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Container grades explained

Appearance, age and wear can vary. Here’s a quick guide to the most common storage grades.

Used containers are graded by age, overall condition, cosmetic appearance, and structural integrity. Factors like surface rust, dents, and general-purpose wear and tear can affect the grade. The container’s age impacts its condition, which in turn affects functionality and durability. Cosmetic appearance is about visual aspects like dents, scratches, and paint quality. Structural integrity is crucial, ensuring the container is water-tight and safe for its intended use.

A

A Grade / near new

Excellent condition

Best appearance and presentation.
Great where condition and look matter most.

These are top-quality containers, often new containers or second-hand ones in excellent condition. They are generally free from repairs and maintenance issues, making them a preferred choice for those requiring the best condition container for shipping cargo.

B

B Grade / good used

Good condition

A practical balance of condition and price. The most common choice for storage.

B grade containers may have some cosmetic imperfections but is still in fair quality. They are wind and watertight and suitable for a variety of uses, from transportation to being repurposed as garden sheds.

C

C Grade / budget

Fair condition

Lower-cost option with more cosmetic wear, suitable where budget is the priority.

These containers show more signs of wear and may require some repairs. They are not ideal for shipping but can be excellent for storage or as a DIY project base.

What size container do you need?

Use this guide to compare common sizes, typical measurements and what each size is best for.

8ft Container

A compact storage option for tighter sites, smaller loads and places where a 10ft or 20ft container may be too large.

Best for:

Tools, archive boxes, garden gear, camping equipment, small furniture, sports gear, trade equipment and compact household storage.

External dimensions:

2.43m L × 2.22m W × 2.60m H

Internal dimensions:

2.28m L × 2.33m width × 2.11m H

Door opening:

2.10m W × 1.95m H

Internal volume:

Approx. 9.9m³

Tare weight:

Approx. 950kg

Maximum gross weight:

Approx. 10,160kg

Maximum payload:

Approx. 5,050kg

Storage capacity:

Approx. 9.9m³

Storage guide:

Suitable for a small room of goods or compact site storage.

10ft Container

A compact storage option with enough room for smaller loads, while still being easy to place on tighter sites.

Best for:

Tools and trade equipment, Small household storage, Garden gear or sports equipment, Site boxes and temporary project storage, Tight driveways, yards or limited spaces

External dimensions:

3.09m L × 2.44m W × 2.60m H

Internal dimensions:

2.98m L × 2.33m W × 2.38m H

Door opening:

2.34m W × 2.27m H

Internal volume:

Approx. 15m³

Tare weight:

Approx. 1,200kg

Maximum gross weight:

Approx. 10,160kg

Maximum payload:

Approx. 8,960kg

Storage capacity:

Approx. 15m³, suitable for tools, boxes, small furniture, equipment or compact storage.

20ft Container

The most popular all-rounder, offering a practical balance of storage space, availability and delivery flexibility.

Best for:

Household moves or renovations, Business stock and equipment, Building site storage, Farm or rural storage, Furniture, appliances and boxed goods, General long-term or short-term storage

External dimensions:

6.06m L × 2.44m W × 2.59m H

Internal dimensions:

5.90m L × 2.35m W × 2.39m H

Door opening:

2.34m W × 2.28m H

Internal volume:

Approx. 33.1m³

Tare weight:

Approx. 2,180kg

Maximum gross weight:

Approx. 30,480kg

Maximum payload:

Approx. 28,300kg

Storage capacity:

Around 10 pallets, or roughly a 2–3 bedroom home depending on item volume.

40ft Container

A large-capacity option for bigger storage needs, bulky goods or commercial use where maximum space is the priority.

Best for:

Large household moves, Commercial stock overflow, Bulky furniture or equipment, Machinery and larger items, Long-term business storage, Sites with enough access and placement space

External dimensions:

12.20m L × 2.44m W × 2.59m H

Internal dimensions:

12.03m L × 2.35m W × 2.39m H

Door opening:

2.34m W × 2.28m H

Internal volume:

Approx. 67.7m³

Tare weight:

Approx. 3,500kg

Maximum gross weight:

Approx. 30,480kg

Maximum payload:

Approx. 26,980kg

Storage capacity:

Up to 18 large pallets, or roughly a 3-bedroom home depending on item volume.