Are Used 20ft Shipping Containers worth buying in Australia?

Yes, used 20ft shipping containers are worth buying in Australia if you’re on a tight budget and you’re happy with a Shipping Container that looks cosmetically rough. Used Shipping Containers will often have surface rust, dents, scuffs, and repairs from years in service. Regardless of the cosmetic blemishes they’re still a reliable option for secure, wind and watertight storage. A New Build 20ft Shipping Container suits buyers who care about street appeal, want a container that lasts 30+ years or plan to modify it into a workshop or office. If you’re weighing up which Shipping Container to buy, visit the Container Traders grading guide to compare what each condition looks like in the real world.

How big is a 20ft Shipping Container?

A Standard 20ft Shipping Container is: External: 6,058mm (L) × 2,438mm (W) × 2,591mm (H) Internal: 5,880mm (L) × 2,350mm (W) × 2,385mm (H) A 20ft High Cube Shipping Container has the same dimensions but with an extra foot of height: External Height: 2,891mm Internal Height: 2,695mm

What can fit in a 20ft Shipping Container?

A 20ft Shipping Container fits a surprising amount with an internal volume of 33.1m³. It’s commonly used as a replacement to a traditional storage shed, with enough room for furniture, cartons, tools, and bulky gear. Most people fill a 20ft with things like lounge and dining furniture, beds and mattresses, fridge and washing machine, moving boxes, bikes and motorbikes, trade tools, and small business stock on shelves or pallets. If access matters, consider a 20ft Side Opening Shipping Container for easy forklift loading from the side, or a 20ft Double Door Shipping Container if you want to load from either ends. For bulkier items or for modifying, a 20ft High Cube Shipping Container is a good upgrade. Visit our dimensions page to see what exactly you can fit our 20ft shipping container range.

What is the difference between a 20ft Standard and High Cube Shipping Container?

A 20ft High Cube Shipping Container is the same length and width as a Standard 20ft Container, but with an additional foot (305mm) of height. That extra height is handy for mods like workshops or offices, and it gives you more headroom when forklift loading palletised or bulky items.

What should you not store in a 20ft Shipping Container?

In a Standard 20ft Shipping Container, avoid storing anything that’s flammable, toxic, reactive, or legally classed as dangerous goods. Those products need compliant storage, ventilation, segregation and spill control, not a general-purpose shipping container. For flammable liquids and similar, use a compliant unit like the Container Traders 20ft Side Opening Dangerous Goods Shipping Container (bunded, ventilated, built to suit Class 3 storage requirements)

20ft Shipping Container for Sale

New and Used 20ft Containers: Dimensions, Prices and Delivery

The 20ft Shipping Container is secure, weatherproof storage for homes and businesses, and the most popular shipping container size in Australia. The 20ft High Cube Shipping Container adds an extra foot of internal height, which makes it ideal for loading bulkier items.

Homeowners use them as a more secure alternative to a backyard shed, tradies keep tools and materials locked up on site, and small businesses and farms rely on them for excess stock. Container Traders delivers 20ft Shipping Containers Australia wide, and we can modify them into workshops, offices, switchrooms, or something completely custom.

Specifications brochure

How much does a 20ft Shipping Container cost?

As of September 2026, the price to buy a 20ft shipping container starts from $2,050 - $3,100 for a cargo worthy container. Price excludes GST and delivery. For the best price on 20ft Shipping Containers delivered across Australia, contact the Container Traders team today.

Container	Buy New	Buy Used
20ft Container	$3,050 - $3,500	$2,050 - $3,100
20ft High Cube Container	$3,550 - $4,200	Request a Price

*Prices exclude GST and delivery. Last updated: 24 September 2026

Popular 20ft Configurations

Features

Available in New Single Trip or Cargo Worthy in standard or high cube height.
Structurally strong, wind and watertight and vermin proof.
Perfect for home or business modifications.
Up to 5 years rail & shipping certification

20ft Shipping Containers are great for:

Storing goods
Ideal for secure storage of tools, equipment, and household items.
Freight transportation
Standard size for shipping cargo locally and internationally.
Commercial inventory storage
Perfect for overflow stock or seasonal items.
Construction site storage
Keeps materials and tools safe and accessible on-site.
Workshop or tool shed
Great for DIYers or tradies needing a mobile workspace.
Pop-up shop or café
A creative and mobile solution for retail or food businesses.

20ft Shipping Containers

20ft Container Traders Pallet Wide shipping container

Wind & watertight containers

20ft containers ready to go

Fast Delivery in Australia

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1300 89 89 70

20ft Dimensions

20ft Shipping Container Dimensions
EXTERNAL
Internal
WEIGHT
Length
6,058 mm
Length
5,880 mm
Empty Weight
2,250 kg
Width
2,438 mm
Width
2,350 mm
Max Gross Weight

30,480 kg
Height
2,591 mm
Height
2,385 mm
Max Payload

28,230 kg
20ft High Cube Shipping Container Dimensions
EXTERNAL
Internal
WEIGHT
Length
6,058 mm
Length
5,890 mm
Empty Weight
2,350 kg
Width
2,438 mm
Width
2,350 mm
Max Gross Weight

30,480 kg
Height
2,891 mm
Height
2,695 mm
Max Payload

28,130 kg

*Measurements are indicative only and not to exact mm.

Shipping Container Grades, New & used

When buying 20ft Shipping Containers from Container Traders, it comes down to two grades. New Build is the go-to for street appeal and long-term longevity, while Cargo Worthy is the best choice when budget is the priority.

New Build Single-Trip

Near pristine condition with minimal wear
Built for long-term durability and security
Great for public facing or high use spaces

A large red shipping container with metal doors sits on a concrete surface outdoors, with other stacked shipping containers for sale visible in the background.

Cargo Worthy

Cost-effective option for tight budgets
Structurally sound and great for storage
Functional storage without aesthetics

Shipping Container Delivery

Container Traders delivers 20ft Shipping Containers Australia wide. Our team works closely with you to choose the best, most cost-effective transport option for your site. For more info on how we deliver, visit our delivery guide.

Tilt tray delivery

MOST AFFORDABLE OPTION

Hiab delivery

PRECISE DELIVERY OPTION

Side loader delivery

Great for 40ft Containers

Flatbed / semi trailer delivery

EFFICIENT DELIVERY

Get a quote from Container Traders

Send us the details below and we'll come back within two business days with our best price. For a quicker answer, call our container specialists on 1300 89 89 70.

Call our sales team

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

Email us

Send your questions to: [email protected]

Modify your 20ft Shipping Container

20ft Shipping Containers are a popular size to convert into site offices, workshops, lunch rooms and mobile cafés. They travel on a standard truck, so a finished build is easy to move between sites and projects. Our team modifies your 20ft container to your spec.

Popular Modifications

#933
Project #933

1300 89 89 70
20ft Civil Container Office
For a NSW civil contractor on a regional highway project, we converted a 20ft Standard Shipping Container into a full site office that handles plans, paperwork, and toolroom storage in one lockable footprint.

Key Features:

Two 1500mm heavy-duty workbenches with under-shelving

1500mm office desk and chair

Four 2-tier shelving units totalling 4.8m of storage

Glass sliding window with steel security bars

Container doors fitted with a security lock-box

Lockable steel mesh utility recess for AC or generator

Two LED battens and four double GPOs through a full electrical fit-out

Custom paint and decals matched to client branding
#090
Project #090

1300 89 89 70
20ft High Cube Shipping Container Cafe
This customer needed a solution to set up a café at a tourism site. We converted a 20ft High Cube Shipping Container into a pop-up café, offering a functional and attractive space for visitors.

Key Features:

Serving Awning

PA Door

Insulation

Window & Security Bars

Vents

Electrics & Lighting
#968
Project #968

1300 89 89 70
20ft High Cube Shipping Container Workshop
Our customer required a secure, designated area to safely carry out their operations. We converted a 20ft High Cube Shipping Container into a customised space, ensuring both safety and functionality for their specific needs.

Key Features:

2.4m Double Container Doors

1.8m Bunded Spill-Proof Mesh Floor

Shelving

Bench

Electrics Including Lighting

Weatherproof Outlet for Generator

Tie-Down Points for Transit

Custom Steel-Plate Ramp

Custom Paint Job
#203
Project #203

1300 89 89 70
20ft High Cube Shipping Container Office
We converted a 20ft High Cube Shipping Container into a spacious site office with all the basics.

Key Features:

Windows

Electrics

Lighting

Power outlets

Data outlets

Air conditioning
Insulation

Flooring

Personnel access door
#567
Project #567

1300 89 89 70
20ft High Cube Shipping Container Gym
Our customer wanted an outdoor home gym, so we installed sliding doors in a 20ft High Cube Shipping Container to create the perfect space.

Key Features:

Cut Out with Sliding Doors

Air Conditioning

Electrics & Lighting
Like this project?
Call us on 1300 89 89 70 and mention project #567 to get a quote on something similar.

1300 89 89 70
#086
Project #086

1300 89 89 70
20ft High Cube Shipping Container Coffee Shop
This 20ft High Cube Shipping Container was converted into a vibrant pop-up coffee shop, tailored to meet our customer’s specific needs.

Key Features:

Roller Door

Insulation

Awnings

Custom Paint Job

Flooring

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking to learn more about 20ft Shipping Containers? We've answered some of the common questions our sales team gets asked.

Are Used 20ft Shipping Containers worth buying in Australia?
Yes, used 20ft shipping containers are worth buying in Australia if you’re on a tight budget and you’re happy with a Shipping Container that looks cosmetically rough. Used Shipping Containers will often have surface rust, dents, scuffs, and repairs from years in service. Regardless of the cosmetic blemishes they’re still a reliable option for secure, wind and watertight storage.

A New Build 20ft Shipping Container suits buyers who care about street appeal, want a container that lasts 30+ years or plan to modify it into a workshop or office. If you’re weighing up which Shipping Container to buy, visit the Container Traders grading guide to compare what each condition looks like in the real world.
How big is a 20ft Shipping Container?
A Standard 20ft Shipping Container is:

External: 6,058mm (L) × 2,438mm (W) × 2,591mm (H)

Internal: 5,880mm (L) × 2,350mm (W) × 2,385mm (H)

A 20ft High Cube Shipping Container has the same dimensions but with an extra foot of height:

External Height: 2,891mm

Internal Height: 2,695mm
What can fit in a 20ft Shipping Container?
A 20ft Shipping Container fits a surprising amount with an internal volume of 33.1m³. It’s commonly used as a replacement to a traditional storage shed, with enough room for furniture, cartons, tools, and bulky gear.

Most people fill a 20ft with things like lounge and dining furniture, beds and mattresses, fridge and washing machine, moving boxes, bikes and motorbikes, trade tools, and small business stock on shelves or pallets.

If access matters, consider a 20ft Side Opening Shipping Container for easy forklift loading from the side, or a 20ft Double Door Shipping Container if you want to load from either ends. For bulkier items or for modifying, a 20ft High Cube Shipping Container is a good upgrade.

Visit our dimensions page to see what exactly you can fit our 20ft shipping container range.
What is the difference between a 20ft Standard and High Cube Shipping Container?
A 20ft High Cube Shipping Container is the same length and width as a Standard 20ft Container, but with an additional foot (305mm) of height. That extra height is handy for mods like workshops or offices, and it gives you more headroom when forklift loading palletised or bulky items.
What should you not store in a 20ft Shipping Container?
In a Standard 20ft Shipping Container, avoid storing anything that’s flammable, toxic, reactive, or legally classed as dangerous goods. Those products need compliant storage, ventilation, segregation and spill control, not a general-purpose shipping container.

For flammable liquids and similar, use a compliant unit like the Container Traders 20ft Side Opening Dangerous Goods Shipping Container (bunded, ventilated, built to suit Class 3 storage requirements)

Ask a Question

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Proudly serving Australian customers since 2016.

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We deliver shipping containers to every corner of Australia.

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We offer tailored solutions for your industry and needs.

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20ft light grey Container Traders shipping container in a residential backyard, with the owner giving a thumbs up and a sign reading 29,789 containers sold.

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Customer Reviews

Very easy quick transaction and delivery was bang on.
I talked about getting a 20ft container for the last few years, would have done it earlier if I knew it was that easy.

Dan S.
Purchased a 20ft shipping container for storage purposes, and I couldn’t be more satisfied. From the moment I placed the order to the delivery, everything went smoothly, The container arrived in excellent condition, The doors function perfectly and seal tightly. The delivery process was seamless. The delivery driver was very professional and placed the container exactly where I requested. The container was delivered on time, and communication throughout the process was clear and efficient. The overall service, quality, and price make this purchase an excellent choice. Would definitely buy again!

Larry T.
I purchased 3 new 20ft containers for equine hay storage.
Great communication, best price (of 5 quotes), seamless delivery. Love the single handle door opening too, much easier than my other tradition 2 bar ones. Overall a great experience.

Cassie