Dry container
What is a dry container?
A dry container (also called a dry van, general purpose container or DC) is the standard shipping container: an enclosed, watertight Corten steel box with double doors at one end, designed to carry and store dry cargo that does not need temperature control.
It is the most widely manufactured container in the world and also the most versatile once it leaves the ship: it is used for storage, as a storage unit, a tool store, a workshop or the base for modular projects. At Mar Containers you can buy or rent one, new or used, from 10 to 45 ft.
- Corten steel structure that resists corrosion and the weather.
- 28 mm marine plywood floor, rated for forklifts.
- Doors with rubber seals and locking bars with a padlock holder.
- Stackable and easy to transport by crane truck or tilt-bed trailer.

- 10–45 ft
- Every size
- 15–86 m³
- Of internal volume
- 4–7 days
- Typical delivery time
Dry container dimensions
Standard ISO dimensions for each model. They may vary by a few centimetres depending on the manufacturer; each container’s product page shows its exact specifications.
| Container | External (L × W × H) | Internal (L × W × H) | Volume | Approx. tare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft Dry | 2.99 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | 2.83 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ~16 m³ | 1,300 kg |
| 20 ft Dry (DC) | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ~33 m³ | 2,200 kg |
| 20 ft High Cube | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.89 m | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.69 m | ~37 m³ | 2,400 kg |
| 40 ft Dry (DC) | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ~67 m³ | 3,750 kg |
| 40 ft High Cube | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.89 m | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m | ~76 m³ | 3,900 kg |
| 45 ft High Cube Pallet Wide | 13.72 × 2.50 × 2.89 m | 13.56 × 2.44 × 2.69 m | ~86 m³ | 4,800 kg |
The door opening of a standard dry container is about 2.34 m wide by 2.28 m high (2.58 m on a High Cube). More detail in shipping container dimensions inside and out and how much weight a shipping container can hold.
Types of dry container and when to choose each one
Within the dry container family there are variants designed for different loads and access needs. These are the ones we have available:

Standard Dry (DC) 20 and 40 ft
The classic container, with 2.39 m of internal height. The most economical option for storage, construction sites and general cargo transport.
View 20 ft Dry
High Cube (HC)
About 30 cm taller than the standard unit. Ideal for bulky goods, tall shelving, workshops and housing or modular projects.
View 40 ft High Cube
Pallet Wide 40 and 45 ft
Wider inside, so two Euro pallets fit side by side and you get the most out of the space in logistics.
View Pallet Wide
Open Top
An open roof with a tarpaulin for top loading by crane: machinery, stone, coils or parts that will not fit through the doors.
View Open Top
Open Side and Double Door
A fully opening side or doors at both ends, for loading from the side or reaching the cargo from either end.
View Open Side
Flat Rack 20 and 40 ft
A platform with end walls and no side walls for oversized or very heavy loads: vehicles, structures or machinery.
View Flat RackNew or used dry container?
Both are watertight and fully functional; the difference lies in appearance, service life and price.
New (first trip / one trip)
It leaves the factory, makes a single loaded voyage and arrives in Spain in virtually perfect condition. It is the best option if the container will be on display, if you want to convert it or if you need the longest possible service life.
- Paintwork and floor in perfect condition.
- RAL colours available depending on stock.
- Valid CSC plate for sea freight.
Used (second-hand)
It has worked for several years in ocean freight and may have dents, marks or repairs, but it is delivered inspected and watertight. It is the most economical option for storage, construction sites or farms.
- Significantly cheaper than a new unit.
- Inspected: no holes and no water ingress.
- Ideal for storage, as a storage unit or a tool store.
How to buy or rent your dry container
Tell us what you need
Size, new or used, purchase or rental, and where it needs to be delivered. If you are unsure, we recommend the right model for what you will store.
Receive your quote
With the container and transport to your postcode already calculated, so you know the final price from the outset.
Confirm your order
With a contract and an invoice from MARENGO CONTAINERS, S.L. You can talk to the team by phone or video call before you pay.
We deliver it
Usually within 4–7 days, by crane truck or tilt-bed trailer depending on access to your site.
Frequently asked questions about dry containers
What does dry container or DC mean?
“Dry” refers to dry cargo: it is the standard container for goods that need no temperature control. DC (Dry Container), DV (Dry Van) and GP (General Purpose) are other names for it. It is the most common type of shipping container in the world.
What is the difference between a dry container and a High Cube?
They have the same length and width, but a High Cube is 2.89 m high externally compared with 2.59 m for a standard dry container. Those extra 30 cm add about 4 m³ on a 20 ft and about 9 m³ on a 40 ft. We explain it in detail in differences between a dry container and a High Cube.
What are the dimensions of a 20 ft dry container?
Externally it measures 6.06 m long, 2.44 m wide and 2.59 m high. Internally, about 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m, giving a volume of around 33 m³.
What are the dimensions of a 40 ft dry container?
Externally it measures 12.19 m long, 2.44 m wide and 2.59 m high. Internally, about 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m, with a volume of around 67 m³.
How much does a dry container weigh?
Empty (tare weight), a 20 ft weighs about 2,200 kg and a 40 ft about 3,750 kg. Its maximum gross weight when loaded is around 30,480 kg, although for road transport in Spain the vehicle limits apply.
Which dry container suits me, 20 ft or 40 ft?
The 20 ft is easier to position and fits through more access points; it is enough for most storage uses. The 40 ft doubles the space at a lower cost per cubic metre. We help you decide in 20 ft or 40 ft container: which one suits you.
How much does a dry container cost?
It depends on the size, the condition and the delivery location. As a guide, a used dry container usually costs between €1,000 and €1,800 and a new one between €2,500 and €4,000, plus transport. Ask us for a quote and we will give you the exact price for your postcode.
Are used dry containers watertight?
Yes. Every used container we deliver is inspected: no holes, doors that close properly and no water ingress. They may have dents or signs of use that do not affect how they work.
Can I rent a dry container?
Yes. Container rental is the most practical option for construction sites, seasonal campaigns or temporary storage. If you will use it for more than 12–24 months, buying usually pays off.
Which dry container do you need?
Tell us the size, the use and the delivery postcode, and we will send you a quote with transport included.






