Rent a
20ft Shipping Container
The 20ft is the workhorse of our rental fleet: about 150 square feet of secure, ground-level storage that still fits in a standard parking space. It holds roughly ten pallets, and it's the size most businesses land on once they've run the numbers.
ATS delivers 20ft container rentals from depots across Canada, short-term or long-term. Wind and watertight, cleaned, and ready to lock the day it arrives.
What Is a 20ft Container Rental?
A 20ft container rental is a steel storage unit that measures 20 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8 feet 6 inches tall. Delivered to your site and billed on a recurring cycle, it provides approximately 150 square feet of lockable, weatherproof floor space at ground level, with no ramp, no lift and no loading dock needed.
It’s the most popular rental size in Canada, and the reasons stack up: it holds serious volume, fits in a standard parking space, and can be placed on most commercial sites without special equipment.
20ft Container Dimensions and Capacity
| Specification | 20ft Standard |
|---|---|
| Exterior length | 20′ 0″ (6.06 m) |
| Exterior width | 8′ 0″ (2.44 m) |
| Exterior height | 8′ 6″ (2.59 m) |
| Interior length | 19′ 4″ (5.90 m) |
| Interior width | 7′ 8″ (2.34 m) |
| Interior height | 7′ 10″ (2.39 m) |
| Door opening (W × H) | 7′ 8″ × 7′ 5″ |
| Floor area | ~148 sq ft (13.7 m²) |
| Storage capacity | ~1,160 cu ft (32.9 m³) |
| Tare weight | ~4,850 lbs (2,200 kg) |
| Max gross weight | ~67,200 lbs (30,480 kg) |
Ten standard pallets fit on the floor of a 20ft. So do two small vehicles, a full framing crew’s tools and materials, or the archive of a mid-sized office.
Why Rent a 20ft Instead of Buying?
- No upfront capital: Keep your capital available for other business needs and project expenses.
- Flexible storage: Start with one 20ft and add more or upgrade to a 40ft as your requirements change
- No maintenance liability: Ongoing maintenance, repainting and end-of-life responsibilities that come with owning a container are our responsibility, not yours.
- Available when you need it: Our rental fleet is available from depots across the country, helping you secure storage without the lead time of purchasing.
Buying may offer better value for long-term use. For shorter-term or changing requirements, renting gives you greater flexibility.
Not sure which is right for you? Tell us about your project and we’ll help you decide.
Who Rents 20ft Containers?
- Construction: Secure on-site storage for tools, materials and equipment.
- Retail: Seasonal inventory, overflow stock and renovation storage.
- Manufacturing & Industrial: Parts, work-in-progress inventory and tools.
- Auto & Transportation: Tires, parts and fleet equipment.
- Agriculture: Convenient storage for tools, equipment and supplies close to the job.
- Events & Hospitality: Secure storage for staging, equipment and supplies between events.
- Schools & Municipalities: Storage for grounds equipment, athletics gear, records and more.
What’s Included
Every 20ft rental container from ATS is inspected and delivered wind and watertight, ready for secure storage.
- 14-gauge corrugated CORTEN steel body with a marine-grade plywood floor
- Cam-locking steel cargo doors with weather seals and a lockbox on select units
- Ground-level entry for easy loading and unloading
- Weatherproof vents for passive airflow
- Forklift pockets on select units
- ATS handles delivery, placement and end-of-term pickup
Available modifications on rental units include roll-up doors, shelving, and other accessories.
Delivery and Site Requirements
A 20ft is delivered by tilt-and-load truck. You’ll need:
- Minimum 65 feet of straight line clearance: Enough room for the driver to back in and slide the unit off.
- About 18 feet of overhead clearance: Watch for power lines, branches and awnings.
- Minimum 14′ width clearance: Allows sufficient space for delivery and placement.
- Firm, dry and level ground: Gravel, compacted dirt or asphalt are all suitable.
- Good drainage: Avoid low spots where water can pool.
20ft Container Rental Rates
We quote every 20ft rental on the specifics rather than a list price. Here’s what moves the number:
| Factor | Effect on rate |
|---|---|
| Rental term | Longer terms lower the monthly rate |
| Distance from depot | Delivery and pickup are quoted on distance |
| Standard vs. high cube | High cube carries a modest premium |
| Modifications | Roll-up doors, shelving and paint are priced per unit |
| Season | Spring and fall run tighter on availability |
Get a rental quote or call a specialist for an estimate today.
20ft Container Rental FAQs
How much does it cost to rent a 20ft container?
Delivery and pickup are quoted separately based on your location.
Tell us your site location and rental timeline, and we’ll provide a tailored quote.
What are the dimensions of a 20ft shipping container?
• Exterior: 20′ L × 8′ W × 8’6″ H
• Interior: Approximately 19’4″ L × 7’8″ W × 7’10” H
• Floor space: Approximately 148 sq. ft.
• Volume: Approximately 1,160 cu. ft.
How Many Pallets Fit in a 20ft Container?
Need more capacity? Pallets can be stacked where appropriate, depending on the load height and weight.
Is Renting a Shipping Container Worth It?
If you expect to keep the same container in the same location for years, buying may offer better long-term value.
Do You Need a Concrete Slab for a Shipping Container?
The key is firm, level ground with good drainage. On softer ground, patio slabs or timbers under the container’s corners can help keep the floor dry and the doors operating properly.
Can I Rent a 20ft Container with a Roll-Up Door?
Have a question?
Call a container specialist.
