Container Types

Shipping Container Sizes & Types for California

Compare all five container types side by side. Every size delivered to your California address with pricing always included.

Quick Comparison

All Container Types at a Glance

Type Length Width Height Int. Volume Best For Quote
20ft Standard 20 ft 8 ft 8.5 ft 1,170 cu ft Home storage, driveways Quote
40ft Standard 40 ft 8 ft 8.5 ft 2,350 cu ft Contractors, ranches, businesses Quote
40ft High Cube 40 ft 8 ft 9.5 ft 2,694 cu ft Tall equipment, conversions Quote
Modified / Custom 20 or 40 ft 8 ft Varies Custom Offices, cabins, custom builds Quote
Refrigerated (Reefer) 20 or 40 ft 8 ft 8.5 ft Varies Food, breweries, produce, cannabis Quote

Dimensions shown are approximate exterior. Interior dimensions are slightly smaller. All prices include California delivery.

New 20ft one-trip shipping container
Most Popular

20ft Standard Container

The 20ft container is the most popular size in California for a reason. It fits in most standard driveways and residential lots, holds roughly the equivalent of a two-car garage's worth of contents, and is maneuverable enough for tight spaces that a 40ft can't reach.

For Southern California homeowners doing a renovation, ranch owners storing seasonal equipment, or small businesses needing overflow storage, the 20ft is usually the right call.

California Use Cases

  • ✓ Los Angeles homeowner renovation storage
  • ✓ Southern California residential driveway placement
  • ✓ California ranch seasonal equipment storage
  • ✓ Small business overflow inventory
  • ✓ Rural property gear storage

Specifications

Exterior Length20 ft (6.1 m)
Exterior Width8 ft (2.44 m)
Exterior Height8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)
Interior Length19 ft 4 in
Interior Width7 ft 9 in
Interior Height7 ft 10 in
Volume~1,170 cu ft
Door Opening7 ft 8 in W × 7 ft 5 in H
Full Details → Get a Quote

Specifications

Exterior Length40 ft (12.2 m)
Exterior Width8 ft (2.44 m)
Exterior Height8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)
Interior Length39 ft 5 in
Interior Width7 ft 9 in
Interior Height7 ft 10 in
Volume~2,350 cu ft
Door Opening7 ft 8 in W × 7 ft 5 in H
Full Details → Get a Quote
40ft standard shipping container
Double the Space

40ft Standard Container

Twice the storage of a 20ft in the same footprint width. The 40ft standard is the workhorse for California contractors, ranchers, and businesses. If you need to store large equipment, multiple pallets of inventory, or want to maximize storage on a property with a long, accessible driveway, the 40ft delivers.

Note that a 40ft requires about 50–60 feet of clear approach for the delivery truck to position the tilt-bed trailer. Urban properties with limited access may be better served by the 20ft.

California Use Cases

  • ✓ California contractor job-site storage
  • ✓ Ranch & farm equipment in Central Valley & Inland Empire
  • ✓ Business inventory overflow in Los Angeles metro
  • ✓ Landscaping & irrigation equipment storage
  • ✓ Large property archival or equipment storage
40ft high cube one-trip container with door open
Most Space

40ft High Cube Container

The 40ft high cube has the same footprint as the standard 40ft but stands a full foot taller -- 9 feet 6 inches exterior height, with just over 9 feet of usable interior clearance. That extra foot is surprisingly transformative: you can stand completely upright, run overhead electrical, and store tall equipment that won't fit in a standard container.

High cubes are the top choice for conversion projects -- container offices, guest houses, worksite break rooms, and custom builds throughout California.

California Use Cases

  • ✓ Rural retreat or guest house conversion
  • ✓ Southern California construction site office
  • ✓ Tall agricultural equipment (Kern, Tulare, Fresno County)
  • ✓ Northern California rural retreat base
  • ✓ Retail or pop-up structure for California events

Specifications

Exterior Length40 ft (12.2 m)
Exterior Width8 ft (2.44 m)
Exterior Height9 ft 6 in (2.9 m)
Interior Length39 ft 5 in
Interior Width7 ft 9 in
Interior Height8 ft 10 in
Volume~2,694 cu ft
Door Opening7 ft 8 in W × 8 ft 5 in H
Full Details → Get a Quote

Common Modifications Available

  • 🚪 Personnel doors & roll-up garage doors
  • 🪟 Windows (fixed or opening)
  • ⚡ Electrical wiring, outlets, panel
  • 💡 LED interior & exterior lighting
  • 🌡️ Insulation & HVAC / climate control
  • 🪵 Flooring overlays & wall panels
  • 🎨 Custom exterior paint & branding
  • Built-in shelving & workbenches
Full Details → Get a Quote
Modified shipping container converted to commercial space in California
Custom

Modified Containers

A modified container starts with a standard steel shipping container and adds the features you need -- doors, windows, insulation, electrical, HVAC, and more. The result is a durable, weatherproof structure that's far more affordable than traditional construction and can be placed almost anywhere in California.

Modified containers are popular for construction office trailers on Southern California job sites, off-grid retreat bases in rural areas, ranch offices in the Central Valley, and retail pop-up concepts throughout the state.

California Use Cases

  • ✓ Job site office trailer -- Southern California construction
  • ✓ Rural retreat or cabin base -- Northern California
  • ✓ Ranch manager's office -- Central Valley
  • ✓ Remote retreat or guest house
  • ✓ California retail or event pop-up
20ft refrigerated container with Carrier unit
Refrigerated

Refrigerated (Reefer) Containers

Reefer containers combine the structural strength of a shipping container with an integrated refrigeration unit capable of maintaining temperatures from -25°F to +70°F. They're used throughout California for cold chain logistics, seasonal produce storage, brewery ingredient storage, and more.

Available in 20ft and 40ft sizes. Requires a 460V 3-phase power connection or a compatible generator to run the refrigeration unit.

California Use Cases

  • ✓ California craft brewery ingredient & hop storage
  • ✓ Produce farm storage -- Central Valley, Salinas Valley
  • ✓ Caterer & event kitchen overflow
  • ✓ Cannabis facility temperature-controlled storage
  • ✓ Meat processing & hunting camp game storage

Key Specifications

Available Sizes20ft & 40ft
Temperature Range-25°F to +70°F
Power Requirement460V 3-phase
Condition AvailableUsed & Reconditioned
Insulated WallsYes -- integral
Full Details → Get a Quote

Not Sure Which Container Is Right for You?

Describe your project and we'll recommend the best size, grade, and type for your California property.

Get a Free Recommendation (330) 510-5817
Before You Order

Site Preparation & Delivery Clearance

Containers are delivered on a tilt-bed truck. Knowing your clearance ahead of time avoids delays and extra charges.

Required Straight Clearance

20ft
105–110 ft straight clearance
Measured from the drop point in a straight line
40ft
125–130 ft straight clearance
Includes both standard and high cube models

Also check: 10–12 ft width clearance, overhead obstacles (trees, power lines, overhangs), and road surface condition. Gravel and dirt roads are fine -- just flag steep grades or soft ground.

See How Delivery Works

Tilt-bed delivery in action -- this is what to expect at your property.