Fast Delivery
Competitive Prices
Sales Available Nationwide
Rentals Available in California
Fast Delivery
Competitive Price
Sales Available Nationwide
Rentals Available in California
20 Foot Insulated Shipping Containers
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About 20 Foot Insulated Shipping Containers
The 20 Foot insulated shipping container from Aztec Container is designed for storing sensitive products and materials that need a temperature-stable environment. An insulation layer between the steel shell and the interior slows heat transfer, holding a steadier internal temperature than a standard, bare-steel container of the same size. It works for both short-term and long-term cold storage, and the steel structure keeps contents secure.
Aztec Container is a family-owned company operating since 1969, headquartered in Vista, California. We offer container sales nationwide and rentals within California, and we are a member of the National Portable Storage Association (NPSA).
Key Features
- Insulated walls and ceiling : an added insulation layer limits heat transfer for a temperature-stable interior.
- Heavy-gauge steel construction: a steel frame with a 14-gauge steel body provides a strong, secure shell.
- Optional refrigeration: add a refrigeration unit to convert the insulated shell into active cold or freezer storage.
- Flexible power options: electrical configurations to support refrigeration, lighting, and equipment.
- Heavy-duty flooring: roughly one-inch-thick wood / marine-grade plywood built for heavy loads and high-traffic use.
- Secure locking system: a robust lockbox protects stored contents.
- Built-in ventilation: vents support air circulation and help manage interior moisture.
- Customizable: modifications such as extra doors, shelving, partitions, and lighting are available.
- Buy or rent: sales nationwide; rentals available within California.
Specifications & Dimensions
Verified external and internal measurements for the 20ft insulated container, in both imperial and metric units:
| Specification | Measurement |
| External Length | 20′ 0″ (6.10 m) |
| External Width | 8′ 0″ (2.44 m) |
| External Height | 8′ 6″ (2.59 m) |
| Internal Length | 19′ 8″ (5.99 m) |
| Internal Width | 7′ 8.5″ (2.35 m) |
| Internal Height | 7′ 10″ (2.39 m) |
New vs. Used: Choosing Your Container
- New (one-trip) 20 Foot Shipping Containers: near-pristine condition, maximum customization flexibility, typically a higher price.
- Used 20 Foot Shipping Containers: more budget-friendly and often faster to source; may show minor cosmetic wear such as small dents or surface rust.
Both new and used units retain full structural integrity and insulating function. The right choice usually comes down to budget versus appearance and how quickly you need the container.
FAQ's
What is a 20 Foot insulated shipping container used for?
A 20 Foot insulated shipping container is built for storing goods that need a stable interior temperature—think cold storage, perishables, sensitive equipment, pharmaceuticals, or materials that don’t do well with big temperature swings. The insulated walls and ceiling slow heat transfer, so the inside stays more consistent than a standard steel container. People also use them as the base for a walk-in cooler or freezer when paired with a refrigeration unit.
How is an insulated container different from a standard 20 Foot container?
The main difference is the lining. A standard 20 Foot Shipping container is bare steel, while an insulated unit has an added insulation layer between the steel shell and the interior. That layer reduces how quickly outside temperatures affect what’s inside, which is the whole point if you’re storing temperature-sensitive items. Externally the two look nearly identical and share the same footprint—roughly 20 ft long by 8 ft wide.
Does a 20 Foot insulated container come with refrigeration?
Insulation and refrigeration are two separate things. Insulation alone keeps the interior more temperature-stable, but it doesn’t actively cool. If you need true cold storage or freezing, you add a refrigeration unit, which is available as an option. A lot of customers start with the insulated shell and decide on refrigeration based on what they’re storing.
How much can you actually fit inside a 20 Foot insulated container?
Can I rent a 20 Foot insulated container instead of buying one?
Yes. Aztec Container offers rentals within California and sales nationwide, so renting is an option if you only need the unit for a season, a project, or a short-term cold storage need. Buying tends to make more sense for long-term or permanent use. If you’re unsure which way to go, the cost difference usually comes down to how many months you expect to use it.
What kind of insulation do these containers use?
These containers use an insulation layer applied to the interior walls and ceiling to limit heat transfer through the steel. The goal is to hold a steadier internal temperature so your stored goods aren’t reacting to every shift outside. The exact insulation spec can vary by unit and by whether you’re adding refrigeration, so it’s worth confirming the build details for your specific use case.
Is the temperature consistent throughout the container?
Insulation helps keep the interior more even than bare steel, but for tight, uniform temperature control across the whole unit you’ll want a refrigeration system doing the active work. Insulation slows the swings; refrigeration sets and holds the target. Together they give you the most consistent environment, which matters for things like food storage or temperature-sensitive inventory.
Can a 20 foot insulated container be modified or customized?
Yes, these units can be modified to fit how you actually plan to use them. Common additions include refrigeration, extra access doors, electrical and lighting, shelving, and partitions. Because the shell starts as a strong steel structure, it handles modifications well. Tell us what you’re storing and how you’ll access it, and we can map the container to that.
What kind of flooring is in a 20 Foot insulated container?
The flooring is built to take a beating. These containers use roughly one-inch-thick wood / marine-grade plywood flooring designed to handle heavy loads and frequent foot traffic without flexing or wearing through quickly. It’s the same heavy-duty flooring approach used across cargo-grade containers, so it holds up to pallets, equipment, and repeated loading.
What’s the difference between a new and used 20 Foot insulated container?
A new (one-trip) insulated container is essentially pristine—no real wear, often with more customization flexibility. A used unit costs less and is usually quicker to source, but may show cosmetic signs of prior use like minor dents or surface rust. Both keep their structural integrity and insulating function, so the decision usually comes down to budget versus appearance. We can quote both so you can compare.
No matter what type of shipping container you need Aztec Container can help you find the right solution!
Call us at 1-800-399-2126 for a quick quote
Fast Delivery
We work fast to customize your container and deliver it to your job site.
Buy or Rent
Sales available nationwide, rentals available in California.
Custom Built
You can customize your container to fit your exact needs.