The 20ft and 40ft containers are the most popular sizes in Lithuania. They share the same width and height and differ only in length - 6 and 12 metres. Yet length decides a lot: how much fits, what delivery costs, how much space you need and how easily you reach your things.
Side-by-side comparison
| 20ft (6 m) | 40ft (12 m) | |
|---|---|---|
| External, mm | 6058 × 2438 × 2591 | 12 192 × 2438 × 2591 |
| Internal, mm | 5898 × 2352 × 2393 | 12 032 × 2352 × 2393 |
| Volume | 33-33.2 m³ | 67.3-67.8 m³ |
| Euro pallets | 11 | 25 |
| Floor area inside | about 13.9 m² | about 28.3 m² |
| Tare weight | 2145-2370 kg | 3640-4000 kg |
| Delivery | small crane truck | large crane truck or side loader |
When a 20ft container is the better choice
- the yard or plot is small - the container takes about 6 × 2.5 m;
- access is narrow or awkward - a smaller crane truck gets in more easily;
- you will store personal belongings, tools, tyres or garden machinery;
- the container is the base for a garden house, sauna or small office.
When a 40ft container is the better choice
- you need a lot of space - double the capacity with a single delivery;
- you store goods on pallets - it takes 25 euro pallets;
- you plan a family living module or a larger office;
- you ship large loads or long items such as timber or pipes.
Two 20ft or one 40ft?
Two 20ft containers hold about as much as one 40ft but have twice as many doors, so it is easier to split things - one for tools, one for materials. A single 40ft takes less ground (two units need a gap between them) and arrives in one trip. In a long container it is harder to reach items at the back wall; a container with double doors at both ends helps there (special containers).
What about High Cube?
Both sizes come as High Cube, about 30 cm taller (2698 mm inside). Choose it for tall shelving, tall machinery or a living module - more headroom remains after finishing.
Space and delivery
Before ordering, make sure a crane truck can reach the spot and the ground is level and firm. A 40ft container needs more than 12 m of length and wider access. Preparing the base is covered in How to prepare the ground for a shipping container.
In short
Start with what and how much you will keep. Up to 11 pallets or the contents of one room - 20ft. More than 11 pallets, long items or a family living module - 40ft. Both sizes are under New shipping containers and Used shipping containers, and our sales team is happy to help - call +370 650 61953.