Used 20ft Shipping Container (Dry): Uses, Modifications and Fit-Out Options

Why choose a used 20ft Dry shipping container?

The used 20ft Dry shipping container has become essential equipment for many professionals and individuals. Its popularity stems from a rare balance: a Corten steel structure built to withstand the harshest conditions at sea, a generous internal volume of around 33 m³, and a price well below that of a new container. This model, known as "Dry" or "Standard", is the most common container type worldwide. It is designed for transporting dry goods, i.e. non-refrigerated and non-hazardous under IMDG regulations.

When you buy a used container, you get equipment that has already proven itself, often refurbished and guaranteed "Wind & Watertight" (WWT) by the seller. This term, common in the industry, means the container has been tested and found wind- and watertight. It should not be confused with an official certification, but it offers reasonable assurance about the condition of the structure at the time of sale.

In this article, we explore the many uses of a used 20ft Dry container, the modifications and fit-outs it allows, and the precautions to take to ensure your project succeeds.

Common uses of a used 20ft Dry container

The used 20ft Dry container excels in a wide variety of contexts. Its closed, lockable design (with a suitable padlock, not included) provides protection against intrusion, bad weather and pests, provided it is maintained regularly. Here are the main areas of use.

Static storage

This is the most common use. Whether for equipment, archives, tools, construction gear, goods or personal belongings, the 20ft container offers a secure and durable storage solution. Its corrosion resistance and 28 mm marine plywood floor support heavy loads, including rolling loads. It can be placed on stable, level ground, such as wooden beams or concrete blocks, to prevent distortion and ensure good ventilation under the floor.

Construction sites and public works

On a construction site, the 20ft container can serve as a technical room, a basic site office or a tool store. Its robustness and secure closure make it a frequent choice for protecting expensive equipment from bad weather and theft. It can also be used as a changing room or break room for teams, with minimal fit-out (benches, lighting, ventilation).

Export and transport

For export, the used 20ft Dry container can be used to ship goods by sea, rail or road, provided it is in good condition and meets the carrier's requirements. Its standard ISO 668 size and compliance with ISO 1496-1 make it a universal choice. Note that sea transport requires declaration of the verified gross mass (VGM) under IMO rules.

Industry, agriculture and trade

In industry, the container stores spare parts, consumables or non-hazardous chemicals, provided storage rules are followed. In agriculture, it houses seeds, fertilisers or small equipment, and can be fitted with shelving. In trade and logistics, it serves as temporary reserve stock, a receiving point or a promotional display. For individuals, it is a cost-effective alternative to a garage or shed, useful for storing furniture, bikes, garden tools or archives.

Events and energy

In the events sector, the 20ft container can be used as a technical room, control room or equipment store. In energy and telecoms, it is sometimes used to house generators or technical equipment, with ventilation adaptations. These uses often require specific modifications.

Possible modifications and fit-outs

The used 20ft Dry container is an excellent base for various modifications. Its modular structure and strength allow many fit-outs, provided certain technical and regulatory rules are followed. Any modification must preserve the container's structural integrity, especially the beams and corner castings.

Workshop or technical room

Converting a container into a workshop requires adding insulation, ventilation, lighting and power outlets. Insulation can be achieved with rigid panels (polyurethane, mineral wool) lined with a facing. Ventilation is essential to remove humidity and any fumes. A pedestrian door can be installed on a side wall, but this must be done by a professional to avoid weakening the structure.

Site office or break room

For office use, thermal and acoustic insulation, heating, sufficient lighting and openings (windows) are needed for comfort and safety. The electrical installation must comply with current standards. If the container is used as a workplace, health and safety at work rules apply, particularly regarding ventilation, lighting and fire safety.

Modular housing

Conversion into housing is possible but complex. It requires reinforced insulation, perfect sealing, efficient ventilation, compliant plumbing and electrics. It is often necessary to add windows, an entrance door, and sometimes to reinforce the floor. Local planning rules must be respected: a prior declaration of works or a building permit may be required, especially if the container is visible from the public highway or intended for habitation. It is wise to consult the local planning department before any installation.

Specialised storage room

For storing humidity-sensitive equipment (documents, electronics, tools), adding a passive dehumidifier or absorbent sachets is common practice. Slight high and low ventilation, properly installed, reduces condensation without compromising sealing. Shelving can be installed to optimise space.

Other modifications

The container can also be converted into a commercial space (pop-up shop, sales point), a site kitchen, an exhibition room, or a storage space for specific products. Each project requires a technical study and compliance with local regulations.

Key checks before buying a used 20ft container

Buying a used container carries risks if its condition is not carefully checked. Here are the points to inspect.

• Structure: no holes, cracks or major deformation on the walls, roof and floor. Surface rust is normal, but perforating rust is a sign of weakness.
• Doors: they must open and close without forcing. Seals must be flexible and not cracked.
• Floor: it must not have soft spots or delamination. 28 mm marine plywood is durable but can wear over time.
• CSC plate: it must be legible and up to date. The CSC Convention requires periodic inspections for containers used in international transport.
• History: it is advisable to check that the container has not carried hazardous or polluting goods, which could leave residues.
• Corner castings: these massive corner pieces must be free of cracks and deformation.

A "food grade" container (suitable for food contact) is sometimes offered, but this is not an official certification; it is a commercial term. The price of a used 20ft container varies with condition, age, location and availability. The price indicated here is €1,350.00 (excluding transport and options). This price may be subject to change.

Care and maintenance of a used container

Maintaining a used container is simple but regular. It can significantly extend its service life.

• Cleaning: clean the roof and walls to prevent debris build-up and corrosion.
• Door seals: check their condition and replace if necessary.
• Hinges and locks: grease them regularly.
• Floor: inspect it for any rotten or weakened areas.
• Paint: for deep scratches on the steel, a touch-up with anti-rust paint can extend the service life.
• Ventilation: if the container stays closed for long periods, open the doors in dry weather to renew the air and limit condensation.
• Roof inspection: after each episode of strong wind or hail, inspect the roof; the corrugations in the sheet metal can retain water and encourage corrosion if the paint is flaking.
• Welds: check the welds on the corners and floor rails, where moisture accumulates.

The "Wind & Watertight" guarantee does not cover damage caused by impact, overloading or lack of maintenance: it confirms condition at delivery, not all-risks insurance.

Regulations applicable to shipping containers

Regulations govern both the transport and the installation of a container.

Internationally, the CSC Convention (Convention for Safe Containers), in force since 1977 and managed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), requires that any container used in international transport has a valid CSC approval plate and undergoes periodic inspections. For a new container, the first inspection deadline is generally set at five years, after which checks are renewed according to a cycle defined by the approving state. In France, the decree of 18 December 2001 on container safety and related texts set out the inspection procedures.

ISO 668 defines dimensions and maximum masses, while ISO 1496-1 covers design and testing. For road transport, Decree No. 2003-468 of 21 May 2003 sets maximum vehicle weights and dimensions: a road train must not exceed 40 tonnes gross combined weight (GCW), 16.50 m in length and 2.55 m in width. A 20ft container, at 2.44 m wide and about 6.06 m long, fits within these limits, but the carrier must have a container chassis and comply with lashing rules.

For sea transport, IMO rules on verified gross mass (VGM) apply: the weight of the container and its cargo must be declared before loading.

For a fixed installation, the container is often treated as a construction or light installation; depending on the municipality, a prior declaration of works or a building permit may be required, especially if the container is visible from the public highway or intended for habitation. It is therefore wise to consult the local planning department before any installation.

Comparison with other container types

Comparing the 20ft with other sizes and types helps you choose the right container.

• 40ft standard: internal volume of about 67 m³, double that of the 20ft, with an external length of about 12.19 m; better suited to large volumes, but heavier and requires a longer truck.
• 40ft High Cube (HC): adds about 30 cm of internal height, useful for loading tall items or for a more comfortable interior fit-out.
• 20ft High Cube: also exists, but is less common.
• Open Top: has an open (tarpaulin) roof for loading tall objects or by crane.
• Flat Rack: no walls or roof, designed for out-of-gauge loads.
• Reefer: insulated and fitted with a refrigeration unit for transporting perishable goods; heavier and more expensive.

The 20ft Dry container remains the most versatile and economical for static storage, as it offers a good compromise between volume, floor footprint and price. Compared with a new container, a used one reduces cost but requires careful checking of condition. Compared with a garden shed or masonry building, the container is quicker to install, movable and robust, but it requires maintenance and possibly a permit.

Conclusion

The used 20ft Dry shipping container is a cost-effective and durable solution for many needs. It is not a new product, and its appearance may show signs of use (scratches, small dents, surface rust) that do not affect its functionality. The "Wind & Watertight" guarantee offered by the seller covers watertightness at the time of sale, but not subsequent damage. No guarantee of compliance with specific standards other than ISO is provided.

For any technical questions or to check availability, it is advisable to contact the seller directly, Transport Hosni Conteneur, in Marseille. Good preventive maintenance can significantly extend the service life of a used container.