Can you buy a Used 10ft Shipping Container?

Yes, but used 10ft Shipping Containers are hard to come by in 2026 in Australia. The 10ft isn’t a standard size made at the factory like 20ft and 40ft Shipping Containers. Most are custom-fabricated by cutting a 20ft Shipping Container down and welding on a new end wall, which is why they’re almost always bought new and built to order. They’re usually kept by the original buyer too, so very few come up on the second-hand market. That’s why we typically recommend buying a new 10ft Shipping Container, or a used 20ft Shipping Container, which is often better value.

How big is a 10ft Shipping Container?

A standard 10ft Shipping Container is 2,980mm (L) × 2,438mm (W) × 2,591mm (H) externally, and about 2,830mm (L) × 2,350mm (W) × 2,385mm (H) internally. If you’re looking at a 10ft High Cube Container, it’s the same footprint but 2,891mm high (around 300mm taller).

How is a 10ft Container delivered to a residential property?

A 10ft Shipping Container is usually delivered to a residential property on a tilt-tray truck, then slid off the back as the tray tilts down into position. What you need to consider prior to delivery: clear access, no overhead obstacles, firm ground, and confirm door orientation before it’s loaded. For more information on shipping container delivery visit the Container Traders delivery guide.

Do I need local council approval for a 10ft Shipping Container in Australia?

A 10ft Shipping Container may need council approval, and the rules vary by state, region, how long it’s on site, and how it’s used. The safest move is to call your local council’s planning or building team and ask what approvals apply to your address. Common council considerations include: Temporary placement: some councils allow short-term placement without approval, but the time limit differs (some say 30 days, others allow longer). Ongoing storage or “set up like a structure”: often needs a planning/building approval, especially if it’s staying put, connected to services, or used like a building.

What can actually fit inside a 10ft Shipping Container?

A 10ft Shipping Container fits more than most people expect. You’ve got about 2,830mm (L) x 2,350mm (W) x 2,385mm (H) internally, which works out to roughly 16m³ of storage. What that looks like in real life: Queen mattresses 2–3 bikes with room for shelves or tubs down the side A mower, whipper snipper, garden tools and a stack of bags or bins Whitegoods like a fridge or washer plus boxes Small business stock cartons, parts, packaging, tools A workbench and shelving

Why are 10ft Containers more expensive than 20ft Containers?

10ft Containers are typically more expensive than 20ft Containers, and a lot of customers find that confusing at first. It feels backwards, but a 20ft is the global standard, made in huge volumes and widely available on the used market, which keeps pricing more competitive. A 10ft Shipping Container is really just a modified 20ft, cut in half with end doors fitted to the new opening. They aren’t commonly used in freight, so they aren’t produced in high volume like a 20ft Shipping Container. Used 10ft Containers are rare in the Australian market, so most customers end up buying a New Build 10ft direct from the factory.

Are 10ft Shipping Containers suitable for modifications?

10ft Shipping Containers are perfect for modifications, especially when you need a compact space that’s easy to relocate for remote sites. They’re commonly used for small site offices, ablution blocks, and workshop setups. Common 10ft mods include: Doors and windows Power and lighting Shelving and workbenches Insulation and ventilation Air con options for office fit-outs

10ft Shipping Containers For Sale In Australia

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10ft Shipping Container range available Australia wide

10ft Shipping Containers are the most practical choice when access is tight or storage needs are modest. Built from heavy-duty steel, they are weatherproof, vermin-proof and secure. 10ft Containers are suitable for household storage, small business inventory, tools, event gear and site supplies. Their compact footprint fits backyards, narrow driveways and construction sites where larger 20ft & 40ft containers cannot.

Our 10ft Shipping Container range includes New, Used, High Cube and Dangerous Goods options, with High Cube adding an extra foot of internal height for bulkier stock. The easy to transport, modular design also makes 10ft Shipping Containers the perfect base for Modified Shipping Containers including compact site offices, workshops, cafes and switchrooms.

10ft Shipping Containers
Compact and easy to transport
Available in standard and high cube
Fits in tight access spaces
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10ft Dangerous Goods Shipping Containers
Class 3 flammable liquid storage
Compliant with AS1940
Bunded floor with valve tap
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Get a delivery price estimate for your postcode

The cost to buy 10ft Shipping Containers depends on your delivery area and available local transporters. Enter your postcode below to get our best tailored 2026 quote.

Why buy a 10ft Shipping Container

Compact Design

A 10ft Container suits tight sites where a 20ft Container wouldn't fit. It’s a simple way to add secure storage without chewing up space.

Standard or High Cube height

Choose from standard height or High Cube for extra headroom. High Cube gives around a foot of extra height, which helps with bulkier gear.

Great base for modifications

10ft Containers are the perfect base for compact site offices and workshop fit-outs. Common mods include doors, windows, power, lighting and insulation.

Secure & Reliable

Our range is wind and water tight, secure, and built to help protect your goods from weather and vermin.

Get a quote from Container Traders

Send us your container project and we’ll be back within two business days with our best price. For an instant quote, call our team via the details below.

Call our sales team

Speak directly with a container expert by calling 1300 89 89 70

Email us

Send project details to: [email protected]

Extend the functionality of your container

From shelving and windows to electrical fitouts, we can modify your shipping container to do exactly what you need. If you can think it, we’ve probably built it.

Container Modifications

Interior of two 40ft shipping container joined together with window cut outs

10ft Shipping Container buyers guide

How much are 10ft Shipping Containers?

As of June 2026, the pricing of a new 10ft standard shipping container for sale from Container Traders starts between $6,300 - $7,500 + GST. For specialised storage, a new 10ft High Cube Dangerous Goods container typically ranges from $10,500 - $12,000 + GST. Shipping container delivery is an additional cost, with pricing from major Australian cities starting at $410.

While 10ft containers are perfect for sites with limited space, a standard 20ft container is often the more budget-friendly option. This is because 20ft shipping containers benefit from global mass production and high supply.

Pricing list (Updated June 2026)

10ft Shipping Containers can vary depending on your specific needs. See our indicative pricing below for various options or view our shipping container prices page to view all pricing.

10ft Shipping Containers	Buy New	Buy Used
10ft Container	$6,300 - $7,500	$4,700 - $5,900
10ft Dangerous Goods Container	$10,500 - $12,000	Request a Price
10ft High Cube Container	$6,500 - $7,700	Request a Price
10ft High Cube Dangerous Goods Container	$11,300 - $13,000	Request a Price

*Prices exclude GST and delivery. Last updated: 16 June 2026

What are 10ft Shipping Containers used for?

Perfect for any home or business with limited space. Popular use-cases for the 10ft shipping container include:

Home storage
Small business inventory
Event and festival gear
Compact site office
Dangerous goods storage

Frequently asked questions

Have another question about 10ft Shipping Containers? Contact us.

Can you buy a Used 10ft Shipping Container?
Yes, but used 10ft Shipping Containers are hard to come by in 2026 in Australia. The 10ft isn’t a standard size made at the factory like 20ft and 40ft Shipping Containers. Most are custom-fabricated by cutting a 20ft Shipping Container down and welding on a new end wall, which is why they’re almost always bought new and built to order. They’re usually kept by the original buyer too, so very few come up on the second-hand market.

That’s why we typically recommend buying a new 10ft Shipping Container, or a used 20ft Shipping Container, which is often better value.
How big is a 10ft Shipping Container?
A standard 10ft Shipping Container is 2,980mm (L) × 2,438mm (W) × 2,591mm (H) externally, and about 2,830mm (L) × 2,350mm (W) × 2,385mm (H) internally.

If you’re looking at a 10ft High Cube Container, it’s the same footprint but 2,891mm high (around 300mm taller).
How is a 10ft Container delivered to a residential property?
A 10ft Shipping Container is usually delivered to a residential property on a tilt-tray truck, then slid off the back as the tray tilts down into position.

What you need to consider prior to delivery: clear access, no overhead obstacles, firm ground, and confirm door orientation before it’s loaded.

For more information on shipping container delivery visit the Container Traders delivery guide.
Do I need local council approval for a 10ft Shipping Container in Australia?
A 10ft Shipping Container may need council approval, and the rules vary by state, region, how long it’s on site, and how it’s used. The safest move is to call your local council’s planning or building team and ask what approvals apply to your address.

Common council considerations include:

Temporary placement: some councils allow short-term placement without approval, but the time limit differs (some say 30 days, others allow longer).

Ongoing storage or “set up like a structure”: often needs a planning/building approval, especially if it’s staying put, connected to services, or used like a building.
What can actually fit inside a 10ft Shipping Container?
A 10ft Shipping Container fits more than most people expect. You’ve got about 2,830mm (L) x 2,350mm (W) x 2,385mm (H) internally, which works out to roughly 16m³ of storage.

What that looks like in real life:

Queen mattresses

2–3 bikes with room for shelves or tubs down the side

A mower, whipper snipper, garden tools and a stack of bags or bins

Whitegoods like a fridge or washer plus boxes

Small business stock cartons, parts, packaging, tools

A workbench and shelving
Why are 10ft Containers more expensive than 20ft Containers?
10ft Containers are typically more expensive than 20ft Containers, and a lot of customers find that confusing at first. It feels backwards, but a 20ft is the global standard, made in huge volumes and widely available on the used market, which keeps pricing more competitive.

A 10ft Shipping Container is really just a modified 20ft, cut in half with end doors fitted to the new opening. They aren’t commonly used in freight, so they aren’t produced in high volume like a 20ft Shipping Container. Used 10ft Containers are rare in the Australian market, so most customers end up buying a New Build 10ft direct from the factory.
Are 10ft Shipping Containers suitable for modifications?
10ft Shipping Containers are perfect for modifications, especially when you need a compact space that’s easy to relocate for remote sites. They’re commonly used for small site offices, ablution blocks, and workshop setups.

Common 10ft mods include:

Doors and windows

Power and lighting

Shelving and workbenches

Insulation and ventilation

Air con options for office fit-outs