20ft Shipping Containers - New and Used
Access the largest stock of new and second hand 20ft containers in the UK
Our network of nationwide depots gives you access to the cheapest local delivery rates wherever you are. Shipping containers are manufactured in varying lengths, but with an estimated 60 million 20ft containers in worldwide circulation, 20ft containers are the most popular size. Containers Direct offer plenty of options, including an unrivalled choice of doors from traditional container doors to easy opening and roller shutters. We always hold stock in store if you're in a hurry! 20ft new and used shipping containers are often the perfect sized choice when strong, secure, dry storage is required and are small enough to fit on many sites.
What are 20ft containers good for?
Used 20ft Containers
New 20ft Containers
Second Hand Containers
Used shipping containers generally have over 10 years of service on shipping lines which results in considerable evidence of use, plenty of surface rust and knocks and dents. Containers Direct specialise in upcycling used shipping containers to give them new lease of life. The manufacturing process for a shipping container is very carbon intensive so the longer useful life we can give them, the better!
Once-Used Containers
New shipping containers, sometimes called once-used containers, are manufactured in factories in China and shipped to the UK with cargo inside. New containers are often the choice for projects where a longer lifespan is required.
The Build Process
Containers Direct supply 20 foot containers with S2 doors direct from our depots across the UK, to give our customers the most efficient and cost effective deliveries. Our depots are based at strategic locations including London, Southampton, Glasgow, Birmingham, Newport, Manchester and Felixstowe.Built by us - new doors and cut downs
All container modifications are completed in-house at Containers Direct. Our fabrication department welding team cuts down standard 40ft shipping containers to create a range of different sizes to cater for all our customers' needs. For example 15ft shipping containers are a popular choice where there's not enough room to fit a 20ft container on site. 20fts are cut down from 40fts if an alternative door type to the S2 is desired. Cut down containers require either a new door or end wall to make whole again. We focus on quality production and results by using high-gauge steel, matching corrugated panels and a full seam weld for lasting results.See how we make out cut down containers: Learn More
Benefits of 20ft shipping containers
Secure
Shipping containers are manufactured from 16 gauge Corten steel making them strong and secure.
Versatile
Our in-house depot can modify and convert shipping containers for a variety of different uses.
Portable
Shipping containers benefit from being portable, meaning you can move them when needed.
Customisable
With an extensive range of optional extras to choose from, have your container modified to suit you.
Guarantee
We offer all our shipping containers with a 12 month guarantee for your peace of mind.
Request a Quick Quote!
Contact our sales team for your no obligation quote, including delivery!Our quality guarantee
All our new and used 20ft shipping containers for sale are quality checked or refurbished to ensure they are structurally sound and watertight before they are released for sale at a competitive price. To further assure our customers of the highest standards in the industry, we only select good quality used containers, and all of our 20ft second hand shipping containers come with a 12 month warranty and our new 20ft containers with a 3 year warranty. These standards also apply to our 40ft shipping containers for sale.An industry leading range of optional extras to choose from
In an industry dominated by re-sellers and agents, we are lucky to have our own in-house production facilities. This enables us to offer an industry leading range of useful upgrades and optional extras. Used shipping containers can vary in terms of cosmetic appearance, however our recommended exterior repaint will help cover any cosmetic damage and wear and tear. New 20ft shipping containers will have less cosmetic wear and tear, but can still be repainted if a specific colour is required or desired!
Free with 20ft Shipping Containers
Lockbox
Recommended Product for Used 20ft Containers
Repainting
20ft Container Dimensions
| Container Type | Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft DV | 20ft | 8ft | 8ft6 |
| 20ft High Cube | 20ft | 8ft | 9ft6 |
If you are seeking exact dimensions and specifications for all sizes of containers, visit our Shipping and Storage Container Dimension Charts page.
See how versatile the 20ft can be!
Converted
Steel shipping containers, both new and used make an ideal base for conversion projects. We offer a range of conversions from bespoke portable offices to workshops, garages to pop-up shops, container gyms, chemical stores and much more.
Flat pack option
Where space is limited and access restricted, see our flat pack containers. Flat pack containers come in smaller sizes, which makes them man portable in flat pack form, but can be joined together to create larger areas of storage space. 20 feet is equivalent to around 6 metres of joined flat pack containers.
Bespoke sizes
We can even join up containers to give you extra wide spaces, or we can build new containers, providing wider or narrower widths than the standard 8ft. You can find these in our SlimLine® range or extra wide range.
Testimonials
As a long established and reputable shipping container company, we want to instil confidence in our customers that we can deliver on our promises, and provide high quality products and service.But don't just take our word for it, see for yourself what our past and present clients have to say about Containers Direct.
"Cory was very personable, knowledgeable and helpful."Redbridge Primary School
29th April 2025
order - a 3m Flat Pack Office Container
"Good Communication and Overall Good Experience. Thanks."Headway Traffic Management Ltd
28th April 2025
order - a 16ft New Build Toilet Block Container
"Great service overall, excellent communication from enquiry to delivery."James Davis, Eastlight Community Housing
23rd April 2025
order - a Used 20ft Containers
"Everything was very straightforward - Cory and Hannah were very helpful and informative, they answered any questions I had."Bodmin Hockey Club
4th April 2025
order - a 4m Flat Pack Store Container
"Thoroughly impressed at the ease by which the whole process was executed; Neil Clarke, Hannah Jones & Iwona Binczycka were all very professional and a pleasure to deal with. Thank you."True24m Ltd
31st March 2025
order - four 'Once-Used' 10ft Containers
"We found Containers Direct a very approachable and helpful company, and they are straightforward to deal with. Many thanks."Kenneth Craig
25th March 2025
order - a Used 10ft Container
Committed to Quality
We are ISOQAR Approved; certified to the ISO standard relating to Quality Management Systems, demonstrating our Company's commitment to quality. We are also members of MakeUK who champion and celebrate British manufacturing and manufacturers, and member of the Container Self Storage and Traders Association; an international organisation representing the interests of Container Self-Storage Operators, Traders and Innovators.
ISO Cert No. 13586-QNS-001
ISO 9001:2015
