More than 60 years ago, the concept of putting goods onto trucks, transferring them to trains or ships, and then loading them back onto trucks was developed. Malcolm McLean, a truck hauler from Maxton, North Carolina, was the original source of it.
By putting goods within containers such that full containers may be lifted and loaded off the chassis, McLean significantly enhanced this procedure. The following stage was standardising the dimensions of shipping containers so that they could be handled with ease by trucks, railroads, ships, and ports worldwide.
The global impact of this standardisation of shipping container dimensions on global trade was significant. It eliminated the need for producers to unload and transfer their freight in between loads at their plants and shipped straight to stores and warehouses. This implied that production facilities might be situated distant from consumers while still offering an incredible range of reasonably priced products from all over the world. Over 14 million containers are being transported by 5,000 freighters to ports worldwide today.
What size is ideal for you: Types of shipping containers and dimensions?
To accommodate importers and exporters in global trade, ISO standard containers have been modified. You may export anything from bulk grains and raw materials to perishable items with our 12 distinct types of ocean shipping containers, each with a range of sizes to pick from. To find out how much room your shipment will need, use our cubic metre calculator.
We’ll go over the various kinds of ocean containers and their shipping container measurements in this tutorial, including:
- 20 ft dry shipping container
- 40 ft dry shipping container
- 40 ft dry high cube shipping container
- 45 ft dry high cube shipping container
Standard shipping container dimensions
Two of the most popular sizes of shipping containers used worldwide for ocean freight are the 20-foot and 40-foot conventional shipping containers.
Standard shipping containers are entirely airtight, setting them apart from other kinds of containers. Unlike refrigerated and ventilated containers, these hermetically sealed shipping containers lack cooling and ventilation devices.
Across its floor base, a 20-foot standard shipping container may accommodate up to 10 normal pallets or 12 Euro pallets.
Dry shipping containers, commonly referred to as dry vans, are another name for ordinary shipping containers.
20 ft standard shipping container dimensions
| Container Application: | The 20 ft standard shipping container is for general purpose cargo. | ||
| 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
| Container Application: | The 40 ft standard shipping container is for general purpose cargo. | ||
| 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
| Container Application: | The 40 ft high cube shipping container is larger than the 40 ft standard shipping container. | ||
| 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
| Container Application: | The 45 ft high cube shipping container is for general purpose cargo. | ||
| 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 | |
How to quote and book standard shipping containers
The 20- and 40-foot standard containers, as well as the 40-foot high cube standard container, are available at Powerhouse QLD. By searching on our website, you may obtain a quote for any of these kinds of containers in a matter of seconds.
The type of ocean container that will fit your shipment the best depends on the dimensions and weight of the irregular cargo. Your freight forwarder will manage the booking with the shipping line; you will need to provide them with this information along with a photo or spec sheet. After that, they will provide you with a thorough cost analysis and tailor your cargo solution.
Conclusion
Of course, it’s always best to entrust your cargo with global logistics professionals to secure that everything is in the right place at the right time. Relying on quality service, with integrity and compassion to the best of your experience is always a top priority. So, picking the right dimensions for your shipping containers can be easily assisted with top-notch professionals, contact Powerhouse QLD now!

Powerhouse International QLD Relocates to New Brisbane Airport Office

Top 10 Best Freight Forwarding Companies in Adelaide

Top 10 Best Melbourne Freight Companies

10 Best International Freight Companies in Sydney
