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Universal Containers Shop

20ft Shipping Containers For Sale

Tough, reliable, and spacious, our 20ft containers are the most popular size of shipping container for a variety of uses. Perfect for businesses, construction sites, farms, schools, or home storage, they provide the right balance of durability and space.

20ft lower grade CMA

Used 20ft Lower Grade Container

Starting from£995.00 ex. VAT£1,194.00 inc. VAT

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20ft evergreen higher grade

Used 20ft Higher Grade Container

Starting from£1,595.00 ex. VAT£1,914.00 inc. VAT

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20ft USED high Cube Cut Down

Used 20ft Cut Down High Cube Container

Starting from£1,900.00 ex. VAT£2,280.00 inc. VAT

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Sale! New 20ft One Trip ISO Certified Shipping Container

New 20ft One Trip ISO Certified Shipping Container

Starting from£2,580.00£1,975.00 ex. VAT£2,370.00 inc. VAT

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Sale! 20ft high cube shipping container

New 20ft High Cube Container

Starting from£3,540.00£2,850.00 ex. VAT£3,420.00 inc. VAT

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New 20ft Double Door Tunnel Container

New 20ft Double Door Tunnel Container

Starting from£3,050.00 ex. VAT£3,660.00 inc. VAT

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New 20ft High Cube Double Door Tunnel Container

New 20ft High Cube Double Door Tunnel Container

Starting from£3,500.00 ex. VAT£4,200.00 inc. VAT

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Sale! 20ft cosh store main image

New 20ft COSHH Chemical Store Container

Starting from£4,500.00£3,575.00 ex. VAT£4,290.00 inc. VAT

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Used 20ft COSHH Chemical Store Container

Used 20ft COSHH Chemical Store Container

Starting from£3,600.00 ex. VAT£4,320.00 inc. VAT

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New 20ft Full Side Access Container

New 20ft Full Side Access Container

Starting from£6,150.00 ex. VAT£7,380.00 inc. VAT

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New 20ft Full Side Access High Cube Container

New 20ft Full Side Access High Cube Container

Starting from£6,250.00 ex. VAT£7,500.00 inc. VAT

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New 20ft Full Side Access Container (Both Sides)

New 20ft Full Side Access Container (Both Sides)

Starting from£7,650.00 ex. VAT£9,180.00 inc. VAT

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Large selection of 20ft shipping containers

All our 20ft shipping containers for sale are built from tough Corten steel, offering exceptional protection against corrosion, impact, and harsh outdoor conditions. Their standardised size makes them easy to transport and stack. With both new and used options available, you’re sure to find the right 20ft container for commercial, industrial, or personal use.

Why buy a 20ft shipping container from Universal Containers?

Buying a 20ft container from Universal Containers guarantees you receive a top-quality product supported by outstanding service. Our team of professionals is always happy to offer expert advice to help you select the ideal container for your needs, ensuring a smooth and convenient buying process.

Quality you can trust

All our 20ft shipping containers are manufactured to the highest industry standards, guaranteeing their durability and reliability for diverse applications.
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Competitive pricing

With the most competitive prices on 20ft shipping containers in the UK, our clear, upfront pricing makes it easy to get exactly what you need at the right cost, with no surprises or hidden fees.
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Industry expertise & dedicated support

With over 40 years of experience in the shipping container industry, we’ve proudly served a wide range of industries, providing custom solutions and exceptional service. We’ll guide you every step of the way, from choosing the perfect container to coordinating container delivery.

Premium customisation options

We make it easy to get exactly what you need with a range of customisation options, including insulation, racking and shelving, utility installations, painting and branding, or any other bespoke modifications to bring your vision to life.

20ft shipping container dimensions

Specification20ft Standard20ft High Cube
External Length6.058m (20ft)6.058m (20ft)
External Width2.438m (8ft)2.438m (8ft)
External Height2.591m (8ft 6in)2.896m (9ft 6in)
Internal Length5.898m (19ft 4in)5.898m (19ft 4in)
Internal Width2.330m (7ft 8in)2.330m (7ft 8in)
Internal Height2.393m (7ft 10in)2.698m (8ft 10in)
Door Opening Width2.337m (7ft 8in)2.337m (7ft 8in)
Door Opening Height2.261m (7ft 5in)2.566m (8ft 5in)
Floor Space13.94m² (150 ft²)13.94m² (150 ft²)
Internal Capacity33.13 m³ (1,170 cu ft)36.95 m³ (1,305 cu ft)
Tare Weight2,400 kg (5,291 lbs)2,590 kg (5,710 lbs)
Max Payload21,600 kg (47,620 lbs)21,410 kg (47,201 lbs)
Max Gross Weight24,000 kg (52,911 lbs)24,000 kg (52,911 lbs)
All measurements should be used as a guide. Small variations can and do apply.

We prioritise offering value for money, and providing affordable solutions that suit all budgets and needs.

Should you have any inquiries about buying a new or used 20ft shipping container online, require a personalised quote, or simply wish to discuss your options with our expert team, do not hesitate to contact us via the contact form or give us a call at 0161 775 3217 and speak to one of our experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 20ft shipping container cost?

Priecs of 20ft shipping containers at Universal Containers start from £995 ex. VAT (£1,194 inc. VAT) for a used unit, while new (one-trip) 20ft containers start at £2,550 ex. VAT (£3,060 inc. VAT). Exact pricing depends on condition and specification.

What types of 20ft shipping container are available?

20ft containers are available in several configurations. Standard variants include used lower and higher grade, and new one-trip ISO certified units. We also stock a range of specialised 20ft containers, including high cube, double door tunnel containers, COSHH chemical stores, and full side access containers.

What can a 20ft shipping container be used for?

A 20ft shipping container is commonly used for secure storage, workshops, equipment storage, stock holding and container conversion projects. Its balance of capacity and footprint makes it one of the most popular container sizes.

Can a 20ft shipping container be modified?

Yes. A 20ft container can be customised with personnel doors, windows, insulation, electrics, shelving, workbenches and other features. If you have specific requirements, contact our team for a custom quote and advice on the available modification options.

What is the maximum payload of a 20ft shipping container?

A standard 20ft shipping container has a maximum payload capacity of approximately 28,000kg. This is the weight of contents only and does not include the container’s own weight (tare weight), which is typically around 2,400 kg. The data plate on each container shows the specific payload limit for that unit.

How much does an empty 20ft shipping container weigh?

A standard 20ft container has a tare weight of around 2,400kg. A 20ft high cube container weighs approximately 2,590kg due to its additional height. Specialised variants such as tunnel containers, COSHH stores, and full
side access units will be heavier depending on the modifications involved.

Looking for a completely custom solution?

We have a wide range of base containers that can be customised to your needs, however we realise that sometimes you need something completely ‘Outside the box’.

Contact us and one of our experts will be in touch to help design the container of your dreams

Don’t just take our word for it

Find out why our customers love us and our products

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