Choosing Your Perfect Fit: Conex Box & Container Rental Sizes Explained

16 Feb Choosing Your Perfect Fit: Conex Box & Container Rental Sizes Explained

Whether you are a project manager overseeing a massive construction site in Charleston, a small business owner in Wilmington needing extra seasonal inventory space, or a homeowner in Myrtle Beach navigating a major renovation, one challenge remains constant: finding enough secure space. Portable storage containers, commonly known as conex boxes, have become the gold standard for versatile, weather-resistant, and secure onsite storage across South Carolina and North Carolina.

However, once you decide to rent, the first question you will face is: What size do I actually need? Selecting the wrong size can lead to wasted money on unused space or the logistical headache of needing a second unit because the first one was too small. In this guide, we will break down conex box rental sizes and shipping container dimensions to help you make an informed decision for your next project in the Carolinas.

Understanding the Basics: Standard vs. High-Cube

Before diving into the specific lengths, it is important to understand the two primary heights available in the industry.

• Standard Containers: These are 8 feet 6 inches tall on the exterior. They are the most common units found in the rental market and provide ample vertical space for most household and industrial items.

• High-Cube (HC) Containers: These units offer an extra foot of vertical space, standing at 9 feet 6 inches tall. High-cubes are ideal for storing taller machinery, stacking pallets higher, or for conversions where a ceiling might be installed.

Exploring the Primary Conex Box Sizes

The 10ft Conex Box: The Compact Solution

The 10ft container is the “mini” of the shipping container world. While not as common for international shipping, they are incredibly popular in the rental market for urban environments like Florence or tight job sites in Southport.

• Exterior Dimensions: 10’ L x 8’ W x 8’6” H

• Best Suited For: Residential storage, small tool sheds, and overflow retail inventory.

• Capacity: Roughly equivalent to a large walk-in closet. It can hold the contents of a one-bedroom apartment if packed efficiently.

• The Footprint: Its small size allows it to fit into a standard parking space, making it the go-to choice for businesses with limited lot space.

The 20ft Conex Box Rental: The Industry Workhorse

The 20ft conex box rental is arguably the most versatile and frequently requested size we deliver to clients in Conway and Loris. It strikes the perfect balance between significant storage capacity and a manageable footprint.

• Exterior Dimensions: 20’ L x 8’ W x 8’6” H

• Best Suited For: Medium-sized construction projects, commercial inventory, and home renovations. It is often used by contractors to store power tools, lumber, and drywall on-site.

• Capacity: It can typically hold the contents of a 2-to-3 bedroom home. With over 1,100 cubic feet of internal space, it allows for a central aisle to be maintained so you can access items in the back.

• The Footprint: At 20 feet long, it fits easily in a driveway or behind a commercial building without obstructing traffic.

The 40ft Conex Container Rental: The Heavy Hitter

When volume is your primary concern for projects in Georgetown or Oak Island, a 40ft conex container rental is the most cost-effective solution. These units provide double the floor space of a 20ft unit but often offer a better “price per square foot.”

• Exterior Dimensions: 40’ L x 8’ W x 8’6” H

• Best Suited For: Large-scale construction sites, industrial equipment storage, and long-term warehouse overflow. Many retailers in the Pee Dee Region use 40ft units during peak seasons to manage massive influxes of stock.

• Capacity: This unit can hold the contents of a 3-to-5 bedroom house. It is also the preferred size for storing long materials like piping, steel beams, or scaffolding.

• The Footprint: You need significant space for a 40ft unit. Not only do you need the 40 feet for the box itself, but the delivery truck requires roughly 100 feet of straight-line clearance to drop the container safely.

The 40ft High-Cube: Maximum Volume

For those who need every inch of space possible, the 40ft High-Cube is the ultimate storage solution. This is a favorite for industrial clients in North Myrtle Beach and Shallotte who need extra clearance.

• Exterior Dimensions: 40’ L x 8’ W x 9’6” H

• Best Suited For: Stacking pallets (two-high), storing large tractors or forklifts, and projects where air circulation is important.

• The Advantage: If you are storing items that are awkwardly tall, the standard 8’6″ height can be restrictive. The High-Cube ensures you don’t have to tilt or disassemble equipment to get it inside.

Evaluating Your Space: A Conex Box Dimensions Chart Summary

When calculating your storage needs, keep the following internal clearances in mind. While external shipping container dimensions are standardized, the internal width is generally about 7’8” and the internal height for a standard unit is about 7’10”.

• 10ft Unit: ~560 cubic feet of storage.

• 20ft Unit: ~1,165 cubic feet of storage.

• 40ft Standard Unit: ~2,385 cubic feet of storage.

• 40ft High-Cube Unit: ~2,690 cubic feet of storage.

Key Factors to Consider Before You Rent in the Carolinas

1. Delivery Clearance and Logistics

Choosing a size isn’t just about what fits inside the box; it’s about where the box is going. A 40ft container requires a much larger truck than a 20ft unit. Ensure your site has the “turn radius” and the flat, stable ground necessary for the delivery vehicle to maneuver. Whether you are in a tight alley in Charleston or a residential driveway in Little River, the 20ft or 10ft options are often the most viable choices.

2. Weight Limits and Structural Integrity

If you plan on moving the container while it is loaded, remember that a 20ft container is often easier to transport when full. Conex box sizes also dictate the maximum payload; while a 40ft unit is larger, it doesn’t always allow for twice the weight of a 20ft unit depending on the trailer used for transport.

3. Organization and Accessibility

If you need to access your items frequently, it is often better to rent a larger unit than you “technically” need. A 20ft unit packed to the ceiling is difficult to navigate. A 40ft unit with items spread out allows you to create a “walkway,” saving you hours of digging through boxes to find a specific tool.

4. Duration and Cost Efficiency

For long-term storage in areas like Columbia or Wilmington, the 40ft unit is usually the best value. For short-term, quick-turnaround projects—like a kitchen remodel—the 20ft unit is usually sufficient and easier to place on a residential street.

Why Rent from Elvis Service Company?

At Elvis Service Company, we have been a trusted partner in South Carolina and North Carolina since 1956. We provide high-quality, wind and water-tight containers designed to keep your valuables safe. We proudly serve the following areas and beyond:

• South Carolina: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Charleston, Florence, Georgetown, Andrews, Loris, and Little River.

• North Carolina: Wilmington, Southport, Oak Island, Shallotte, and Ocean Isle.

When you choose a 20ft conex box rental or a 40ft conex container rental from us, you get reliable delivery, professional service, and the peace of mind that your equipment is secure.

Conclusion

Understanding shipping container dimensions is the first step toward a successful storage strategy. By evaluating your volume needs, your available site space, and the height of your tallest items, you can select a unit that maximizes efficiency and minimizes cost.

Ready to clear the clutter or secure your job site? Contact Elvis Service Company today to discuss our current inventory and get a custom quote for your next container rental!