Containers Types and Sizes Compared
Explore the different types and sizes of shipping containers in this guide.
Interactive Container Guide: Find Your Perfect Shipping Solution
Answer a few quick questions to discover the ideal container type for your shipping needs:
1. Is your cargo dry (non-perishable) or does it require temperature control?
Interactive Container Guide: Find Your Perfect Shipping Solution
Standard Containers
These are the workhorses of the shipping industry, suitable for a wide range of cargo:
| Container Type | Inside Length (ft / m) | Inside Width (ft / m) | Inside Height (ft / m) | Door Width (ft / m) | Door Height (ft / m) | Capacity (Cubic Feet / Cubic Meters) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' General Purpose (Dry) | 19' 4" / 5.898 m | 7' 8" / 2.352 m | 7' 10" / 2.393 m | 7' 8" / 2.342 m | 7' 6" / 2.280 m | 1,172 cu ft / 33.2 m³ |
| 40' General Purpose (Dry) | 39' 5" / 12.032 m | 7' 8" / 2.352 m | 7' 10" / 2.393 m | 7' 8" / 2.342 m | 7' 6" / 2.280 m | 2,385 cu ft / 67.5 m³ |
| 40' High Cube (HC) | 39' 5" / 12.032 m | 7' 8" / 2.352 m | 8' 10" / 2.698 m | 7' 8" / 2.342 m | 8' 5" / 2.560 m | 2,694 cu ft / 76.3 m³ |
| 45' High Cube (HC) | 44' 5" / 13.556 m | 7' 8" / 2.352 m | 8' 10" / 2.698 m | 7' 8" / 2.342 m | 8' 5" / 2.560 m | 3,040 cu ft / 86.1 m³ |
Specialized Containers
These containers are designed for specific cargo types or handling requirements:
Flat Rack Container:
No side walls or roof, ideal for oversized cargo loaded from the top or sides.
| Container Type | Inside Length (ft / m) | Inside Width (ft / m) |
|---|---|---|
| 20' Flat Rack | 19' 4" / 5.898 m | 7' 8" / 2.352 m |
| 40' Flat Rack Standard | 39' 5" / 12.032 m | 7' 8" / 2.352 m |
| 40' Flat Rack High | 39' 5" / 12.032 m | 7' 8" / 2.352 m |
Open Top Container:
Removable roof for top loading of tall or awkwardly shaped cargo.
Dimensions: Same as standard dry containers (see above).
Open Side Container:
Full-length side doors for wide access to cargo.
Dimensions: Typically 20' or 40' long, with standard width and height.
Double Door Container:
Doors on both ends for easier loading/unloading, often used with conveyor belts.
Dimensions: Typically 20' or 40' long, with standard width and height.
Temperature-Controlled Containers
ISO Reefer Container:
Refrigerated for perishable goods, maintaining precise temperatures.
| Container Type | Inside Length (ft / m) | Inside Width (ft / m) | Inside Height (ft / m) | Door Width (ft / m) | Door Height (ft / m) | Capacity (Cubic Feet / Cubic Meters) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' Reefer | 18' 11" / 5.766 m | 7' 7" / 2.330 m | 7' 7" / 2.311 m | 7' 7" / 2.311 m | 7' 4" / 2.235 m | 1,113 cu ft / 31.5 m³ |
| 40' Reefer | 38' 8" / 11.785 m | 7' 7" / 2.330 m | 7' 7" / 2.311 m | 7' 7" / 2.311 m | 7' 4" / 2.235 m | 2,226 cu ft / 63.0 m³ |
| 40' HC Reefer | 38' 8" / 11.785 m | 7' 7" / 2.330 m | 8' 7" / 2.616 m | 7' 7" / 2.311 m | 8' 4" / 2.540 m | 2,486 cu ft / 70.3 m³ |
Insulated Container:
Maintains stable temperatures without active cooling, suitable for less temperature-sensitive cargo.
Dimensions: Typically similar to standard dry containers.
Other Container Types
Half-Height Container:
Half the height of standard containers, used for dense cargo or when stacking is not possible.
ISO Tank Container:
Specialized for transporting liquids, gases, or powders in bulk.
Dimensions: Typically 20' or 40' long, with varying tank capacities.
Swap Body Container:
Similar to a semi-trailer, designed for intermodal transport (road and rail).
Dimensions: Vary depending on design and purpose.
Choosing the Right Container
The optimal container for your cargo depends on several factors:
- Cargo Type: Consider the nature of your goods – perishable, oversized, liquid, etc.
- Dimensions and Weight: Measure your cargo accurately to determine the required container size and ensure it falls within weight limits.
- Budget: Factor in the costs of different container types and sizes.
- Mode of Transport: Consider whether you'll be shipping by sea, rail, or road, as this can influence container availability and suitability.
How Container Ports Work
Who is responsible for setting container standards?
The primary body responsible for determining standard container sizes is the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). They have established a series of standards, specifically ISO 668, that define the dimensions and specifications for different types of shipping containers.
These standards ensure that containers can be efficiently handled, transported, and interchanged across different modes of transport (ships, trucks, trains) and different countries. This standardization has been crucial for the globalization of trade.
While ISO sets the standards, individual manufacturers might have slight variations within those standards. However, the core dimensions remain consistent to ensure compatibility across the global supply chain.
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