New 20ft Shipping Container (One Trip): Uses, Conversions and Fit-Out Options

What is a new 20ft "One Trip" shipping container?

The new 20ft shipping container, often called "One Trip", is a container that has made only one sea voyage to transport goods from its place of manufacture. It differs from used containers by its flawless cosmetic and structural condition: unblemished paint, no rust, clean floor and door seals in perfect condition. This container is made of Corten steel, a low-alloy steel that resists atmospheric corrosion thanks to the formation of a protective surface layer. It is fitted with a security lockbox that protects the padlock against cutting attempts, and forklift pockets for easy handling with a forklift. It is available in standard colours RAL 5010 (Blue) or RAL 7035 (Grey).

This 20ft container is a dry model, meaning without temperature control, intended for transporting dry goods and for storage. Its standard external dimensions are approximately 6.058 m long, 2.438 m wide and 2.591 m high, with a tare weight of around 2,200 to 2,400 kg and a maximum payload of around 28,000 kg. Internal dimensions are approximately 5.898 m long, 2.352 m wide and 2.393 m high, offering an internal volume of around 33 m³. These characteristics comply with ISO 668, which defines the dimensions and masses of series 1 containers, and ISO 1496-1, which specifies design and testing requirements for dry freight containers. The floor is 28 mm marine plywood, a material resistant to moisture and heavy loads. The side walls and roof are corrugated steel, ensuring good structural rigidity. The rear doors are double-leaf, equipped with container locking bars and rubber sealing gaskets. The container also has four lifting rings at the upper and lower corners, compliant with ISO corner castings, allowing lifting by spreader or slings.

Why choose a new container rather than a used one?

The "One Trip" container offers decisive advantages for projects where aesthetics and durability matter. A used container, which is cheaper, may be suitable for simple storage or non-visible use, but it may show traces of rust, dents, a worn floor and tired seals. A new container requires no repair, retains its original paint, its structure is not altered, its sealing is optimal and its lifespan is longer. It is recommended for conversion projects where a neat image and longevity matter. A new container also retains a better resale value. The price of a new 20ft container is generally higher than that of a used one, but the difference can be offset by longevity and the absence of refurbishment costs.

Common uses of the new 20ft container

Storage on commercial, industrial or agricultural sites

Thanks to its aesthetic appearance and sealing, this container can be used for visible storage on a commercial, industrial or agricultural site. In agriculture, it can be used to store grain, animal feed, equipment or inputs, provided moisture is prevented. In industry, it can hold spare parts, consumables or archives. In construction, it is commonly used as a storage room for tools and materials.

Events: stands, pop-up stores, ticket offices

The 20ft container is also popular for events: stands, pop-up stores, ticket offices, temporary changing rooms. Its sound structure and new paint make it an ideal base for interior fit-out and opening bays. In retail and events, it is transformed into a pop-up shop, exhibition stand, ticket office or catering space.

Transport of goods

Due to its strength and sealing, it can also be used to transport goods by sea, rail or road, subject to compliance with applicable regulations. In logistics, it is used to transport dry goods, palletised or in bulk.

Conversion base: office, workshop, home

Its sound structure and new paint make it an ideal base for insulation, cladding, opening bays, electrical installation and plumbing. It can be converted into a site office, technical room, workshop or modular home. In alternative housing, it serves as a base for modular constructions, container houses, holiday lets or studios, after insulation and interior fit-out.

Possible conversions and fit-outs

Thermal and acoustic insulation

Steel is an excellent thermal conductor. For use as an office, workshop or home, insulation is essential. You can choose internal insulation with mineral wool or polyurethane panels, covered with plywood or panelling. External insulation is also possible, with added cladding. In both cases, thermal bridges at the metal studs must be treated. Suitable ventilation (MVHR) is recommended to prevent condensation.

Opening bays and joinery

Opening bays (doors, windows) requires structural reinforcement. The corrugated steel walls can be cut, but it is essential to weld a metal frame around the opening to maintain rigidity. Joinery can be aluminium or PVC, with double glazing for insulation. For doors, you can keep the original double rear door or create a side entrance.

Electricity and plumbing

Electrical installation must be carried out by a professional, with surface-mounted conduits or conduits embedded in the insulation. A distribution board, sockets, switches and LED lighting should be provided. For plumbing, if the container is intended for sanitary use, a water supply and drainage network must be provided. In this case, raising the floor may be necessary to run pipes.

Floor and wall coverings

The 28 mm marine plywood floor can be kept and covered with a floor covering (vinyl, laminate, tiles). Walls and ceiling can be finished with plasterboard, panelling or composite panels. It is important to leave a service space between the insulation and the covering to run cables and conduits.

Roof and waterproofing

The corrugated steel roof is waterproof, but for habitable use it is advisable to provide an over-roof or additional protection (waterproof membrane, steel deck). This reduces rain noise and improves thermal insulation.

Points to check before buying

When buying a new container, several points must be checked. First, ensure that the container is indeed "One Trip" and not a refurbished used container. A new container has uniform paint, no traces of rust, a floor without stains or wear, and door seals that are supple and not cracked. It must be accompanied by its CSC plate (Convention for Safe Containers), which certifies compliance with international safety standards, and its ISO certificate. Also check for the lockbox and forklift pockets, which are practical features for security and handling. Finally, check that the dimensions and weight match the stated specifications, and that the container is delivered with functional doors, without deformation.

Maintenance of a Corten steel container

Maintaining a Corten steel shipping container is relatively simple. It is recommended to clean the surface regularly with a water jet and mild detergent to remove dirt and salt deposits, especially in coastal areas. Deep scratches that expose bare steel should be treated with anti-rust paint to prevent corrosion. Door seals should be checked periodically and replaced if they show signs of ageing. The marine plywood floor can be cleaned with a brush and soapy water; avoid abrasive products. It is advisable to grease hinges and locking mechanisms once or twice a year. When storing moisture-sensitive materials, the use of dehumidifiers or desiccant bags can be useful, as condensation can form inside when temperatures vary.

To go further, a distinction should be made between preventive and corrective maintenance. Preventive maintenance involves regularly inspecting the container, at least once a year, paying particular attention to sensitive points: welds, corner castings, hinges, locking bars and the door surround. Washing with clean water at moderate pressure removes dust, salt and atmospheric pollutants. In an industrial or marine environment, this cleaning can be quarterly. Applying protective wax to the paint is not essential but can slow tarnishing. Corrective maintenance is carried out as soon as an anomaly is detected: paint chip, deep scratch, early rust, detached seal, damaged floor. In this case, scrape the rusty area down to sound metal, apply an anti-rust primer then a topcoat in a close colour. For floors, a damaged marine plywood panel can be replaced with a panel of the same thickness, screwed or nailed to the metal cross members. Door seals are easy to replace: they are generally clipped or glued into a groove. A worn seal lets in water and air, which can damage stored goods. Finally, locking mechanisms should be lubricated with water-resistant grease to prevent jamming.

Regulations and transport

From a regulatory standpoint, transporting a shipping container in France is subject to a few rules. For road transport, a 20ft container can be carried on a container truck or a suitable trailer. The total laden weight (container + goods) must not exceed the limits authorised by the Highway Code (44 tonnes for a 5-axle road train, subject to special provisions). The container must be properly secured. For rail transport, it must comply with UIC standards. Finally, for a fixed installation (office, dwelling), it may be necessary to apply for planning permission from the town hall, as a container can be considered a construction. It is also important to check local planning rules, particularly in protected or coastal areas.

Transport regulations deserve clarification. In France, road transport of containers is governed by the Highway Code and European Commission rules. A 20ft container can be carried on a rigid vehicle or a semi-trailer. The authorised gross combination weight must not exceed 44 tonnes for a 5-axle combination, or 40 tonnes for a 4-axle combination, unless local derogations apply. The driver must ensure that the container is locked onto the chassis with twist-locks. The transport of dangerous goods (ADR) imposes additional rules: signage, driver training, transport documents. For sea transport, the container must be stackable and comply with ISO 1496-1, with a valid CSC plate. The CSC plate must be renewed periodically (every 30 months for new containers, then according to maintenance arrangements). Regarding planning, installing a container as a fixed construction may require a building permit or prior declaration, depending on its surface area and duration of installation. Containers used as site offices may benefit from specific rules. It is advisable to contact the local planning department before any installation.

Comparison with other container types

Compared with other sizes, the 20ft container offers a good compromise between volume and footprint. The standard 40ft container offers around 67 m³, twice as much, but it is longer (12.192 m) and heavier (around 3,750 kg empty). It requires more powerful lifting equipment and larger manoeuvring areas. The 40ft high cube container adds around 30 cm of internal height, which is useful for taller volumes, but it is less common in 20ft. The 10ft container is more compact (around 3 m long) and easier to move, but its internal volume is reduced (around 15 m³). The 20ft container remains the most widespread, which facilitates resale and the supply of spare parts. Compared with an open top container, the dry container does not allow top loading, but it is more watertight and simpler to use. The flat rack container, without side walls, is suitable for out-of-gauge loads, but it offers no protection against the weather. The reefer container, with a refrigeration unit, is intended for perishable goods, but it is heavier and more expensive. Finally, the 20ft high cube container is rare; the standard remains the 20ft dry with an external height of 2.591 m.

Delivery and installation

A 20ft container can be delivered by container truck with a lifting arm (crane truck) or by flatbed truck with unloading by forklift if the site has suitable equipment. As the tare weight is around 2.3 tonnes, a forklift with a minimum capacity of 3.5 tonnes is often required. The ground must be stable and level to prevent any subsidence. It is advisable to allow sufficient manoeuvring space and to check access (width, height, load-bearing capacity). Once positioned, the container can be shimmed at the corners with plates or blocks to distribute the load. For prolonged use, it is recommended to raise it slightly off the ground to avoid direct contact with moisture and to provide ventilation if storing sensitive materials. These simple precautions extend the container's lifespan and preserve its contents.

Conclusion

The 20ft "One Trip" shipping container is a new product, compliant with ISO standards, made of Corten steel, with a marine plywood floor, double rear doors, lockbox and forklift pockets. It is suitable for many uses: storage, transport, events, conversion into an office or home. Its maintenance is simple and its durability is a major asset. Before buying, it is advisable to check the CSC plate, the condition of the seals and the presence of the mentioned equipment. For any questions about delivery, transport or installation, it is recommended to consult a professional.