Shipping container dimensions guide
When looking for shipping container dimensions, there are 11 main types to consider when it comes to international trade.
Of the containers available, it is possible to transport a wide range of goods from bulk commodities to perishable foodstuffs and dangerous goods.
This range of shipping containers have evolved over time to meet the needs of exporters and importers executing international trade.
The complete guide of shipping container dimensions are as follows:
- 20-foot dry container
- 40-foot general purpose dry container
- 20-foot flat rack container
- 40-foot flat rack container
- 20-foot open-top container
- 40-foot open-top container
- 20-foot ventilated container
- 20-foot refrigerated container
- 40-foot refrigerated container
- 40-foot high cube container
- 20-foot ISO tank container
You may hear shipping containers referred to as ISO shipping containers. ISO stands for the International Organisation for Standardization, a group that determines the specification and dimensions of these containers for consistency worldwide.
Most common shipping container dimensions
Table of common shipping container dimensions
We have included in a table a summary of the most common shipping container dimensions and what they are suitable for.
Please note that the exact size and holding capacity of shipping containers can vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer.
If you have any questions regarding the specifics of shipping container dimensions please do not hesitate to send us a message or give us a call on 1300651233. We are happy to help.
| Shipping container | 6m Standard | 6m High cube | 12m Standard | 12m High cube |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max gross weight (kg) | 30,480 | 30,480 | 32,500 | 32,500 |
| Tare weight (kg) | 2,220 | 2,340 | 3,680 | 3,860 |
| External length (mm) | 6056 | 6056 | 12192 | 12192 |
| Internal length (mm) | 5898 | 5898 | 12032 | 12032 |
| External width (mm) | 2438 | 2438 | 2438 | 2438 |
| Internal width (mm) | 2352 | 2352 | 2352 | 2352 |
| External height (mm) | 2592 | 2896 | 2592 | 2896 |
| Internal height (mm) | 2392 | 2698 | 2392 | 2698 |
| Door opening width (mm) | 2340 | 2340 | 2340 | 2340 |
| Door opening height (mm) | 2280 | 2585 | 2280 | 2585 |
| Cubic capacity (cu/m) | 33.2 | 37.5 | 67.7 | 76.4 |
Shipping container dimensions with sizes and types
The type of shipping container typically seen in ports is the 20-foot dry container. It is used for general kinds of cargo.
If 20-foot isn’t enough space, try the 40-foot general purpose dry container.
If your cargo is oversized, such as building equipment and vehicles used for construction then this style of container is perfect for you.
A 40-foot higher flat rack container for much more oversized cargo.
This 20-foot open top container is used to contain cargo which exceeds the height of standard containers and requires top-loading.
Cargo longer or higher than 20 feet? Try the 40-foot open top container.
If your shipping cargo is made up of products that require ventilation, such as coffee beans, this 20-foot ventilated container is appropriate for it.
Use when your goods need to be temperature controlled. These containers can be set to temperatures ranging from -35˚C to 35˚C.
The 40-foot refrigerated container is a larger option for when the 20-foot model just isn’t enough. Its reference code is 42 RT.
Similar to the 40-foot general purpose container, but the high cube container has an additional one foot in height providing more space for your cargo.
A 20-foot ISO tank is used for hazardous and non-hazardous liquids including chemicals and food ingredients such as oils.
Questions on shipping container dimensions?
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