20ft dangerous goods shipping container

A 20ft shipping container in used condition — in service and structurally sound. Chosen for general cargo and secure storage. Every unit is inspected before it leaves our yard, so the grade below is what you will actually receive.

Store hazardous liquids, chemicals and flammable materials in a purpose-built environment designed with containment and safety in mind. This 20ft Dangerous Goods Storage Container is equipped with features for managing spills, ventilation and emergency access, making it a practical storage solution for industrial, agricultural, mining and commercial operations.

The container measures approximately 20ft long and 8ft wide, with the High Cube format providing additional internal height. It is designed for the controlled storage of suitable dangerous goods, including diesel, oils, paints, solvents and other materials that require dedicated storage arrangements.

20ft Dangerous Goods Storage Container

Storing hazardous substances in an ordinary shipping container can create unnecessary risks if the container is not designed to manage leaks, vapours and emergency access. This specialist unit incorporates a bunded floor, ventilation and an internal emergency door release to address some of the practical requirements associated with dangerous goods storage.

It provides a secure steel enclosure while giving operators additional features for dealing with accidental spills and maintaining airflow within the storage area.

Key Features

Bunded Floor for Spill Containment

The bunded floor is designed to contain liquid leaks and spills within the storage area rather than allowing them to spread beyond the container. This is particularly important when storing drums, containers or other packages containing liquids.

Ventilation System

Built-in ventilation ducts help promote airflow and manage the accumulation of fumes inside the container. Adequate ventilation is an important consideration when storing substances that can produce hazardous or flammable vapours.

Emergency Door Release

An internal emergency door release system provides a way to open the door from inside the container. This is an important safety feature where personnel may need to enter the storage area to inspect or handle stored materials.

Lockable Drainage Valve

A stainless steel lockable valve is incorporated into the bund wall to provide controlled drainage of the bunded area when appropriate. Access to the valve can be restricted to authorized personnel.

Secure Steel Construction

The container retains the strong steel construction associated with shipping containers, providing a secure enclosed storage area for suitable dangerous goods. The lockable structure can help restrict unauthorized access to stored materials.

Additional Door Options

Additional door configurations may be available depending on the required specification. This can provide greater flexibility for access, handling and the internal arrangement of stored materials.

What Can You Store?

This type of specialist container can be suitable for the controlled storage of various hazardous substances, subject to the specific requirements that apply to the material, quantity and location. Potential applications include storage of:

• Diesel and fuel products
• Oils and lubricants
• Paints and coatings
• Solvents
• Class 3 flammable liquids
• Other appropriately packaged dangerous goods

The suitability of a container depends on what you intend to store. Always check the applicable regulations, safety data sheets and local requirements for the specific substances and quantities involved before using the container.

Dimensions and Capacity

Internal dimensions are approximate and can vary slightly between manufacturers and individual containers. If you need to calculate the number or size of drums, IBCs or other packages that can be accommodated, confirm the exact internal dimensions and bund capacity for the specific unit before purchase.

Condition

This is a used container that has previously been in service. It is described as wind and watertight, with an intact roof, no holes and working door seals.

As with other used shipping containers, signs of previous use such as surface rust, dents, scratches and previous owner markings may be present. These are normal characteristics of a used unit and do not necessarily affect its intended storage function.

Every unit is inspected before leaving our yard so its condition can be assessed before delivery.

Important Compliance Information

The original specification for this product references AS 1940-2004, an Australian standard covering the storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. Requirements for dangerous goods storage can vary significantly depending on the country, substance, quantity, storage location and intended use.

Do not assume that purchasing a container described as compliant with a particular standard automatically makes your planned storage operation compliant with all local regulations. Before storing hazardous materials, confirm the applicable legislation and requirements with the relevant authority or a suitably qualified dangerous-goods professional.

In particular, check requirements relating to fire protection, ventilation, separation distances, spill containment, maximum quantities, signage, electrical equipment, emergency access and environmental protection.

Why Use a Specialist Dangerous Goods Container?

A conventional shipping container is primarily designed to transport and store general cargo. A specialist dangerous goods store adds features specifically intended to address some of the risks associated with hazardous liquids, including containment and ventilation.

For businesses that regularly handle fuels, oils, paints, solvents or other hazardous substances, having a dedicated storage area can also make it easier to keep dangerous goods separated from general stock and working areas.

Browse More 20ft Containers

If you are looking for a standard container for general storage, explore our 20ft containers for other available options. You can also browse the full container catalogue to compare different container sizes and configurations.

Standards and Inspection

Containers intended for international transport are subject to the Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), administered through the International Maritime Organization. Industry inspection and condition terminology for intermodal containers is also used by organizations such as the Institute of International Container Lessors.

CSC requirements relate to containers used for international transport and should not be confused with the regulatory requirements governing the storage of hazardous substances. If this unit will be used for international shipping, contact us so we can confirm the specific container's safety approval plate and documentation.

Delivery

Delivery is quoted according to your location and site access rather than charged at a single flat rate. Distance, road access, unloading arrangements and the equipment required to position the container can all affect the final delivery cost.

A clear and reasonably level access route is normally required for delivery. Because this is a specialist dangerous goods storage unit, you should also ensure that the proposed installation location meets any applicable requirements before arranging delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dangerous goods storage container?

A dangerous goods storage container is a specialist steel storage unit designed with features such as spill containment, ventilation and controlled access to help manage the risks associated with storing certain hazardous substances.

What can be stored in this container?

Depending on the applicable regulations and the specific container specification, it may be suitable for substances such as diesel, oils, paints, solvents and certain flammable liquids. Always confirm suitability for the exact substance and quantity before storage.

What is a bunded floor?

A bunded floor creates a contained area designed to hold leaked or spilled liquids. This helps prevent a spill from immediately escaping the storage area and spreading across the surrounding site.

Does the container have ventilation?

Yes. The unit includes ventilation ducts designed to improve airflow and help manage fumes within the storage area.

Can someone open the door from inside?

Yes. An internal emergency door release system is included to provide an emergency means of opening the door from inside the container.

Is this container compliant with dangerous goods regulations in my country?

Not automatically. The original specification references AS 1940-2004, but dangerous goods regulations vary by jurisdiction and by the type and quantity of material being stored. You should confirm the requirements that apply to your site and materials before purchase and installation.

Can this container store flammable liquids?

It is designed for the controlled storage of suitable dangerous goods, including certain flammable liquids, but the permitted materials and quantities depend on the applicable regulations and the specific site. Confirm the requirements for your planned storage before use.

Can this be used for international shipping?

This product is primarily configured as a specialist dangerous goods storage unit. If you intend to use it for international transport, contact us first so we can confirm the specific container's shipping approval and documentation.

Dimensions and capacity

Internal dimensions are approximately 19 ft 4 in × 7 ft 8 in × 7 ft 10 in (5,898 × 2,350 × 2,393 mm), giving 1,170 cu ft (33.1 m³) of usable space, with double doors at one end. These are the standard figures for a 20ft container; exact internals vary slightly by manufacturer.

Condition

This is a used container that has been in service. It is wind and watertight — no holes, working door seals, an intact roof — but it shows its history: surface rust, dents and previous owner markings are normal and do not affect how it performs.

What it is good for

This unit is commonly used for general cargo and secure storage. Doors, windows, insulation, electrics and paint can all be added before it ships — it is cheaper and neater to specify a conversion while the container is still in our yard than to modify it on your site afterwards.

Browse more in 20ft Containers, or see the full container catalogue.

Standards and inspection

Containers intended for international shipping carry a valid safety approval plate under the Convention for Safe Containers, administered by the International Maritime Organization. Condition grades such as cargo-worthy follow the inspection criteria published by the Institute of International Container Lessors. If you need a unit for shipping rather than static storage, tell us and we will confirm its plate before dispatch.

Delivery

Delivery is quoted against your site access rather than published as a flat rate, because haulage for a container depends on the distance, the approach and whether a crane is needed. Most deliveries use a tilt-bed truck, which needs a clear and reasonably level run about twice the container length. We price it before you commit.