preferred option. Due to its compactness and lower cost, the 20ft is best suited for situations such as:
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If you need an option for small shipments of dense and heavy goods, such as materials, machinery, etc.
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If you have limited space or are dealing with locations with restricted loading or storage.
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If you are looking for a cost-effective solution to carry heavy cargo, the payload capacity of a 20ft model is ideal in this case.
When to Use a 40ft Container
When it comes to large storage volumes, as well as large and bulky items, a 40ft container is the best choice. This size is great for the following situations:
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If you are transporting lightweight but voluminous goods such as textiles, packages, or furniture.
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If you are planning to use the container in large projects, creating additional space, such as temporary offices, warehousing, modular buildings, etc.
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If the cost per cubic meter is a priority for you in shipping and transportation.
Loading and Unloading 20ft VS 40ft Containers
In terms of loading/unloading time, a 20ft container is usually unloaded in 1-1.5 hours, and a 40ft container in 1.5-2.5 hours.
Also, large-sized cargo requires more time due to the need for manual handling and the use of special equipment. Small goods on pallets are unloaded faster, but if they are packed chaotically, the process could be significantly delayed.
Challenges and features of loading/unloading these types of containers include:
20ft loading/unloading
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limited maneuverability inside;
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suitable for compact cargo;
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fast loading/unloading if properly organized.
40ft loading/unloading
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requires more labor;
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difficulty accessing far corners;
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need to plan the placement of cargo for efficient unloading.
20ft vs 40ft: How to Choose the Right Container for You
We recommend that you pay attention to the following aspects so that you can choose the type of container that best suits your needs:
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Cost. 20ft containers cost less and are better suited for smaller loads, while 40ft models are preferable if your needs are extensive.
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Capacity. 40ft containers are the best solution for substantial shipments, offering more storage space.
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Volume. While a 20ft container suits smaller loads, a 40ft model is better suited if your cargo exceeds 1,000 cubic feet.
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Budget. For large shipments, 40ft containers are a more economical option, offering a lower cost per container despite the initially higher price.
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Storage Requirements. Large containers require more space and therefore have higher storage fees.
Conclusion
The choice of container size is largely determined by specific business needs and logistical tasks. Thus, 20-foot options are ideal for small shipments, limited warehouse space, and routes with weight restrictions; 40-foot models are more preferable for large volumes of cargo, providing lower transportation costs per unit of goods. Also, when choosing, it is worth considering the specifics of logistics processes, taking into account the volume of cargo, budget, available infrastructure, and storage requirements.
The choice of container size directly affects the efficiency of the supply chain and the overall profitability of transportation operations, so it is worth doing research and exploring different options in advance to determine which one is best for you.
FAQ
How big is a 40ft shipping container?
A standard container of this size has an internal height of 7’10”, an internal width of 7’8”, and an internal length of 39’4”.
How much does a 40ft container cost?
Typically, the price range is $2,000-7,900
How much does a 20ft container cost?
Containers of this size cost between $1,500 and $5,000.
What is the size of a 20-foot container?
The size of the container is as follows: height of 8’6”, width of 8’, and length of 19’10”.
