What Sizes of Shipping Containers Are Available Locally?
- Mann's Cans
- Jan 15
- 5 min read
AI Summary
Shipping containers are available locally in several standard sizes to support storage, construction, business, and custom-built projects.
The most common options are 20 ft and 40 ft containers, with specialty and high-cube sizes available for specific needs.
Choosing the right size depends on intended use, available space, delivery access, and future expansion plans.
Local suppliers like Mann’s Cans help customers across Pennsylvania select the right container size and arrange efficient delivery.
When searching for shipping containers locally, one of the first and most important questions to answer is size. The size of your container affects everything from cost and delivery logistics to how usable the space will be for storage, business operations, or custom projects. Whether you are a homeowner, contractor, or business owner, understanding which shipping container sizes are available locally helps you make a smarter, more cost-effective decision.
This guide breaks down the most common shipping container sizes available in Pennsylvania, how each size is typically used, and what to consider when choosing the right option. If you are looking for shipping containers in Harrison City or exploring custom containers in Pennsylvania, knowing your size options is the first step.
Why Shipping Container Size Matters
Shipping containers are standardized, but each size serves a different purpose. Choosing the wrong size can lead to wasted space, higher delivery costs, or the need to upgrade sooner than expected.
The right size helps you:
Maximize usable space
Control upfront and delivery costs
Fit the container properly on your property
Support future customization or expansion
Local suppliers stock the most in-demand sizes to meet residential and commercial needs efficiently.
The Most Common Shipping Container Sizes Available Locally
20 ft Shipping Containers
The 20 ft shipping container is the most popular and widely available option.
Typical dimensions:
Approximately 20 feet long
About 8 feet wide
Around 8.5 feet tall
Common uses include:
Residential storage
Job site tool and equipment storage
Small business inventory
Workshops or garages
Entry-level custom builds
Why buyers choose 20 ft containers:
Easier to place on residential properties
Lower delivery costs
Less space required for access and placement
Ideal for first-time buyers
For many homeowners searching for shipping containers in Harrison City, a 20 ft container provides the perfect balance of size and convenience.
40 ft Shipping Containers
The 40 ft container offers double the length and significantly more interior space.
Typical dimensions:
Approximately 40 feet long
About 8 feet wide
Around 8.5 feet tall
Common uses include:
Large storage needs
Business inventory and warehousing
Workshops and fabrication spaces
Multi-room custom containers
Retail or office conversions
Why buyers choose 40 ft containers:
Better cost per square foot
More flexibility for customization
Suitable for growing businesses
Ideal for multi-container layouts
Businesses planning custom containers in Pennsylvania often start with 40 ft units due to their versatility.
High Cube Containers for Extra Height
High cube containers are similar to standard containers but provide extra interior height.
Key difference:
Approximately one additional foot of height
Benefits of high cube containers:
More vertical storage space
Better airflow for ventilation systems
Easier insulation and ceiling builds
Improved comfort for office or workspace conversions
High cube containers are popular for:
Offices
Cafés and retail units
Workshops with tall equipment
Custom commercial projects
Availability depends on local inventory, but many Pennsylvania suppliers carry high cube options.
Specialty Container Sizes and Options
While 20 ft and 40 ft containers are the most common, some specialty sizes may be available locally or by request.
Shorter Containers
Shorter containers are useful for:
Tight residential spaces
Small storage needs
Limited access properties
These are less common but can be sourced depending on availability.
Double Door Containers
These containers have doors on both ends, allowing easier access for:
Inventory rotation
Equipment loading
Workshops and storage tunnels
They are typically available in both 20 ft and 40 ft sizes.
Open Side Containers
Open side containers feature a full-length side opening, making them ideal for:
Retail displays
Workshops
Mobile service units
These specialty containers are often used for custom builds and may require additional lead time.
How Container Size Affects Delivery
Container size plays a major role in delivery planning.
Important delivery considerations include:
Access road width
Turning radius for delivery trucks
Space needed to offload the container
Ground stability
A 20 ft container is easier to deliver in tight areas, while a 40 ft container requires more space for safe placement. Local suppliers help evaluate your site before delivery to avoid delays or repositioning issues.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Project
When deciding which size is best, consider the following questions:
What will the container be used for?
How much space do you realistically need?
Will your needs grow in the future?
How much room is available on your property?
Do you plan to customize the container later?
Answering these questions helps avoid buying a container that is too small or unnecessarily large.
Size Considerations for Custom Containers
Custom containers in Pennsylvania are used for offices, retail spaces, cafés, workshops, and branded commercial units. Size selection is especially important for these projects.
Smaller containers work well for:
Compact offices
Single-room workspaces
Storage-focused builds
Larger containers are better for:
Multi-room layouts
Customer-facing businesses
Equipment-heavy operations
Future expansion or container connections
Choosing the right size early reduces modification costs later.
Local Availability and Inventory Benefits
Buying locally ensures access to the most popular container sizes without long wait times.
Local suppliers typically:
Stock 20 ft and 40 ft containers
Offer faster delivery
Reduce transportation costs
Provide accurate guidance on placement
For buyers searching for shipping containers in Harrison City, local availability makes the process faster and more affordable.
People Also Ask
Are 20 ft or 40 ft containers more popular?
Both are popular, but 20 ft containers are more common for residential use, while 40 ft containers are favored by businesses.
Can I combine multiple containers?
Yes. Containers can be connected side by side or end to end to create larger spaces.
Do larger containers cost more to deliver?
Yes, delivery costs increase with container size due to weight and access requirements.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I upgrade to a larger container later?
Yes. Many buyers start with one container and add or upgrade later.
Q: Are high cube containers worth it?
They are ideal for custom builds where extra height improves comfort and usability.
Q: Can containers fit on residential driveways?
Often yes, especially 20 ft containers, depending on access and layout.
Q: Are specialty containers harder to find?
They may require additional lead time, but local suppliers can help source them.
Find the Right Shipping Container Size Locally
Choosing the right shipping container size is essential for getting the most value from your investment. Whether you need compact storage or a large custom build, local suppliers offer size options that match a wide range of needs.
If you are exploring shipping containers in Harrison City or planning custom containers in Pennsylvania, Mann’s Cans can help you select the right size and arrange smooth local delivery.
Call 724-790-5040 or fill out the online form to check current availability and get expert guidance on choosing the best shipping container size for your project.
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