10' Container
📦 What is a 10-Foot Shipping Container?
📦 What is a 10-Foot Shipping Container?
A 10-foot container is a compact ISO-style shipping container, half the size of a 20ft unit and a quarter the size of a 40ft. While not as common in global shipping as its larger counterparts, the 10ft container is widely used for storage, small-scale transport, and conversion projects where space is limited.
Think of it as the “city-smart” version of shipping containers—big enough to store and protect goods, but small enough to fit in tighter spaces like backyards, driveways, and urban job sites.
Dimensions of a 10-Foot Container
(Measurements can vary slightly depending on manufacturer, but here’s the standard range.)
🔹 External Dimensions
Length: 10 ft (2.99 m)
Width: 8 ft (2.44 m)
Height: 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)
🔹 Internal Dimensions
Length: ~9 ft 3 in (2.83 m)
Width: 7 ft 8 in (2.35 m)
Height: 7 ft 10 in (2.39 m)
🔹 High Cube Version
External Height: 9 ft 6 in (2.89 m)
Internal Height: 8 ft 10 in (2.69 m)
⚖️ Weight & Capacity
Tare Weight (empty): ~1,200 – 1,300 kg (2,645 – 2,866 lbs)
Maximum Gross Weight: ~10,000 – 12,000 kg (22,000 – 26,000 lbs)
Payload Capacity: ~8,800 – 10,800 kg (19,400 – 23,800 lbs)
Volume Capacity: ~15 cubic meters (530 cubic feet)
💡 Capacity tip: A 10ft container can usually fit the contents of a one-bedroom apartment or about 2–3 small pallets.
🛠️ Construction
Material: Heavy-duty corten steel (weather-resistant).
Flooring: Marine-grade plywood or bamboo flooring, supported by steel cross members.
Doors: Double swing doors with locking bars and weather-tight rubber seals.
Ventilation: Small vents to reduce condensation and airflow issues.
Security: Can be fitted with lockboxes for anti-theft protection.
🚚 Uses of a 10-Foot Container
Transport (Limited Use)
Not widely used in global intermodal shipping due to size constraints.
Useful for short-haul trucking, small loads, and light cargo.
Storage
Perfect for businesses needing secure storage but limited yard space.
Ideal for tools, machinery, seasonal stock, or household items.
Conversion Projects
Mobile kiosks & food stalls – coffee shops, bars, or retail outlets.
Mini offices – backyard workspaces or site offices.
Tiny homes / glamping pods – easily converted into living spaces.
Portable toilets, showers, or generator enclosures.
Events & Pop-Ups
Exhibition booths, ticket stands, or merchandising stalls.
Portable storage for festivals or sporting events.
💰 Cost of a 10-Foot Container
New (One-Trip): $3,000 – $5,000
Used (Cargo-Worthy): $2,000 – $3,500
Rental: $60 – $100 per month (depending on condition & location)
🌍 Advantages
Compact Size – fits in small spaces like driveways or parking lots.
Mobility – easier to transport compared to 20ft or 40ft.
Security – strong steel build protects against theft and weather.
Versatility – can be used for storage, transport, or creative projects.
Easy Placement – can be delivered with a smaller truck and placed almost anywhere.
⚠️ Things to Consider
Limited capacity – much smaller than a 20ft or 40ft container.
Not ideal for overseas shipping – many shipping lines don’t handle 10ft units.
Higher cost per cubic foot – more expensive for its size compared to larger containers.
Resale availability – less common, so they can be harder to find second-hand.
