Shipping containers are prevalent in moving freight from one destination to another. These storage containers are typically wide and accommodating, making them ideal for varied domestic or logistic uses.

Storage containers also come in various dimensions, each ideal for a unique purpose. Generally, the standard storage container ranges between 20ft to 40ft in length. Similarly, a standard storage container is about 8ft wide, but variations to this dimension also exist.

In this article, we’ll highlight various storage container dimensions. Here, we’ll explore how wide storage containers can get and which size is best for you.

Why Does a Storage Container’s Width Matter?

A lot of times in life, you often hear the phrase size doesn’t matter. However, in this particular instance, size does matter. Purchasing and using a storage container with ideal dimensions can smoothen your business or personal operations.

Say, you’re looking to buy a storage container for your logistics operations. Depending on your target market, you’ll need larger storage containers. In this instance, it’s best to choose a storage container to house larger cargo.

Questions over how wide a storage container is are also valid for the average resident searching for long-term storage facilities. If the storage container is too small for your property, you’ll be left with management and maintenance problems.

Internal and External Container Dimensions

Most storage containers are corrugated, which will affect their overall dimensions. Corrugation eats slightly into a storage container’s usable space. Hence, you should take note of the corrugation when deciding which shipping container to use.

The presence of corrugation gives way to two other factors that determine a standard storage container’s width and length. The two factors are external and internal dimensions.

The internal dimension determines what kind of items the storage container can house. Conversely, external dimensions influence the exterior surroundings and the storage container’s eventual location.

External Storage Container Dimensions

• External Width: A storage container’s external width takes into account the container’s shorter side. Additionally, the measurement runs from one corner to the other, including the jutted corner.
• External Height: The external height comprises measurement from the top frame to the bottom frame
• External Length: The external length runs along the longest section of the container. This dimension is the determinant of the container’s name i.e. 20ft or 40ft.

Internal Storage Container Dimensions

• Internal Length: The internal length runs across the storage container’s shorter side. Therefore, it’s length coincides with how wide the storage container’s exterior appears.
• Internal Width: The internal width concerns the container’s longer side. Typically, this measurement tallies with the storage container’s external length.
• Internal Height: The internal height runs from the floor level to the ceiling level within the container
• Door Opening Height: The door opening height refers to the distance from the door’s base (which is a few mm above the internal floor of the container) to the top of the container door.
• Door Opening Width: The door opening width accounts for the space between the supporting frames on either side of the door from left to right. There’s usually a gap on both sides to allow the door to swing open.

So, before you buy that storage container, make sure to check the external and internal dimensions. Taking note of these two dimensions will guide your purchasing decision.

Related Article: What Size Storage Unit Do I need?

How Wide are the Different Types of Containers?

Let’s dive into the various dimensions of storage containers available. These examples we’ll list are among the most common storage containers available in Ontario’s trailer market.

40ft Storage Container Dimensions

If “go big or go home” serves your needs, then 40ft storage containers are the way to go.

40ft storage containers offer the largest dimensions available and are among the most common ones on the market. They’re ideal for on-site office spaces and onsite equipment storage.

	Height(cm)	Width(cm)	Length(cm)
Exterior Dimensions	259.08	243.84	1,219.2
Interior Dimensions	238.76	236.22	1,201.42

24ft Storage Container Dimensions

24ft storage containers are wide enough for storing smaller items onsite. These containers are a smaller alternative to the 40ft containers. Plus, you can move inventory without worrying about excessive space left behind. Hence, you won’t be spending more on the larger container when this one would suffice.

	Height(cm)	Width(cm)	Length(cm)
Exterior Dimensions	259.08	243.84	731.52
Interior Dimensions	238.76	233.68	713.74

20ft Storage Container Dimensions

These containers work best for smaller projects and are ideal for commercial storage needs. Alternatively, it’s possible to transform 20ft storage containers into guard or communication posts.

	Height(cm)	Width(cm)	Length(cm)
Exterior Dimensions	259.08	243.84	609.6
Internal Dimensions	238.76	233.68	589.28

10ft Storage Container Dimensions

10ft storage containers are adequate for confined spaces. The cube-shaped containers can fit into driveways and parkways easily. These containers are the shortest answer to how wide storage containers can be.

	Height(cm)	Width(cm)	Length(cm)
Exterior Dimensions	259.08	243.84	304.8
Interior Dimensions	238.76	233.68	284.48

Container Weights

Knowing how wide the storage container appears is important. But, you also need to know how much weight it can carry.

There are three main relevant weight categories that you need to be familiar with, and they are:

• Tare weight: Tare weight is the weight of the container while it is empty and without any cargo.
• Payload weight: The payload weight deals with cargo weight exclusively without accounting for the weight of the container.
• Gross weight: Gross weight is the total weight (payload) of the cargo and the weight of the container.

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In the End

Storage containers come in various sizes, and the decision of which to choose depends on the intended usage. For instance, 40ft storage containers are as wide as 243cm and are better suited for large onsite storage needs.

We’ve also covered internal and external storage container dimensions and how they influence your usage experience. Essentially, we’re your go-to for all storage container requests in Ontario.

Toronto Trailers is home to high-grade storage containers that’ll stand the severe test of time. Call 416-477-5488 today to discuss container sizes and how we can provide a suitable solution.