20ft Shipping Containers For Sale UK
The 20ft shipping container is the UK’s most popular container size — and for good reason. Measuring 20 feet long by 8 feet wide, it delivers approximately 33 cubic metres of secure, weatherproof storage in a footprint that fits most driveways, construction sites, and commercial yards. At Blue Fin, we supply new one-trip and used 20ft shipping containers for sale UK. All units are available in standard height (8ft 6in) and high cube (9ft 6in) variants, with full CSC certification, wind & watertight guarantees, and fast nationwide delivery.
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30+ Years
Group expertise worldwide
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CSC Certified
All units, export-ready
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Same-day Quotes
Transparent pricing
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Nationwide Delivery
All UK depots covered
Browse Shipping Containers For Sale
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We offer specialized containers with custom door configurations including double doors, full side access, and bespoke layouts.
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This brand new 20ft container is one-trip certified with full manufacturer warranty.
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This Grade A 20ft high cube container is wind and water tight certified for secure UK storage.
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This lower grade 20ft high cube container is wind and water tight certified for secure UK storage.
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This Grade A cargo worthy 20ft high cube container is certified for international export.
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This lower grade cargo worthy 20ft high cube container is certified for international export at an affordable price.
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Why the 20ft container is the UK's most popular size?
Perfect Balance of Space & Practicality
The 20ft shipping container hits the sweet spot between capacity and practicality. At roughly the same floor area as a standard single garage — around 14 square metres — it holds far more than most people expect, while remaining manageable to deliver and position on site.
Durable Corten Steel Construction for Long-Term Use
Built from Corten (COR-TEN A grade) weathering steel, the 20ft container is engineered for heavy-duty marine environments. When surface rust forms on Corten steel, it creates a non-porous protective layer that prevents water penetration — meaning your container will remain structurally sound and weatherproof for decades with minimal maintenance.
High Load Capacity & Stackable for Versatile Applications
Typical payload capacity reaches up to 28,000 kg, and units can be safely stacked up to three high, making the 20ft container ideal for both on-site storage and international export operations.
New vs used 20ft Shipping Containers in the UK
Choosing between a new and used 20ft shipping container comes down to budget, intended use, and how long you need it.
New Containers
New (one-trip) 20ft containers have been manufactured in China and made a single delivery trip to the UK with freight inside. They arrive in near-pristine condition — clean interiors, minimal cosmetic wear, and a service life of 20–25 years. They are the right choice when appearance matters, such as for customer-facing sites, garden offices, or pop-up retail.
Used Containers
Used 20ft containers have typically completed 10–15 years of international cargo service. Cosmetically, expect surface rust, minor dents, and scrapes — all normal and none of which affect structural integrity or waterproofing. All of our used units are inspected at our UK depots and supplied with a wind & watertight guarantee. They offer excellent value for construction site storage, agricultural use, and any application where appearance is secondary to function.
All Blue Fin 20ft shipping containers — new and used — come with CSC certification, making them suitable for domestic storage and international export.
ASIS Containers
What can you use a 20ft container for?
Storage applications:
- Construction site storage — secure housing for tools, machinery, and building materials
- Commercial stock rooms — overflow inventory for retailers, e-commerce businesses, and market traders
- Agricultural storage — equipment, feed, and seasonal machinery on farms and smallholdings
- Document archive storage — weatherproof, lockable, and CCTV-friendly for business records
- School and sports club storage — furniture, sports equipment, and seasonal stock
- Allotment and garden storage — a lockable, durable alternative to a wooden shed
Conversion projects:
- Garden office or home studio — insulated, electrics-fitted workspace in your garden
- Pop-up retail unit or catering kiosk — branded, portable, and planning-permission-friendly in many locations
- Workshop or tool store — workbench-fitted, ventilated unit for tradespeople
- Site welfare unit — changing rooms, rest areas, or first aid stations on larger construction projects
For conversion projects, simple modifications such as insulation, electrics, windows, personnel doors, and ventilation can be fitted before delivery. Contact our team to discuss your requirements.
Domestic and Agricultural Use
- Garden storage and workshops
- Farm equipment and feed storage
- Seasonal item storage
- Domestic overflow storage
- Hobby and recreational equipment
20ft Container Specifications
External Dimensions:
Length: 20ft (6.06m)
Width: 8ft (2.44m)
Height: 8ft 6in (2.59m) Standard / 9ft 6in (2.90m) High Cube
Internal Dimensions:
Length: 19ft 4in (5.90m)
Width: 7ft 8in (2.35m)
Height: 7ft 10in (2.39m) Standard / 8ft 10in (2.69m) High Cube
Technical Details:
Empty Weight: Approximately 2,300kg
Maximum Payload: Up to 28,180kg
Floor Area: 148 square feet
Volume: Standard: 1,172 cubic feet / High Cube: 1,320 cubic feet
Construction: Corten steel frame and walls
Doors: Double doors (7ft 8in x 7ft 6in opening)
Flooring: Marine-grade plywood (28mm thick)
Need more capacity? See the 40ft shipping container
Why Choose Blue Fins Shipping Container Depot?
- 5 Years UK
- Quality Options
- Who We Supply
- Full Container Range
- Basic Modifications Available
- Nationwide Coverage
We deliver 20ft shipping containers across the full UK from depots near London, Manchester, Birmingham, Felixstowe, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, and Cardiff — with HIAB delivery to your specific postcode. Same-day or next-day delivery available in most areas.
What Our Clients Say
Trusted by construction firms, events teams, industrial leaders, and small businesses alike — here’s what they’re saying:
I bought 6 containers with Jena . Very fast service , highly recommended!
Great business, mena was very helpful and accomodating, highly reccomend.
Absolutely Amazing. Ordered 2 containers. Delivery was on time and service was immaculate. Couldn’t recommend enough. Thanks for the amazing service.
Hena was Amazing, i bought 4 containers and i did not need to move a finger, she done everything for me.
Frequently Asked Questions — 20ft Shipping Containers
How much does a 20ft shipping container cost in the UK?
The cost of a 20ft shipping container in the UK depends on condition, grade, and any modifications required. Used 20ft containers generally start from around £1,500–£2,500 + VAT, while new one-trip units typically range from £2,800–£4,500 + VAT, depending on specifications. High cube variants carry a small premium over standard height units. Contact our team for a same-day quote based on your specific requirements and delivery location.
What are the dimensions of a 20ft shipping container?
A standard 20ft shipping container measures 6.06m long × 2.44m wide × 2.59m high externally. The internal dimensions are approximately 5.90m × 2.35m × 2.39m, with a door opening of 2.34m wide × 2.28m high. Internal volume is approximately 33 cubic metres. High cube variants are 2.90m tall externally (2.70m internally), giving an additional 30cm of headroom.
What is the difference between a new and used 20ft container?
New (one-trip) 20ft containers have made a single cargo trip from the manufacturing facility to the UK. They are in near-new condition with clean interiors, minimal cosmetic wear, and an expected service life of 20–25 years. Used 20ft containers have completed 10–15 years of international shipping service. They are structurally sound and wind & watertight, but will show surface rust, minor dents, and cosmetic wear. Used containers offer excellent value for storage applications where appearance is less important.
Do I need planning permission for a 20ft shipping container in the UK?
In many cases, temporary placement of a 20ft shipping container on private land does not require planning permission in the UK, particularly if it is used for storage and not a permanent structure. However, planning rules vary by local authority, intended use, location, and duration of placement. We always recommend checking with your local planning authority before installation, especially for long-term placements or conversions.
How is a 20ft container delivered?
We deliver 20ft shipping containers using HIAB (hydraulic crane-equipped) vehicles. The HIAB crane lifts the container from the vehicle and places it precisely on your site. To receive delivery, you will need clear access for a large vehicle (approximately 3.5m width), a hard, level surface for placement, and no overhead obstructions above 4.5m. Standard delivery takes 3–5 working days for most UK locations. We also offer rail delivery for more remote areas.
Can a 20ft shipping container be converted?
Yes — 20ft shipping containers are one of the most popular bases for conversion projects. Common conversions include garden offices, home workshops, pop-up retail units, catering kiosks, and site welfare units. Modifications such as insulation, electrics, personnel doors, windows, and ventilation can all be fitted before delivery. Contact our team to discuss your conversion requirements.
How long does a 20ft shipping container last?
A well-maintained 20ft shipping container can last 25 years or more in static storage use. New one-trip containers, built from Corten weathering steel and used only once, can realistically deliver 20–30 years of service. Used containers with 10–15 years of prior service typically have a remaining useful life of 10–20 years, depending on condition and usage environment. All Blue Fin containers are supplied with a wind & watertight guarantee.