Complete Guide to Shipping Container Dimensions and Sizes

Last Updated on March 12, 2025 by Admin

Shipping containers are a crucial component of global trade and logistics, offering a standardized method for transporting goods across vast distances. Whether you’re involved in shipping, storage, or construction, understanding the dimensions of a shipping container is essential for efficient planning and operation. This guide will cover the various sizes, lengths, widths, and heights of shipping containers, providing you with all the necessary information to make informed decisions.

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Table of Contents

The Importance of Shipping Container Dimensions

The global shipping industry relies heavily on the uniformity of shipping containers, which are designed to fit seamlessly into ships, trucks, and trains. Knowing the exact dimensions of a shipping container is vital for optimizing space, ensuring safety, and complying with international shipping regulations. This article will delve into the different sizes of shipping containers, including standard dimensions, specialized containers, and the implications of these measurements for various applications.

Standard Shipping Container Sizes

1. 20-Foot Shipping Container Dimensions

The 20-foot container is one of the most commonly used types in the shipping industry. Its compact size makes it ideal for transporting smaller loads or for use in space-constrained environments.

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External Length: 20 feet (6.058 meters)
External Width: 8 feet (2.438 meters)
External Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.591 meters)
Internal Length: 19 feet 4 inches (5.898 meters)
Internal Width: 7 feet 9 inches (2.352 meters)
Internal Height: 7 feet 10 inches (2.393 meters)
Door Opening Width: 7 feet 8 inches (2.340 meters)
Door Opening Height: 7 feet 6 inches (2.280 meters)
Volume: 1,169 cubic feet (33.1 cubic meters)
Tare Weight: 5,071 pounds (2,300 kilograms)
Maximum Gross Weight: 55,126 pounds (25,000 kilograms)

2. 40-Foot Shipping Container Dimensions

The 40-foot container is another staple of international shipping, offering double the length of the 20-foot container, making it suitable for larger shipments.

External Length: 40 feet (12.192 meters)
External Width: 8 feet (2.438 meters)
External Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.591 meters)
Internal Length: 39 feet 6 inches (12.036 meters)
Internal Width: 7 feet 9 inches (2.352 meters)
Internal Height: 7 feet 10 inches (2.393 meters)
Door Opening Width: 7 feet 8 inches (2.340 meters)
Door Opening Height: 7 feet 6 inches (2.280 meters)
Volume: 2,385 cubic feet (67.5 cubic meters)
Tare Weight: 8,268 pounds (3,750 kilograms)
Maximum Gross Weight: 67,196 pounds (30,480 kilograms)

3. 40-Foot High Cube Container Dimensions

For those needing extra vertical space, the 40-foot high cube container is an excellent choice, providing an additional foot of height.

External Length: 40 feet (12.192 meters)
External Width: 8 feet (2.438 meters)
External Height: 9 feet 6 inches (2.896 meters)
Internal Length: 39 feet 6 inches (12.036 meters)
Internal Width: 7 feet 9 inches (2.352 meters)
Internal Height: 8 feet 10 inches (2.698 meters)
Door Opening Width: 7 feet 8 inches (2.340 meters)
Door Opening Height: 8 feet 5 inches (2.585 meters)
Volume: 2,694 cubic feet (76.3 cubic meters)
Tare Weight: 8,598 pounds (3,900 kilograms)
Maximum Gross Weight: 67,196 pounds (30,480 kilograms)

4. 45-Foot High Cube Container Dimensions

The 45-foot high cube container offers even more length and height, making it ideal for transporting large volumes of goods.

External Length: 45 feet (13.716 meters)
External Width: 8 feet (2.438 meters)
External Height: 9 feet 6 inches (2.896 meters)
Internal Length: 44 feet 4 inches (13.556 meters)
Internal Width: 7 feet 9 inches (2.352 meters)
Internal Height: 8 feet 10 inches (2.698 meters)
Door Opening Width: 7 feet 8 inches (2.340 meters)
Door Opening Height: 8 feet 5 inches (2.585 meters)
Volume: 3,122 cubic feet (88.4 cubic meters)
Tare Weight: 10,362 pounds (4,700 kilograms)
Maximum Gross Weight: 71,650 pounds (32,500 kilograms)

Specialized Shipping Container Dimensions

1. Reefer Containers (Refrigerated Containers)

Reefer containers are equipped with temperature control systems, making them suitable for transporting perishable goods.

20-Foot Reefer Container:
- External Length: 20 feet (6.058 meters)
- External Width: 8 feet (2.438 meters)
- External Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.591 meters)
- Internal Length: 17 feet 10 inches (5.426 meters)
- Internal Width: 7 feet 6 inches (2.286 meters)
- Internal Height: 7 feet 5 inches (2.261 meters)
- Volume: 1,050 cubic feet (29.7 cubic meters)
- Tare Weight: 6,680 pounds (3,030 kilograms)
- Maximum Gross Weight: 67,196 pounds (30,480 kilograms)
40-Foot Reefer Container:
- External Length: 40 feet (12.192 meters)
- External Width: 8 feet (2.438 meters)
- External Height: 9 feet 6 inches (2.896 meters)
- Internal Length: 37 feet 11 inches (11.558 meters)
- Internal Width: 7 feet 6 inches (2.286 meters)
- Internal Height: 7 feet 5 inches (2.261 meters)
- Volume: 2,290 cubic feet (64.8 cubic meters)
- Tare Weight: 10,520 pounds (4,770 kilograms)
- Maximum Gross Weight: 67,196 pounds (30,480 kilograms)

2. Open-Top Containers

Open-top containers are designed for oversized cargo that cannot be easily loaded into standard containers.

20-Foot Open-Top Container:
- External Length: 20 feet (6.058 meters)
- External Width: 8 feet (2.438 meters)
- External Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.591 meters)
- Internal Length: 19 feet 4 inches (5.898 meters)
- Internal Width: 7 feet 8 inches (2.352 meters)
- Internal Height: 7 feet 8 inches (2.337 meters)
- Tare Weight: 5,511 pounds (2,500 kilograms)
- Maximum Gross Weight: 55,126 pounds (25,000 kilograms)
40-Foot Open-Top Container:
- External Length: 40 feet (12.192 meters)
- External Width: 8 feet (2.438 meters)
- External Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.591 meters)
- Internal Length: 39 feet 5 inches (12.036 meters)
- Internal Width: 7 feet 8 inches (2.352 meters)
- Internal Height: 7 feet 8 inches (2.337 meters)
- Tare Weight: 8,818 pounds (4,000 kilograms)
- Maximum Gross Weight: 67,196 pounds (30,480 kilograms)

3. Flat Rack Containers

Flat rack containers are used for heavy loads and oversized cargo that can’t fit into a standard container.

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20-Foot Flat Rack Container:
- External Length: 20 feet (6.058 meters)
- External Width: 8 feet (2.438 meters)
- External Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.591 meters)
- Internal Length: 19 feet 8 inches (6.000 meters)
- Internal Width: 7 feet 8 inches (2.352 meters)
- Internal Height: 7 feet 4 inches (2.230 meters)
- Tare Weight: 6,614 pounds (3,000 kilograms)
- Maximum Gross Weight: 59,524 pounds (27,000 kilograms)
40-Foot Flat Rack Container:
- External Length: 40 feet (12.192 meters)
- External Width: 8 feet (2.438 meters)
- External Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.591 meters)
- Internal Length: 39 feet 5 inches (12.036 meters)
- Internal Width: 7 feet 8 inches (2.352 meters)
- Internal Height: 7 feet 4 inches (2.230 meters)
- Tare Weight: 12,125 pounds (5,500 kilograms)
- Maximum Gross Weight: 99,207 pounds (45,000 kilograms)

4. ISO Tank Containers

ISO tank containers are designed for transporting liquids, gases, and powders in bulk. They adhere to the ISO standards, ensuring safe and efficient transport.

20-Foot ISO Tank Container:
- External Length: 20 feet (6.058 meters)
- External Width: 8 feet (2.438 meters)
- External Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.591 meters)
- Volume Capacity: 24,000 liters to 26,000 liters
- Tare Weight: 7,275 pounds (3,300 kilograms)
- Maximum Gross Weight: 52,910 pounds (24,000 kilograms)

Choosing the Right Shipping Container: Key Considerations

1. Cargo Type

The type of cargo you are transporting will greatly influence your choice of shipping container. For instance, perishable goods require reefer containers, while oversized machinery may necessitate an open-top or flat rack container.

2. Space Requirements

Understanding the dimensions of a shipping container is crucial for space planning, whether you’re loading goods, planning storage, or building with containers. For example, a standard 20-foot container has a volume of 1,169 cubic feet, while a 40-foot container offers 2,385 cubic feet.

3. Weight Restrictions

Each shipping container has a maximum gross weight, which includes the weight of the container itself plus the weight of the cargo. Exceeding this limit can result in fines, delays, or even accidents.

4. Regulatory Compliance

Different countries may have specific regulations regarding the types and dimensions of shipping containers that can be used. It’s important to be aware of these rules to avoid potential issues during transit.

5. Cost Considerations

Larger containers, such as 40-foot high cubes, may be more expensive to transport due to their size and weight. However, they can also carry more goods, potentially reducing the overall cost per unit of cargo.

Applications Beyond Shipping: The Versatility of Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are not only used for transporting goods but have also found new life in various industries due to their durability and standard dimensions.

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1. Container Homes

The dimensions of a shipping container make them ideal for creating modular, cost-effective housing solutions. A standard 40-foot container can be converted into a compact living space with minimal modifications.

2. Pop-Up Shops and Offices

The size of a shipping container is perfect for creating temporary or mobile commercial spaces. Containers can be easily transported, set up, and customized to suit the needs of businesses.

3. Storage Solutions

Shipping containers offer secure and weather-resistant storage options. Their standardized dimensions make them stackable, allowing for efficient use of space in storage yards or warehouses.

LCL (Less than Container Load) and Shipping Container Dimensions

When dealing with international shipping, not all businesses require a full container for their cargo. This is where LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping becomes essential. LCL allows multiple shippers to share space in a single container, optimizing costs and logistics. Understanding shipping container dimensions is crucial in LCL freight, as it helps businesses determine how much space their goods will occupy and how to efficiently package and load shipments.

How LCL Freight Relates to Container Sizes

LCL shipments are typically calculated based on volume, measured in cubic meters (CBM). Knowing the internal dimensions of a container helps shippers estimate costs, plan load distribution, and ensure compliance with weight restrictions. Here’s how common container sizes relate to LCL freight:

20-Foot Container: With an internal volume of approximately 33.1 CBM, this container is often used for smaller shipments where a full container is not needed.

40-Foot Container: Offering around 67.5 CBM of internal space, this container is ideal for consolidating multiple LCL shipments efficiently.

40-Foot High Cube Container: With extra height and a volume of about 76.3 CBM, this option provides additional space for taller cargo in LCL shipping.

Benefits of Understanding Container Dimensions for LCL

Optimized Cost: Proper space estimation ensures shippers only pay for the space they use.

Efficient Packing: Knowing internal dimensions helps in arranging cargo to minimize wasted space.

Regulatory Compliance: Some shipments may have height or weight limitations, making container selection crucial.

Improved Logistics Planning: Accurate measurements help businesses schedule shipments and coordinate with freight forwarders more effectively.

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By mastering shipping container dimensions, businesses can maximize the benefits of LCL freight, reducing costs while ensuring efficient and secure transport of goods.

Mastering the Dimensions for a Shipping Container

Understanding the dimensions of a shipping container is essential for anyone involved in logistics, construction, or storage. Whether you’re shipping goods across the globe, building a container home, or setting up a pop-up shop, knowing the exact length, width, and height of shipping containers will ensure you choose the right container for your needs.

By considering factors such as cargo type, space requirements, weight restrictions, and regulatory compliance, you can optimize your use of shipping containers for any application. As global trade continues to evolve, the standardized dimensions of shipping containers will remain a key factor in ensuring efficiency and safety in the transport and storage of goods.

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