Shipping Container Dimension Charts
- 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
Different Types and Sizes of Shipping Containers
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 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 20 ft standard shipping container can hold up to 10 standard pallets or 11 Euro pallets across its floor base. The standard shipping containers are also known as dry shipping containers or dry vans.
20 ft standard shipping container dimensions
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Container Application: |
The 20 ft standard shipping container is for general purpose cargo. |
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Container Dimensions: |
Width | Height | Length |
| Door opening in feet | 7′ 8 ⅛” | 7′ 6 ¼” | |
| Door opening in meters | 2.34 m | 2.29 m | |
| Interior dimensions in feet | 7′ 8 ⅝” | 7′ 6 ¼” | 19′ 4 ¼” |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.34 m | 2.29 m | 5.9 m |
Container Weight |
Max Gross | Tare | Max Payload |
| Weight in lbs | 52,831 lbs | 4,914 lbs | 47,899 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 23,956 kg | 2,229 kg | 21,727 kg |
| Container Volume | In CFT | In CBM | |
| Load Capacity | 1,172 CFT | 33.2 CBM | |
40 ft standard shipping container dimensions
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Container Application: |
The 40 ft standard shipping container is for general purpose cargo. |
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Container Dimensions: |
Width | Height | Length |
| Door opening in feet | 7′ 8 ⅛” | 7′ 6 ¼” | |
| Door opening in meters | 2.34 m | 2.29 m | |
| Interior dimensions in feet | 7′ 8 ⅝” | 7′ 10 ¼” | 37′ 11 ¼” |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.352 m | 2.395 m | 12.01 m |
Container Weight |
Max Gross | Tare | Max Payload |
| Weight in lbs | 67,199 lbs | 5,220 lbs | 59,039 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 30,481 kg | 3,701 kg | 26,780 kg |
| Container Volume | In CFT | In CBM | |
| Load Capacity | 2,389.75 CFT | 67.67 CBM | |
40 ft high cube standard shipping container dimensions
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Container Application: |
The 40 ft high cube shipping container is larger than the 40 ft standard shipping container. |
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Container Dimensions: |
Width | Height | Length |
| Door opening in feet | 7′ 8 ⅛” | 8′ 6 ¼” | |
| Door opening in meters | 2.34 m | 2.56 m | |
| Interior dimensions in feet | 7′ 8 ⅝” | 8′ 10 ⅛” | 39′ 5 ⅝” |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.352 m | 2.69 m | 12.01 m |
Container Weight |
Max Gross | Tare | Max Payload |
| Weight in lbs | 67,196 lbs | 8,747 lbs | 58,448 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 30,480 kg | 3,968 kg | 26,512 kg |
| Container Volume | In CFT | In CBM | |
| Load Capacity | 2,694 CFT | 76.3 CBM | |
45 ft high cube standard shipping container dimensions
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Container Application: |
The 45 ft high cube shipping container is for general purpose cargo. |
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Container Dimensions: |
Width | Height | Length |
| Door opening in feet | 7′ 9½” | 8′ 5 ¾” | |
| Door opening in meters | 2.37 m | 2.58 m | |
| Interior dimensions in feet | 7′ 11″ | 8′ 10″ | 44′ 4 ¾” |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.41 m | 2.69 m | 13.53 m |
Container Weight |
Max Gross | Tare | Max Payload |
| Weight in lbs | 74,960 lbs | 10,910 lbs | 64,050 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 3,4000 kg | 4,950 kg | 29,050 kg |
| Container Volume | In CFT | In CBM | |
| Load Capacity | 3,122 CFT | 88.4 CBM | |
Ventilated shipping container dimensions
The 20 ft ventilated container is a shipping container that offers a ventilation system due to its lateral openings that permit air flow and circulation. These characteristics make it suitable for the transportation of goods that require constant temperature and conditions.
Thanks to its ventilation system, the 20 ft ventilated container is able to expel hot air and allow fresh air to enter, thus preventing condensation and humidity changes that may damage the cargo. One of the main products transported in the ventilated container is coffee, which is why it may also sometimes also be known as the coffee container.
20 ft ventilated shipping container dimensions
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Container Application: |
The 20 ft ventilated shipping container is for cargo that requires ventilation, typically used to transport green coffee beans or similar cargo. |
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Container Dimensions: |
Width | Height | Length |
| Door opening in feet | 7′ 8 ⅛” | 7′ 6 ¼” | |
| Door opening in meters | 2.34 m | 2.29 m | |
| Interior dimensions in feet | 7′ 8 ⅝” | 7′ 10 ¼” | 19′ 4 ¼” |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.352 m | 2.395 m | 5.9 m |
Container Weight |
Max Gross | Tare | Max Payload |
| Weight in lbs | 52,897 lbs | 5,297 lbs | 47,899 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 32,500 kg | 2,394 kg | 21,727 kg |
| Container Volume | In CFT | In CBM | |
| Load Capacity | 1,172 CFT | 33.2 CBM | |
Refrigerated shipping container dimensions
Refrigerated shipping containers, also known as reefer containers, are equipped with a system that helps to maintain an internal temperature of between -25º and + 25º. Contrary to popular belief, these refrigerated containers do not regulate temperatures, they can only maintain them.
There are certain types of refrigerated containers that are capable of maintaining temperatures as low as -60º. Although refrigerated containers have integrated systems that help with maintaining the internal temperature, the container must be connected to an external power source such as the vessel’s generator or the port’s power supply.
When booking a reefer container, it is important to make sure that necessary equipment is available throughout the entire international transport chain (from pick up to drop off) to help power the container and maintain its internal temperature. Reefer containers are most commonly used to transport fresh and frozen foods such as fish, meat, fruits, and other perishable items. It is also regularly used to transport medicines and pharmaceutical products.
20 ft refrigerated shipping container dimensions
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Container Application: |
The 20 ft refrigerated shipping container is for cargo that requires temperature control. |
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Container Dimensions: |
Width | Height | Length |
| Door opening in feet | 7′ 8 ⅛” | 7′ 6 ¼” | |
| Door opening in meters | 2.34 m | 2.29 m | |
| Interior dimensions in feet | 7’6″ | 7′ 4 ⅞” | 17′ 11 ⅝” |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.28 m | 2.33 m | 5.45 m |
Container Weight |
Max Gross | Tare | Max Payload |
| Weight in lbs | 67,200 lbs | 6,970 lbs | 60,230 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 30,480 kg | 3,160 kg | 27,320 kg |
40 ft refrigerated shipping container dimensions
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Container Application: |
The 40 ft refrigerated shipping container is for cargo that requires temperature control or perishable cargo. |
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Container Dimensions: |
Width | Height | Length |
| Door opening in feet | 7′ 5 ⅜” | 6′ 11 ⅞” | |
| Door opening in meters | 2.26 m | 2.13 m | |
| Interior dimensions in feet | 7’5 ⅜” | 7′ 1 ⅞” | 37′ 11 ¼” |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.26 m | 2.18 m | 11.48 m |
Container Weight |
Max Gross | Tare | Max Payload |
| Weight in lbs | 67,053 lbs | 10,778 lbs | 56,275 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 30,415 kg | 4,889 kg | 25,526 kg |
| Container Volume | In CFT | In CBM | |
| Load Capacity | 2,039.7 CFT | 57.76 CBM | |
Flat rack shipping container dimensions
Flat rack shipping containers are designed to transport merchandise whose overall measurements and/or weight prevent them from fitting into a standard container. These containers are made of metal plates that fit a standard structure of 20 or 40 feet. Its sides are collapsible and it does not have a roof or top. This makes it easy for top- or side-loading. Such features make flat rack containers suitable for transporting:
- Heavy or over-sized cargo such as construction equipment, building supplies or heavy machinery. These cargoes usually need to be loaded onto the flat rack with a crane or other special equipment.
- Goods with a height higher than that of a 20 or 40 ft high cube container or irregularly shaped goods such as industrial vehicles or pipes.
Because the flat rack container has no side or top to protect the cargo, extra care must be taken to prevent damage by weather conditions such as heavy rain or strong winds. Lashing the cargo will help secure the cargo and make sure it stays in its place. When booking a flat rack shipping container, make sure to clearly indicate lifting points for your over- or odd-sized cargo to avoid damages especially for heavy machinery. Remember to also specify any special handling instructions.
20 ft flat rack shipping container dimensions
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Container Application: |
The 20 ft flat rack shipping container is for unusually heavy loads, over-sized cargo, construction equipment, building supplies or heavy machinery. |
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Container Dimensions: |
Width | Height | Length |
| Interior dimensions in feet | 8′ | 7′ 3 ⅞” | 19′ 9 ¾” |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.438 m | 2.233 m | 5.638 m |
Container Weight |
Max Gross | Tare | Max Payload |
| Weight in lbs | 99,200 lbs | 6,400 lbs | 92,800 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 45,000 kg | 2,900 kg | 42,100 kg |
| Load Capacity | 1,154.3 CFT | 32.7 CBM | |
40 ft flat rack shipping container dimensions
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Container Application: |
The 40 ft flat rack shipping container is for over-sized cargo, heavy machinery, construction equipment, or supplies. |
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Container Dimensions: |
Width | Height | Length |
| Door opening in feet | NA | NA | |
| Door opening in meters | NA | NA | |
| Interior dimensions in feet | 7′ 4″ | 7′ 5 ⅓” | 39′ 3 ⅞” |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.23 m | 2.27 m | 11.98 m |
Container Weight |
Max Gross | Tare | Max Payload |
| Weight in lbs | 98,326 lbs | 12,897 lbs | 85,429 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 44,600 kg | 5,850 kg | 38,750 kg |
| Container Volume | In CFT | In CBM | |
| Load Capacity | 1,860 CFT | 52.7 CBM | |
Open top shipping container dimensions
Open top containers, be it 20 ft or 40 ft, fall within the category of standard containers, despite not having a roof.
The type of goods typically transported in open top containers is essentially the same as those being transported in flat rack containers, but with more irregular heights. Some examples include goods that are too heavy for manual handling and must be lifted and loaded with a crane, or top-protruding merchandise that cannot fit into a 40 ft high cube standard container.
Unlike the flat rack, which also has no roof, open top containers have walls to protect the goods. A tarpaulin will be needed to cover the top to protect the merchandise. Note that the opening of an open top shipping container through which you load your cargo is slightly smaller than the container’s interior. This is similar to the door of a regular container and it’s for structural integrity purposes. In other words, there is less room to work with for manoeuvring when loading your cargo through the top of an open top shipping container.
A 20 ft open top container has a maximum load of approximately 28 metric tons, while the 40 ft open top container can hold up to 30 metric tons. Due to low demand for open top containers, some carriers may find it difficult to secure cargo requiring open top containers to be able to send the containers back to the origin. As such, carriers may implement an extra cost to transport open top containers, which can vary according to the destination. When booking an open top shipping container, make sure lifting points for your over- or odd-sized cargo are well-indicated to avoid damages and specify handling instructions.
20 ft open top shipping container dimensions
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Container Application: |
The 20 ft open top shipping container is for over-height cargo and top loading. |
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Container Dimensions: |
Width | Height | Length |
| Door opening in feet | 7′ 8 ⅛” | 7′ 6 ¼” | |
| Door opening in meters | 2.34 m | 2.29 m | |
| Interior dimensions in feet | 7′ 8 ⅝” | 7′ 10 ¼” | 19′ 4 ¼” |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.352 m | 2.395 m | 5.9 m |
Container Weight |
Max Gross | Tare | Max Payload |
| Weight in lbs | 52,897 lbs | 5,297 lbs | 47,619 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 23,994 kg | 2,394 kg | 21,600 kg |
| Container Volume | In CFT | In CBM | |
| Load Capacity | 1,172 CFT | 33.2 CBM | |
40 ft open top shipping container dimensions
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Container Application: |
The 40 ft open top shipping container is for top loading for excessively long or high cargo. |
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Container Dimensions: |
Width | Height | Length |
| Door opening in feet | 7′ 8 ⅛” | 7′ 6 ¼” | |
| Door opening in meters | 2.34 m | 2.29 m | |
| Interior dimensions in feet | 7′ 8 ⅝” | 7′ 10 ¼” | 39′ 5 ⅝” |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.352 m | 2.395 m | 12.01 m |
Container Weight |
Max Gross | Tare | Max Payload |
| Weight in lbs | 67,196 lbs | 8,487 lbs | 58,709 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 30,480 kg | 3,850 kg | 26,630 kg |
| Container Volume | In CFT | In CBM | |
| Load Capacity | 2,389.75 CFT | 66.67 CBM | |
ISO tank shipping container dimensions
ISO tank or ISO containers are containers specially designed to transport liquids or gases. They can hold bulk cargoes ranging from perishable liquids such as oil or wine to hazardous substances. Additional requirements will need to be fulfilled when shipping hazardous substances in ISO tanks. And once an ISO tank has been tagged to ship hazardous substances, it can no longer be used to ship food, and vice versa.
The ISO tank is supported on a structure that can be adjusted according to its dimensions. It’s also lined with an insulating material that protects it from the cargo it’s transporting. ISO tanks offer one of the most effective intermodal transportation methods for bulk cargo. They are safer, offer more flexibility, are more environmentally friendly, and relatively cheaper than other options such as OTR tank trucks. The most commonly used ISO tanks measure 20 or 40 ft there are also 10 and 30 ft long ISO tanks. They’re also widely known as ISO containers or tank containers.
20 ft ISO tank shipping container dimensions
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Container Application: |
The 20 ft tank shipping container is for food stuffs, oils, and chemicals. |
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Container Dimensions: |
Width | Height | Length |
| Exterior dimensions in feet | 8′ | 8′ 6″ | 20″ |
| Exterior dimensions in meters | 2.43 m | 2.59 m | 6.09 m |
| Container Volume | In U.S. Gallons | In Liters | |
| Load Capacity | 6,450 gl | 26,001 lt | |
How to quote and book shipping containers
At Fast Customs Clearance, we offer the 20 ft and 40 ft standard container shipping, as well as the 40 ft high cube standard container.
If shipping irregular cargo, the dimensions and weight of the merchandise determine which ocean container type can best accommodate your shipment. If you’re interested in booking other ocean shipping container types, please contact our sales representatives. Whether it is shipping containers, cars, trucks, high and heavy cargo or other automobiles to a destination of your choice, we are here to serve your needs, and help you with any shipping queries you might have. Our staff will patiently listen to your needs, and provide you with a high level of customer service. For further information on our container and car shipping services, email us on info@fastcustomsclearance.co.uk or feel free to call us today on Tel: 020 8058 3086
