Name: Port Shipping Containers
Address: 84 Nelson St, Wallsend, NSW, 2287
Telephone: 1300 957 709
Rating: 4.9

General Purpose Shipping Containers

General purpose shipping containers are the most well-known and recognised containers in use today. Used to transport goods and cargo by sea and land, they’re strong, watertight, and incredibly durable. Made with solid Corten steel with reinforced corners to enable stacking up to 8 containers high on the exposed decks of a ship on long voyages around the world, they’re built to survive the worst nature can throw at them.

Get a Quote

At Port Shipping Containers we have a wide range of shipping containers available, both new and used. Our general purpose shipping containers come in 10-foot, 20-foot, and 40-foot sizes and all come equipped with double doors as standard that open to a full 270°. We can also modify / customise shipping containers to include things such as shelves, doors, air-vents, windows, air-conditioning, toilets, etc.

Specifications	10′ Container	20′ Container	40′ Container
Inside Cubic Capacity	14.5 m3	33.2 m3	67m3
Max Gross Weight	10,160 kg	24,000 kg	30,480 kg
Tare Weight	1.500 kg	2.360 kg	3.980 kg

Dimensions	Length	Width	Height
10′ External	3.10 m (10′)	2.44 m (8′)	2.59 m (8′ 6”)
10′ Internal	2.98 m	2.35 m	2.38 m
20′ External	6.05 m (20′)	2.44 m (8′)	2.59 m (8′ 6”)
20′ Internal	5.90 m	2.35 m	2.38 m
40′ External	12.19 m (40′)	2.44 m (8′)	2.59 m (8′ 6”)
40′ Internal	12.01 m	2.35 m	2.38 m

Used Shipping Containers

General purpose shipping containers gets used for a multitude of purposes over many years. With used shipping containers usually being far more well-traveled than the people who own them! Consequently at Port, we sell a range of used containers (all in good condition) that can be purchased at a very reasonable price.

Get A Quote

New or ‘One Trip’ Containers

‘New’ is occasionally a misnomer of the container industry, with many ‘new’ shipping containers having actually been used for at least one trip, usually for goods that require a completely clean environment. New one trip containers however are not exposed to the rigours of sea conditions, nor the constant loading and unloading at different ports and destinations, so our general purpose shipping containers are always in exceptional condition, with all of them being freshly painted inside and out to prevent the steel from corroding.

Get A Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a container “general purpose” compared to specialised options?

General Purpose Containers are the most widely used standard containers on the market, designed specifically for reliable, everyday storage and transport. They feature robust double doors for straightforward, single-end access, durable marine-grade plywood flooring, and internal lashing rings so you can secure your cargo safely in transit or while in storage.

How can general purpose containers be used for storage or shipping?

Because these units are manufactured to standard ISO dimensions, they integrate seamlessly with global transport systems and can be moved easily by road, rail or sea using a variety of container handling equipment. When it comes to storage, they are just as efficient – containers can be loaded quickly, positioned with precision and safely stacked in groups to maximise the use of available space.

What size options are available for general purpose shipping containers?

These units are commonly available in 10ft, 20ft and 40ft sizes, though can be modified to custom sizes if required.

How do I choose the right grade or condition for a general purpose container?

Selecting the right container grade is largely about matching appearance and performance to your budget and where the unit will be positioned. For high‑visibility locations, such as the front of a property or business, we recommend a New Build container to present a smart, professional image. For out‑of‑sight areas where presentation is less critical, a quality used Cargo Worthy container offers a cost-effective solution while still providing reliable security and protection.

How are general purpose containers delivered to remote or urban locations?

We provide a comprehensive range of transport options to ensure your container arrives safely, on time and exactly where you need it, whether the destination is across town or across the country. Depending on your site access and project requirements, we can deliver using Tilt Tray and Super Tilt trucks, Side Loaders, Hiab (crane-mounted) trucks or flat-bed transporters. For longer hauls and interstate movements, we also coordinate rail transport, giving you a smooth, end-to-end solution Australia-wide.

How do general purpose containers perform in Australia’s different climates?

Shipping containers are engineered to perform in some of the toughest environments on earth – from the extreme heat and dust of the Australian outback, to the humidity of tropical Far North Queensland, through to the cooler, rain-soaked regions in the south.

Can general purpose containers be modified with doors, shelving, or ventilation?

Absolutely. We specialise in container modifications, tailoring each unit to suit exactly how you need to work. Whether you require a straightforward upgrade such as integrated shelving for organised storage, or a fully engineered commercial kitchen fit-out ready for immediate trading, our in-house team can design and deliver a customised solution.

Customising Your General Purpose Containers

Port can customise containers by adding accessories (for example) like ventilation devices including whirly birds and air vents to ensure that each container has adequate air-flow. And we offer a vast range of accessories that you can choose from to modify to your exact requirements. Your customisation can be as small (shelving, paint, lockbox etc) or as extensive (bathroom, kitchen, laundry) as you want. Port have one of the largest container modification facility in Australia, which allows us to customise shipping containers exactly to your requirements.

Get a Quote