Shipping Container Dimensions

Shipping containers are built according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to ensure that they are built to the same specifications and can be transported worldwide by truck, rail, or ship. The most common containers in circulation are 20 foot shipping containers and 40 foot shipping containers. Also known as cargo containers, they are all 8ft wide and can be either standard height (8’6″H) or high cube height (9’6″H).

20ft Shipping Container Dimensions

The following specifications should be used as a guide as internal dimensions may vary slightly depending on the factory of origin.
External dimensions should remain the same.

20ft Container20ft High Cube Container20ft Reefer Container
External
  • Length
    20’
  • Width
    8’
  • Height
    8’6”
  • Length
    20’
  • Width
    8’
  • Height
    9’6”
  • Length
    20’
  • Width
    8’
  • Height
    8’6”
Internal
  • Length
    19’4"
  • Width
    7’8"
  • Height
    7’10”
  • Length
    19’4"
  • Width
    7’8"
  • Height
    8’10”
  • Length
    17’10"
  • Width
    7’6"
  • Height
    7'5”
Door Opening
  • Width
    7’8"
  • Height
    7’5”
  • Width
    7'8"
  • Height
    8’5”
  • Width
    7'6"
  • Height
    7’4”
Payload Capacity62,380 lbs62,085 lbs61,010 lbs
Weight4,820 lbs5,115 lbs6,190 lbs

20 Foot Used Shipping Container

20 Foot New Shipping Container

20 Foot Container with Side Access

40ft Shipping Container Dimensions

The following specifications should be used as a guide as internal dimensions may vary slightly depending on the factory of origin.
External dimensions should remain the same.

40ft Container40ft High Cube Container45ft High Cube Container
External
  • Length
    40’
  • Width
    8’
  • Height
    8’6”
  • Length
    40’
  • Width
    8’
  • Height
    9’6”
  • Length
    45’
  • Width
    8’
  • Height
    9’6”
Internal
  • Length
    39’5"
  • Width
    7’8"
  • Height
    7’10”
  • Length
    39’5"
  • Width
    7’8"
  • Height
    8’10”
  • Length
    44’5"
  • Width
    7’8"
  • Height
    8'10”
Door Opening
  • Width
    7’8"
  • Height
    7’5”
  • Width
    7'8"
  • Height
    8’5”
  • Width
    7'8"
  • Height
    8’5"
Payload Capacity59,265 lbs58,625 lbs58,400 lbs
Weight7,935 lbs8,575 lbs8,800 lbs

40 Foot HC Shipping Container

40 Foot Container with Side Access

40 Foot Reefer Container

Mini Container Dimensions

The following specifications should be used as a guide as internal dimensions may vary slightly depending on the factory of origin.
External dimensions should remain the same.

8ft Mini Container9ft Mini Container10ft Container
External
  • Length
    8’2"
  • Width
    6’6"
  • Height
    6’6”
  • Length
    9’
  • Width
    7’2"
  • Height
    7’5”
  • Length
    9’9"
  • Width
    8’
  • Height
    8’6”
Internal
  • Length
    7’8"
  • Width
    6’3"
  • Height
    5’11”
  • Length
    8’6"
  • Width
    6’11"
  • Height
    6’9”
  • Length
    9’4"
  • Width
    7’8"
  • Height
    7’10”
Door Opening
  • Width
    6’2"
  • Height
    5’9”
  • Width
    6’10"
  • Height
    6’7"
  • Width
    7’8"
  • Height
    7’5"
Payload Capacity9,170 lbs10,980 lbs30,600 lbs
Weight1,580 lbs2,250 lbs3,350 lbs

8 Foot Mini Container

10 Foot Container with Roll-up Door

10 Foot Container

Shipping Container Technical Data

CSC Plate

The Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) Plate includes information on the date and location of manufacture, as well as other specifications.

Marine Survey

A container survey report is a certification required when exporting a used shipping container. This ensures that it is cargo worthy and is structurally sound to be loaded and shipped on a vessel. New containers typically require this certification 5 years from the manufacture date on the CSC plate. Ask one of our representatives about export preparation for your shipping container.

Shipping Container Terminology

Secure Lock Box

The secure lock box is an additional security feature installed on the container doors. This feature minimizes access to the padlock and reduces the risk of theft.

Fork Lift Pockets

Forklift pockets are located horizontally beneath the container and are integrated into the under structure. These pockets facilitate loading and unloading for forklifts.

Container Vents

Container vents promote airflow inside the container to minimize condensation and fluctuating temperatures.

Corner Castings

The structural component that is located on all eights corners of the container. The castings play a crucial role in the stacking, handling, and lashing of the container. They are also known as corner fittings.

Locking Bar Door Handle

When secured in the closed position, they can be locked with either a padlock or cargo seal. New containers feature a higher locking handle to facilitate easier ground level operation.

Rubber Door Gasket

Rubber door seals provide a weather resistant barrier to the harshest elements. The EPDM material composition allows for the door seals to remain flexible during all weather conditions and throughout the life of the container.

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