Container Sizes: How Many Types and Sizes Are There, and How to Choose One a Truck Can Deliver to Your Site

When people hear the word container, most picture a rectangular steel box used to carry goods by ship or truck. But in reality, containers are not only for transport. Today they are converted into temporary offices, homes, shops and even warehouses, because they are structurally strong, easy to move and versatile. Many people may wonder, how many types of container are there, and what are the standard sizes? This article explains it professionally so you can understand everything in one place.

How to choose a size — the answer is not "how much stuff you have"

The first question almost everyone asks is "what size do I need for it to be enough?" But from real site work, the deciding question is "can it actually get there?"

A container does not walk there by itself. A truck has to take it, and different trucks can reach different places.

• A 20 ft container is about 6 metres long and fits on a 4-ton truck with a 7-metre bed. A truck this size can get into side streets and turn around in areas that are not very wide.
• A 40 ft container is about 12 metres long and needs a trailer truck, which requires a wide road, space to turn and space for the truck to park while lifting.

This is why far fewer companies rent out or sell 40 ft containers — not because the containers are bad, but because transport is difficult and costs several times more.

So before you look at the size table below, go and stand at the site entrance first. If a 4-ton truck cannot get in, a 20 ft container cannot be set down, however large the space inside is.

Types of container

Containers are designed to support a wide range of uses. In general, they can be divided as follows.

1. Standard container (Dry Container)

The most widely used type, suitable for transporting general goods such as construction materials, machinery or everyday items. It is a fully enclosed steel structure — strong and weather-resistant.

2. Reefer container (Reefer Container)

A temperature-controlled container, suitable for frozen goods, fresh food, fruit and vegetables, or medicines that need continuous temperature control.

3. Modified container (Modified Container)

A container adapted for different uses, such as an office unit (Office Container), a mobile toilet unit, a container house (Container Home) or even a prefabricated café/restaurant, which is currently popular.

4. Open-top container (Open Top Container)

Suitable for goods taller than a normal container, such as large machinery. It is easy to use because goods are lifted in and out from the top.

5. Flat rack container (Flat Rack Container)

A container with no side walls or roof, used for transporting oversized items such as steel pipes, cars or heavy machinery.

Standard container sizes

Besides the type, the size of the container is important information for users. In general they are as follows.

1. 20 ft container

• About 6 metres long
• 2.4 metres wide
• 2.6 metres high
• Capacity about 33 cubic metres
  Commonly used for transport and converted into small office units or temporary accommodation

2. 40 ft container

• About 12 metres long
• 2.4 metres wide
• 2.6 metres high
• Capacity about 67 cubic metres
  Suitable for those who need more space, such as a warehouse or large office

3. High Cube container

• 20 ft or 40 ft
• Its key feature is being about 30 cm taller than normal (2.9 metres in total)
  Suits conversions that need an open, airy feel, such as a container house, coffee shop or small showroom

4 site checks before ordering

The size you can actually choose is determined by the site, not by what you want. Before deciding, go and look at these 4 points.

1. Entrance width — A 4-ton truck must be able to pass, including gates and power poles.
2. Turning space — Once the truck is in, it must be able to get out. Reversing too far is risky.
3. Overhead cables and branches — There must be clear space overhead when the container is lifted down.
4. Load-bearing ground — On soft or newly filled ground, the container will settle and tilt later.

If you are not sure, send us photos of the entrance and the area first. We'll check them for free. For details on levelling the ground and foundations, read our guide to preparing the ground before installing a unit

Why choose a container?

Containers are becoming more popular because they have many advantages, including:

• Strong and durable — made from a high-quality steel frame with a long service life
• Easy to move — can be lifted onto a truck or ship straight away
• Good value — more economical than constructing a permanent building
• Highly adaptable — can serve as a home, shop or office, or even a storeroom

Summary

As you can see, containers do not come in just one form; there are many types and sizes, from 20 ft and 40 ft to the tall, airy High Cube, each suited to different uses. If you are looking for an option that is strong, easy to move and versatile, choosing a container is a solution that meets both business and residential needs.

Why choose SBT Worldwide Product

One of Thailand's major manufacturers and distributors of container units for more than 25 years

High-quality materials, made strong with innovation from Japan

Rental and sales services, short and long term, at fair prices

A professional team ready to take care of everything