Standard Shipping Containers for Sale
Standard-height containers are the classic 8'6" steel boxes that built global shipping. At 8ft wide and 8'6" tall in 20ft or 40ft lengths, they're the dependable default for dry storage and straightforward stacking, sold here as inspected cargo-worthy and watertight units.
Standard Shipping Containers for Sale
A "standard" container refers to the 8'6" exterior height, the original ISO profile, as opposed to the taller 9'6" high cube. You'll find them in 20ft and 40ft lengths, both 8ft wide. The 20ft holds around 1,170 cubic feet and the 40ft around 2,390. If your load is palletized or boxed and you don't need extra headroom, the standard height is the practical, lower-cost choice, and it's the profile most buyers picture when they think of a shipping container.
Why buyers pick standard height
- Lower clearance for sites with overhead limits like carports and tree cover
- Slightly cheaper than the equivalent high cube
- Stacks cleanly with other standard ISO boxes at the corner castings
- Plenty of room for pallets, shelving, tools, and dry goods
- Easy to find in used, cargo-worthy, and one-trip conditions
- Fits standard truck and rail handling everywhere in the country
Condition and what to expect
Our standard stock is sold cargo-worthy and wind-and-water-tight: inspected steel that's structurally sound and certified to keep weather out, with cosmetic surface rust and minor dents that don't affect performance. Floors are marine-grade plywood on steel cross-members rated for forklift traffic, and the cargo doors seal with cam-locking gear and rubber gaskets. The corrugated Corten steel walls resist corrosion and shrug off the elements with little upkeep beyond the occasional touch-up of paint on scratches.
Compare sizes and heights
If you need the extra foot of interior height for tall racking or a conversion, compare high cube containers instead. Choosing a length? See our 20ft containers for compact storage or 40ft containers when you need double the floor. Confirm exact interior and door measurements on the container dimensions page before you load tall pallets or wheel in a vehicle.
Every standard container ships with flat $500 delivery nationwide, set in place by tilt-bed truck. Handling runs 1-3 days and transit 3-10. Prep a level, well-drained pad and a clear approach so the driver can slide the box exactly where you want it the first time.
These standard-height units are in stock and ready to move, with the same 30-day return policy as the rest of our range. Whether you're after a single 20ft for the back lot or a 40ft for a busy yard, we can confirm condition and availability and get it on a truck quickly. Ask us about insulation or door upgrades if your goods need extra protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a container 'standard' instead of high cube?
Height. A standard container is 8'6" tall externally; a high cube is 9'6", a full foot taller. Standards carry the same 8ft width and come in 20ft and 40ft lengths. Both are sold here as inspected, weather-tight units.
How much does a standard shipping container cost?
Standard units in this category run roughly $1,500 to $2,150 depending on size and condition, with flat $500 nationwide delivery included. Used and cargo-worthy boxes sit at the lower end.
Is a standard container tall enough for my forklift load?
Interior height in an 8'6" standard is just under 8 feet, with a door opening about 7'5" high. Most palletized loads clear it, but check tall racking against our container specifications first.
Are these new or used?
This category is mainly inspected used containers sold cargo-worthy and wind-and-water-tight. For near-pristine units, look at one-trip stock under new containers.
Can I stack standard containers?
Yes, ISO standard containers are built to stack and interlock at the corner castings. For permanent stacking on your property, confirm local rules and a proper foundation; we can supply weights and dimensions for engineering.