20ft vs 40ft Shipping Containers: Which Size Is Right for You?

Choosing between a 20ft and 40ft shipping container usually comes down to how much space you need, what you plan to store, your available site space, and your delivery requirements.

Both sizes are commonly used for storage, construction, agriculture, commercial use, equipment storage, and other applications. Understanding the main differences can help you choose the right container for your property or project.

20ft Shipping Containers

A 20ft shipping container is a popular choice for customers who need secure storage without taking up too much space.

Typical uses include:

• Tools and equipment storage

• Construction site storage

• Farm supplies

• Seasonal inventory

• Residential storage

• Small business storage

A 20ft container can be a good option when access is limited or when you do not need the additional capacity of a larger container.

40ft Shipping Containers

A 40ft shipping container provides significantly more storage space and is commonly used for larger commercial, agricultural, construction, and industrial applications.

Typical uses include:

• Large equipment storage

• Commercial inventory

• Construction materials

• Agricultural supplies

• Warehouse overflow

• Long-term business storage

If you have enough space on your property and expect to store a larger volume of goods, a 40ft container may provide better overall capacity.

20ft vs 40ft Shipping Container Comparison

Feature	20ft Container	40ft Container
Overall size	More compact	Larger capacity
Site space required	Less	More
Storage capacity	Good for smaller loads	Better for larger loads
Typical use	Residential, small business, tools	Commercial, industrial, agriculture
Delivery access	Often easier	Requires more space

What About High Cube Containers?

High cube shipping containers provide additional interior height compared with standard containers.

They can be useful for customers storing taller equipment, bulky items, or large volumes of goods.

High cube containers are especially common in 40ft configurations, although other sizes may also be available depending on inventory.

Which Shipping Container Size Should You Choose?

A 20ft container may be better if:

• Your site has limited space

• You need moderate storage capacity

• You want easier placement on smaller properties

• You are storing tools, household items, or smaller equipment

A 40ft container may be better if:

• You need substantially more storage

• You have enough room for delivery and placement

• You are storing commercial inventory or equipment

• You want additional capacity for future needs

Delivery Is Also Important

Before ordering a container, consider whether the delivery truck will have enough room to access your site.

The required space can depend on the container size, delivery equipment, site conditions, and unloading method.

Prairie Containers can help you determine whether your site is suitable before delivery.

Browse Shipping Containers

Prairie Containers offers a range of shipping container options across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

Browse our current inventory to see available 20ft, 40ft, high cube, used, one-trip, refrigerated, and specialty containers.