Once you know a 10ft container is too small, the next question is whether to go for a 20ft or a 40ft. A 40ft container gives you double the space in a single unit, often for surprisingly little extra money, but it needs a lot more room on site. Here is how the two compare on size, cost, delivery and everyday use.
20ft vs 40ft Container at a Glance
| 20ft container | 40ft container | |
|---|---|---|
| External length | approx. 6.06m (19ft 10in) | approx. 12.19m (40ft) |
| External width | 2.44m (8ft) | 2.44m (8ft) |
| Standard / High Cube height | 2.59m / 2.90m | 2.59m / 2.90m |
| Internal floor area | approx. 13.9m² | approx. 28.3m² |
| Internal volume (standard) | approx. 33m³ | approx. 67m³ |
| Internal volume (High Cube) | approx. 37m³ | approx. 76m³ |
| Empty weight | approx. 2,200 to 2,400kg | approx. 3,700 to 4,800kg |
| Standard Australian pallets on the floor | around 9 | around 20 |
Space: Twice the Room in One Unit
A 40ft container is exactly twice as long as a 20ft, with the same width and height, so it offers roughly double the floor area and volume. That makes it ideal for bulky machinery, large amounts of stock, agricultural equipment or storing the contents of a large house. You also get one set of doors, one base to prepare and one unit to secure instead of two.
Most 40ft containers sold today are High Cube, which adds around 300mm of headroom. Our high cube vs standard guide explains when that extra height matters.
Price: Why a 40ft Is Often Better Value
A 40ft container rarely costs twice as much as a 20ft. Shipping lines retire large numbers of 40ft units, so used 40ft containers in particular can be excellent value. For example, our used 40ft High Cube wind and watertight container is currently priced only a little above our cheapest 20ft units, while a one-trip 40ft High Cube costs less than two one-trip 20ft containers.
If you need a large amount of storage and have the room, a 40ft is almost always the cheapest option per square metre.
Site Space and Delivery
This is where the 20ft has the advantage. A 40ft container needs over 12m of level ground, plus room for the delivery vehicle, which is at least as long again. Tilt-bed delivery also needs a long, straight run-off path behind the truck. Many domestic driveways, gardens and small yards simply cannot take one.
- Measure the area where the container will sit, and allow extra space at the door end so the doors can open fully.
- Walk the route from the road and check for tight bends, narrow gateways, soft ground and overhead cables or branches.
- Think about the base. A 40ft container weighs up to 4.8 tonnes empty and needs firm, level support at the corners and along its length.
Delivery is charged per order by state, from A$210 in Victoria to A$1,490 for WA and NT, to accessible sites across mainland Australia for both sizes. See our delivery and site access page for full details.
Access Inside a Long Container
The downside of a 40ft box is reaching items at the far end. If you will need regular access to everything inside, consider a 40ft double-door container with doors at both ends, or a 40ft High Cube with side opening for full-length access.
Which Should You Choose?
| Choose a 20ft if… | Choose a 40ft if… |
|---|---|
| Your site has less than about 15m of usable length | You have plenty of space and good truck access |
| You need moderate storage, a workshop or an office | You need maximum storage in a single unit |
| You may need to move the container again | You are storing machinery, vehicles or large stock |
| It will sit close to a house | Lowest cost per square metre matters most |
Some buyers choose two 20ft containers instead of one 40ft. This costs more, but it lets you place them in separate spots, use one for storage and one as a workshop, or fit them where a 40ft would not go.
Browse 20ft and 40ft Containers
We sell new, one-trip and used 20ft and 40ft containers direct from our yard in Kyneton. See current stock in our shop, read our 20ft container guide, or request a quote if you would like advice on your site.