Choosing a 20-foot or 40-foot container means comparing storage needs with available site space. A 40-foot unit offers more external length; the decision also requires examining access and storage organisation.
Compare external dimensions and current catalogue prices for both formats here. These figures do not establish the unit’s internal capacity: confirm usable measurements, openings and equipment before deciding. The 20-foot format provides a starting point for a placement area around six metres long. It can allow more options on a constrained site than 40 feet, but still requires checks of the delivery vehicle, unloading and doors. The 40-foot format needs a placement area around twelve metres long. It can meet a need for greater length, provided delivery access and the vehicle manoeuvring area are suitable. Your project for South Africa: use this guide to prepare placement alongside the technical container choice. Add a visible landmark or entrance instructions when the address alone is insufficient. Give the site’s access hours and arrange for someone to receive the vehicle. To start comparing a specific reference, see Container 20 ft Standard · Used · last trip · Beige.
External catalogue dimensions
| Size and type | External length | External width | External height | External footprint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20′ Standard | 6,058 m | 2,438 m | 2,591 m | 14,77 m² |
| 20′ High Cube | 6,058 m | 2,438 m | 2,896 m | 14,77 m² |
| 40′ Standard | 12,192 m | 2,438 m | 2,591 m | 29,72 m² |
| 40′ High Cube | 12,192 m | 2,438 m | 2,896 m | 29,72 m² |
External catalogue references, separate from measurements of the delivered unit. Footprint is length × width and excludes open doors and manoeuvring space. No internal capacity is inferred from these values.
Indicative prices excluding tax — 20 feet
Ranges calculated from stocked product references for the selected country using currently recorded prices. Tax, transport and unloading cost extra. Each amount links to the lowest-priced product in its cell and is not a firm offer.
Indicative prices excluding tax — 40 feet
Ranges calculated from stocked product references for the selected country using currently recorded prices. Tax, transport and unloading cost extra. Each amount links to the lowest-priced product in its cell and is not a firm offer.
Start with your objects and site
A 20-foot unit can suit a shorter placement area. A 40-foot unit can consolidate a larger need along its length. Measure objects, allow circulation and check access: usable storage depends on type and fit-out.
External width is comparable for the formats shown, while length changes substantially. The footprint table helps draw your plan, but excludes open doors, circulation and the delivery vehicle’s working area.
Compare equivalent uses and conditions
Start with the same type and condition in 20 and 40 feet, then examine references and colours. Tables use current selected-country prices, indicative and excluding tax, with transport and unloading extra.
Two 20-foot containers require two placements and may involve different delivery arrangements from one 40-foot unit. Do not infer savings from unit price alone: request both scenarios with matching quantity requirements and site access.
Check height and opening type too
Choosing 20 or 40 feet does not settle height: compare standard and High Cube too. Double-door, side-opening and Open Top serve other loading routes, to be checked against measurements and planned handling.
Before enquiring, state destination, obstacles and manoeuvring area. For office or refrigerated products, describe fit-out, connections and required tests. Size alone specifies neither included equipment nor performance.
Explore the matching selections
Products to put your choice into practice
Exact stocked products with indicative prices excluding tax, transport and unloading. Images are illustrations; request recent photos of the actual unit offered.
CA-20-STANDARD-NEW-BEIGE
Container 20 ft Standard · New · one trip · Beige
New · one trip / Beige
R 33 374 Indicative, excl. tax
Request an offer
CA-20-STANDARD-B-BEIGE
Container 20 ft Standard · Used · good condition · Beige
Used · good condition / Beige
R 22 550 Indicative, excl. tax
Request an offer
CA-20-HIGH-CUBE-NEW-BEIGE
Container 20 ft High Cube · New · one trip · Beige
New · one trip / Beige
R 43 378 Indicative, excl. tax
Request an offer
CA-40-STANDARD-NEW-BEIGE
Container 40 ft Standard · New · one trip · Beige
New · one trip / Beige
R 59 532 Indicative, excl. tax
Request an offer
CA-40-STANDARD-B-BEIGE
Container 40 ft Standard · Used · good condition · Beige
Used · good condition / Beige
R 23 452 Indicative, excl. tax
Request an offer
CA-40-HIGH-CUBE-NEW-BEIGE
Container 40 ft High Cube · New · one trip · Beige
New · one trip / Beige
R 68 470 Indicative, excl. tax
Request an offerFrequently asked questions
Can two 20-foot containers always replace one 40-foot unit?
No. They divide the space into two units with separate access, doors and positions. Compare internal measurements and desired organisation, then obtain prices for both scenarios with transport and unloading.
Does 40 feet always provide the best price for the space?
Not necessarily. Compare equivalent type and condition, usable space and complete delivered cost. Difficult placement, different equipment or split storage needs can change the choice; price per external length is insufficient.
Does the catalogue offer High Cube in both formats?
Yes, there are High Cube references in 20 and 40 feet. Compare external height, then request the actual unit’s internal dimensions and door clearance. Choose the exact product and check delivery access.
What should I prepare to request a project quote for South Africa?
Provide the town, street and placement-site number, or a precise landmark if the land has no number. Postal code: 4 digits. Format example: 2001. Use your site’s code, not this example. Add a visible landmark or entrance instructions when the address alone is insufficient. Give the site’s access hours and arrange for someone to receive the vehicle. The proposal should confirm transport, unloading, availability and timing for this site.