Shipping Container Sizes report
Container's overall external dimensions refer to the largest external dimensions of the container in terms of length, width, and height. The main parameter determines whether the container can be transported on ships, chassis, trucks, and railway vehicles. Shipping container sizing is a piece of important information that each transportation department must master.
The container's internal dimensions are the maximum length, width, and height dimensions inside the container. The height is the distance from the box's bottom surface to the bottom of the top plate, the width is the distance between the two inner liners, and the length is the distance between the inner panel of the door and the inner liner of the end wall. It determines the internal volume of the container and the maximum size of the cargo in the container.
The loading volume can be calculated according to the internal dimensions of the container. Containers of the exact specification have slightly different internal volumes due to differences in structure and manufacturing materials. The following article introduces more details about the most common shipping container sizes.
Shipping Container Size Guide
The standardization of shipping container dimensions made a substantial global impact on world trade. It allowed manufacturers to load goods at their factories and ship directly to stores and warehouses without unloading and transferring their cargo along the way. There are many different sizes and types of the shipping container. It is helpful to know what type of shipping container will best suit your needs when shipping cargo. Usually, the dimensions and maximum weight of a shipping container will impact what equipment can be used.
Shipping Container Size Chart
Remember that exact dimensions can differ slightly due to manufacturer and load regulations that may restrict operation to less than maximum weight. There is an international standard shipping container size chart by container types. Use this information as a guide only.
| Container Type | Internal Dimensions(L x W x H) | Door Opening(W x H) | Cubic Capacity | Cargo Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20FT General | 5.89 x 2.35 x 2.36m | 2.33 x 2.26m | 33m³ | 21,700kgs |
| 40FT High Cube | 5.89 x 2.35 x 2.69m | 2.33 x 2.59m | 37m³ | 21,700kgs |
| 40FT General | 12.05 x 2.35 x 2.36m | 2.33 x 2.26m | 66m³ | 26,500kgs |
| 40FT High Cube | 12.05 x 2.35 x 2.69m | 2.33 x 2.59m | 76m³ | 26,500kgs |
| 20FT Flat Rack with sides | 5.89 x 2.35 x 2.23m | Side Opening W - 2.59m | 30m³ | 26,500kgs |
| 20FT Flat Rack without sides | 5.89 x 2.35 x 0.23m | - | 33m³, Max Height 2.36m | 23,500kgs |
| 40FT Flat Rack with sides | 12.05 x 2.35 x 2.23m | Side Opening W - 11.66m | 63m³ | 36,000kgs |
| 40FT Flat Rack without sides | 12.05 x 2.35 x 0.65m | - | 67m³, Max Height 2.36m | 39,000kgs |
| 20FT Open Top | 5.89 x 2.35 x 2.36m | 2.33 x 2.29m | 32m³ | 21,700kgs |
| 40FT Open Top | 12.05 x 2.35 x 2.36m | 2.33 x 2.29m | 66m³ | 26,500kgs |
| 20FT Reefer | 5.44 x 2.26 x 2.24m | 2.26 x 2.20m | 27m³ | 21700kgs |
| 40FT Reefer | 11.55 x 2.26 x 2.24m | 2.26 x 2.20m | 58m³ | 25000kgs |
Shipping Container Types
The 20 ft standard shipping container and the 40 ft standard shipping container are two of the most widely used containers in the world to transport ocean freight goods. The current international containers are 12 types:
- 20 ft dry shipping container
- 40 ft dry shipping container
- 40 ft dry high cube shipping container
- 45 ft dry high cube shipping container
- 20 ft flat rack shipping container
- 40 ft flat rack shipping container
- 20 ft open top shipping container
- 40 ft open top shipping container
- 20 ft ventilated shipping container
- 20 ft refrigerated shipping container
- 40 ft refrigerated shipping container
- 20 ft tank shipping container
Standard shipping containers
The standard shipping containers differ from other types of containers in that they are completely airtight. These hermetically sealed shipping containers are not equipped with cooling nor ventilation systems like the refrigerated and ventilated containers. The standard shipping containers are also known as dry shipping containers or dry vans.
Ventilated shipping containers
The ventilated container offers a ventilation system due to its lateral openings that permit airflow and circulation. Its characteristics make it suitable for the transportation of goods that require constant temperature and conditions. One of the products transported in the ventilated container is coffee, sometimes known as the "coffee container."
Refrigerated shipping containers
Reefer shipping containers are equipped with a system that helps maintain an internal temperature of between -25º and + 25º. These refrigerated containers do not regulate temperatures, and they can only maintain temperatures. This type is most commonly used to transport fresh and frozen foods such as fish, meat, fruits, and perishable items. It is also regularly used to transport medicines and pharmaceutical products.
Flat rack shipping containers
Flat rack shipping containers are designed to transport merchandise whose overall measurements and weight prevent them from fitting into a standard container. Its sides are collapsible, and it does not have a roof or top. It makes it easy for top- or side-loading.
Open top shipping containers
The open-top containers are 20 ft or 40 ft and fall within standard containers, despite not having a roof. Unlike the flat rack, which also has no roof, open-top containers have walls to protect the goods. A tarp will be needed to cover the top to protect the merchandise.
The dimensions above give a primary indication of the size of various shipping containers and storage containers. The dimensions of a container can fluctuate between each unit. Keep in mind that shipping containers size and weights can differ due to different manufactures.
