Guide
20ft vs 40ft Shipping Containers
Both are common in the UAE, but they suit different jobs. Ready-stock 20ft Standard: AED 3,900. 40ft High Cube: AED 6,900. Looking for a 40ft standard? Ask us, we offer 40HC.
Price comparison
| Size | Ready-stock price | Internal volume |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard, used | AED 3,900 | ~33 m³ |
| 40ft Standard | Ask us, we offer 40HC | ~67 m³ |
| 40ft High Cube, used | AED 6,900 | ~76 m³ |
A 40ft standard is the same length as a 40HC and about 30cm shorter. Ask us, we offer 40HC.
Size and footprint
A 20ft container is 6.06m long. A 40ft container is 12.19m, exactly double the length, on the same width. A 40ft standard is 2.59m high; a 40ft high cube is 2.90m. The 40ft holds roughly double the volume of a 20ft.
When a 20ft makes more sense
Tight site access, smaller storage needs, single-load household moves, or when you need to place the unit with a smaller truck or crane. A used 20ft is AED 3,900 and a brand new 20ft is AED 8,700.
When a 40ft makes more sense
Large storage volumes, freight forwarding and shipping lines, warehouse overflow, and any case where the cost per cubic metre matters more than footprint. For a 40ft or 40 standard, ask us, we offer 40hc. A used 40HC is AED 6,900 and a brand new 40HC is AED 14,000.
Cost per cubic metre
A 40ft High Cube almost always works out cheaper per cubic metre of storage than a 20ft unit, since fixed costs like doors and corner castings are spread over more volume.
20ft vs 40ft side by side
| 20ft Standard | Measurement |
|---|---|
| External (L x W x H) | 6.06 x 2.44 x 2.59 m |
| Internal (L x W x H) | 5.90 x 2.35 x 2.39 m |
| Door opening (W x H) | 2.34 x 2.28 m |
| Internal volume | about 33 m³ |
| Tare weight | about 2,200 kg |
| Payload | about 28,000 kg |
Nominal ISO figures; exact internal dimensions and tare vary slightly by manufacturer and unit.
| 40ft Standard | Measurement |
|---|---|
| External (L x W x H) | 12.19 x 2.44 x 2.59 m |
| Internal (L x W x H) | 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.39 m |
| Door opening (W x H) | 2.34 x 2.28 m |
| Internal volume | about 67 m³ |
| Tare weight | about 3,800 kg |
| Payload | about 26,500 kg |
Nominal ISO figures; exact internal dimensions and tare vary slightly by manufacturer and unit.
| Container | Grade | Price (ex-VAT) | With 5% VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | Used, cargo-worthy | AED 3,900 | AED 4,095 |
| 20ft Standard | Brand new | AED 8,700 | AED 9,135 |
| 40ft High Cube | Used, cargo-worthy | AED 6,900 | AED 7,245 |
| 40ft High Cube | Brand new | AED 14,000 | AED 14,700 |
Prices exclude 5% UAE VAT and delivery. Every unit we sell is either cargo-worthy or one-trip.
40ft standard: Ask us, we offer 40HC.
Which one do you need?
- Tight plot or narrow access: choose the 20ft. It needs less turning room and a smaller truck.
- Tools, materials and site storage: a 20ft (33 m³) covers most jobs; move up to a 40ft if you keep finding it full.
- Long items over 6m such as pipes, steel and timber: you need a 40ft. Ask us, we offer 40HC.
- Full household or large stock: a 40HC (76 m³) gives more than double the space of a 20ft for less than double the price.
- Tall equipment: the 40ft high cube adds about 30cm of height over a 40ft standard.
- Not sure? Send us what you are storing or shipping on WhatsApp and we will tell you which size fits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the price difference between a 20ft and 40ft container?
A used 20ft Standard is AED 3,900 and a used 40ft High Cube is AED 6,900, both ex-yard. Looking for a 40ft standard? Ask us, we offer 40HC. The 40HC costs more upfront and works out cheaper per cubic metre.
Is a 40ft container always better value than a 20ft?
Per cubic metre, a 40ft High Cube is usually better value. If your site has limited space or access, a 20ft container is often the more practical choice. For a 40ft standard, ask us, we offer 40HC.
Can I upgrade from a 20ft to a 40ft later?
Yes, many customers start with a 20ft and add a 40ft High Cube as their storage or project needs grow. Just contact us when you're ready.
Not Sure Which Size You Need?
Tell us what you're storing or shipping and we'll recommend the right size with a same-day price.