Understanding the different container types and dimensions can help you ship your cargo safely. Container Types And Dimension Read this blog to find out the different container types and where you can find your desired boxes at the best price.
As only the right container can save you money and keep your cargo safe. It can get a bit difficult to find your exact container type in your network. And let’s not forget the lack of price transparency in the industry.
That’s where xChange can help you. On our neutral trading platform, Container Types And Dimension you can trade containers in 2500+ locations globally. This way, you can compare the deals and choose the best one. Ready to get started? Use our trading search below to find offers from 1500+ vetted members.
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Container types and dimensions: Overview
There are several container types in the container market. Each container is manufactured to transport a different type of cargo. Container Types And Dimension you use a standard container for medicines, you’re at higher risk of damaging your cargo and not passing customs. Being part of the shipping business, you must understand the different container types and their dimensions. Let’s take a look at the various container types and understand which type of cargo they’re most suitable for.
Standard container types and dimensions
A standard container is the most common type of container in the market. They are available in two common sizes: 20ft containers and 40ft containers.
Standard container sizes and dimensions
Here are the dimensions of standard 20ft and 40ft containers.
| Measurements | 20ft | 40ft |
|---|---|---|
| Internal length | 5.9m / 19.4ft | 12.03m / 39.5ft |
| Internal width | 2.35m / 7.8ft | 2.4m / 7.9ft |
| Internal height | 2.39m / 7.9ft | 2.39m / 7.9ft |
| Tare weight | 2,300kg / 5,071.5 lbs | 3,750kg / 8,268.8 lbs |
| Payload capacity | 25,000 kg / 55,126.9 lbs | 27,600kg / 61,200 lbs |
| Cubic capacity | 33.2 m3 / 1,172 cu ft | 67.7 m3 / 2,389 cu ft |
High cube Shipping container
This enables them to meet more cargo demands. They’re suitable if you need more storage for your cargo that a 20ft or 40ft container can’t fulfill. Container Types And Dimensions Do you want to get your hands on high cube containers and get more storage for your cargo? Click here to learn everything you need to know to buy high-cube containers.
High cube container sizes and dimensions
Here are the dimensions of 40ft HC and 45ft HC containers.
| Measurements | 40ft HC | 45ft HC |
|---|---|---|
| Internal length | 12.03m/39.5ft | 13.55m/44.5ft |
| Internal width | 2.35m / 7.8ft | 2.35m / 7.8ft |
| Internal height | 2.70m / 8.10ft | 2.70m / 8.10ft |
| Tare weight | 3,900kg / 8,598 lbs | 4,800kg / 10,552 lbs |
| Payload capacity | 28,600 kg / 63,052 lbs | 27,700kg / 61,067 lbs |
| Cubic capacity | 76.3 m3 / 2,694.5 cu ft | 86 m3 / 3,037 cu ft |
These containers are useful if you have specialized cargo. Read on to find out which container is best for your shipping needs.
Special container types and dimensions
A special container is used for specific needs that can’t be covered by a standard container.
- A different position of the door(s)
- Changes in the height and width of the container itself
- Technological modifications of containers
Below is a list of special container types and dimensions that you should be aware of.
Reefer container
Reefer containers are container-sized refrigerators used to move temperature-sensitive goods. The flooring of the reefer container has a T-shaped decking that sends chilled air into the container. This makes sure there is consistent airflow among the goods. They can maintain any temperature between -30°C and +30°C.
Each item has a different temperature requirement and it needs to be maintained to protect its freshness. It is powered by a generator that provides electricity. The reefer container is expensive considering the power and maintenance requirements
Reefer container sizes and dimensions
Here are the dimensions of the reefer containers. They’re available in three sizes, 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft HC.
| Measurements | 20ft | 40ft | 40ft HC |
| Internal length | 5.44m / 17.9ft | 11.56m / 37.9ft | 11.56 m/ 37.9ft |
| Internal width | 2.29m / 7.5ft | 2.28m / 7.5ft | 2.29m / 7.5ft |
| Internal height | 2.27m / 7.5ft | 2.25m / 7.4ft | 2.55m / 8.36ft |
| Tare weight | 3,080kg / 6,791.4 lbs | 4,800kg / 10,584 lbs | 4,480kg / 9,880lbs |
| Payload capacity | 27,400 kg / 60,471 lbs | 27,700 kg / 61,078 lbs | 29,520kg / 65,080 lbs |
| Cubic capacity | 28.3m3 / 999 cu ft | 59.3 m3 / 2,093.3 cu ft | 67.3 m3 / 2,380 cu ft |
Double door container
Double-door containers are built to have doors that swing open outside on both ends. Both sets of doors are built with the same specifications. It is the most convenient option for loading and unloading a container, Container Types And Dimension as you can load and unload goods quickly from either end of the container, as required.
Double-door container sizes and dimensions
Double-door containers have three sizes, 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft HC. Here are the dimensions.
| Measurements | 20ft | 40ft | 40ft HC |
| Internal length | 5.9m / 19.4ft | 12.03m / 39.5ft | 12.03m / 39.5ft |
| Internal width | 2.35m / 7.8ft | 2.4m / 7.9ft | 2.34m / 7.8ft |
| Internal height | 2.39m / 7.9ft | 2.39m / 7.9ft | 2.69m / 8.9ft |
| Tare weight | 2,300kg / 5,071.5 lbs | 3,750kg / 8,268.8 lbs | 5,200kg / 11,470lbs |
| Payload capacity | 25,000 kg / 55,126.9 lbs | 27,600kg / 61,200 lbs | 28,600kg / 63,052 lbs |
| Cubic capacity | 33.2 m3 / 1,172 cu ft | 67.7 m3 / 2,389 cu ft | 76.3m3 / 2,694 cu ft |
It has lashing rings that keep the cargo stable and can load 1000 kgs.
Open top container sizes and dimensions
Open-top containers have three sizes: 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft HC. Take a look at the table below for the dimensions of each.
| Measurements | 20ft | 40ft | 40ft HC |
| Internal length | 5.89m / 19.4ft | 12.03m / 39.5ft | 12.03m / 39.5ft |
| Internal width | 2.35m / 7.8ft | 2.4m / 7.9ft | 2.35m / 7.8ft |
| Internal height | 2.35m / 7.8ft | 2.34m / 7.8ft | 2.70m / 8.10ft |
| Tare weight | 2,260kg / 5,982 lbs | 3,980kg / 8,774 lbs | 4,250kg / 9,370 lbs |
| Payload capacity | 28,220 kg / 62,214 lbs | 26,500kg / 58,422 lbs | 28,250kg / 62,281 lbs |
| Cubic capacity | 32.7 m3 / 1,155 cu ft | 66.7 m3 / 2,356 cu ft | 74.9 m3 / 2,645 cu ft |
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Pallet wide container
A pallet-wide container is a special container designed to accommodate a larger number of Euro pallets, commonly used in Europe. The pallets are usually in size 1200 x 800 x 144.
Pallet-wide container sizes and dimensions
Pallet-wide containers are available in three sizes. These are 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft HC. The table below gives the dimensions of each size.
| Measurements | 20ft | 40ft | 40ft HC |
| Internal length | 5.89m / 19.32ft | 12.03m / 39.46ft | 13.55m / 44.5ft |
| Internal width | 2.44m / 8ft | 2.44m / 8ft | 2.41m / 7.9 ft |
| Internal height | 2.39m / 7.84ft | 2.38m / 7.80ft | 2.69m / 8.85ft |
| Tare weight | 2,400kg / 5,291.09 lbs | 3,800kg / 8,377.56 lbs | 4,280kg / 9,435.7lbs |
| Payload capacity | 28,080 kg / 61,905.80 lbs | 26,680kg / 58,819.33 lbs | 29,720kg / 65,521.38 lbs |
| Cubic capacity | 34.34 m3 / 1,213 cu ft | 69.86 m3 / 2,467.12 cu ft | 86.2m3 / 3,044.12 cu ft |
Flat rack container sizes and dimensions
The table below shows the dimensions of flat rack containers in different sizes.
| Measurements | 20ft | 40ft |
|---|---|---|
| Internal length | 5.94m / 19ft | 12.13m / 39.8ft |
| Internal width | 2.35m / 7.7ft | 2.40m / 7.9ft |
| Internal height | 2.35m / 7.7ft | 2.14m / 7ft |
| Tare weight | 2,360kg / 5203.8 lbs | 5,000kg / 11,025 lbs |
| Payload capacity | 30,140 kg / 66,458.7 lbs | 40,000kg / 88,200 lbs |
| Cubic capacity | 32.7 m3 / 1,154.3 cu ft | 62.2 m3 / 2,195.7 cu ft |
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Side door container sizes and dimensions
Side door containers are available in three sizes. Here are the dimensions of each.
| Measurements | 20ft | 40ft | 40ft HC |
| Internal length | 5.9m / 19.4ft | 12.03m / 39.5ft | 12.03 m / 39.5 ft |
| Internal width | 2.35m / 7.7ft | 2.28m / 7.4ft | 2.34 m / 7.8 ft |
| Internal height | 2.34m / 7.7ft | 2.29m / 7.5ft | 2.69 m / 8.9 ft |
| Tare weight | 2,700 kg / 5,950 lbs | 4,700 kg / 10,362 lbs | 5,200 kg / 11,470 lbs |
| Payload capacity | 27,780 kg / 61,244 lbs | 27,300 kg / 60,180 lbs | 28,600 kg / 63,052 lbs |
| Cubic capacity | 33.0 m3 / 1,165 cu ft | 64 m3 / 2,2306 cu ft | 76.3 m3 / 2,694 ft3 |
If you too have bulky cargo and need the best quality side door containers, click here to get started. Just fill in your location and the container type. Rest assured, you’ll find the right offer for you.
Cargo transported using hardtop containers include marble, glass sheets, raw materials (like coal), large machinery, etc.
Hard top container sizes and dimensions
Take a look at the table below to get the dimensions of hard-top containers.
| Measurements | 20ft | 40ft | 40ft HC |
| Internal length | 5.89m / 19.4ft | 12.03m / 39.5ft | 12.03m / 39.5ft |
| Internal width | 2.35m / 7.8ft | 2.4m / 7.9ft | 2.4m / 7.9ft |
| Internal height | 2.35m / 7.8ft | 2.34m / 7.8ft | 2.69 m / 8.9 ft |
| Tare weight | 2,260kg / 5,982 lbs | 3,980kg / 8,774 lbs | 5,200 kg / 11,470 lbs |
| Payload capacity | 28,220 kg / 62,214 lbs | 26,500kg / 58,422 lbs | 28,600 kg / 63,052 lbs |
| Cubic capacity | 32.7 m3 / 1,155 cu ft | 66.7 m3 / 2,356 cu ft | 76.3 m3 / 2,694 ft3 |
Tank container
Tank containers are cylindrical. This ensures that the containers can sustain the transport and protect the liquid material they carry.
Tank container sizes and dimensions
Here are the dimensions of a tank container.
| Measure | 20FT |
| Inside length | 6.058 m |
| Inside width | 2.438 m |
| Door width | 0 m |
| Door height | 0 m |
| Capacity | 21,000 l |
| Tare weight | 26290 kg |
Insulated container
They’re suitable for transporting temperature-sensitive goods.
Insulated containers often have a double wall.
Insulated container sizes and dimensions
Take a look at the table below if you want to know the exact dimensions of an insulated container.
| Measurements | 20ft | 40ft |
| Internal length | 5.75m/18.10ft | 1.561m/37.11ft |
| Internal width | 2.26m/5.7ft | 2.28 m/7.6ft |
| Internal height | 2.11m/6.11ft | 2.249m/7.5 ft |
| Tare weight | 2650 kgs/ 5840lbs | 4800 kgs/ 10580lbs |
| Payload capacity | 21350 kgs/ 47070lbs | 27700 kgs/ 61070lbs |
| Cubic capacity | 970cu ft | 2090cu ft |
Half-height container
Talking about the different container types here’s a shout-out to a very special box, the half-height. Half-height containers are ideal for moving heavy goods with low-volume cargo. If you are transporting over-height goods, half-height containers can be an ideal choice.
Half-height containers follow the DNV (Det Norske Veritas) standards. A DNV-approved half-height container is equipped with slings, shackles, and multiple internal lashing points.
Half-height container size and dimensions
Here are the dimensions of a 20ft half-height container
| Measure | 20ft |
| Internal length | 19.3ft (5.88m) |
| Internal width | 7.3ft (2.22m) |
| Internal height | 3.1ft (0.94m) |
| Tare weight | 2,378 kg/ 5,240 lbs |
| Payload capacity | 10,000 kg / 22,050 lbs |
| Cubic capacity | 12.25 m³/ 432.6 cu ft |
Read on to know the differences between them.
Must Read: Why Choose shipping container bar is Best for Us: 10 Reasons
Must Read: Types of Shipping Container Vents and Ventilation for Storage
Flat rack container vs open-top container
Take a look at the table below to know the differences.
| Reefer container | Insulated container |
| Provides precise temperature control inside the container. | Only maintains the initial temperature |
| Used for climate-controlled storage | Used for maintaining the initial temperature |
By now you must have chosen the right container type for your shipping needs. Well, Container Types And Dimension that’s where xChange comes into the picture. Container Types And Dimension Read on to find out how you can buy & sell containers on our trading platform.
