Container sizes
Most sea freight moves in 20 ft and 40 ft boxes, plus a few special types. This guide lists typical internal sizes, door openings and capacity. Figures differ between carriers and between individual boxes, so always check the booking before you plan a load.
Read these figures with care
The numbers below are typical values for standard ISO containers. Real boxes differ by a few centimetres. Reefers and special boxes vary more. Payload also varies by carrier, by box and by the road and rail limits at each end. Treat the tables as a planning guide and confirm size and payload in the booking.
Dry containers
| Type | Typical internal L x W x H (m) | Typical door opening W x H (m) | Typical capacity (CBM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft standard | 5.90 x 2.35 x 2.39 | 2.34 x 2.29 | about 33 |
| 40 ft standard | 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.39 | 2.34 x 2.29 | about 67 |
| 40 ft high cube | 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.69 | 2.34 x 2.59 | about 76 |
Typical maximum payload for dry boxes is roughly 21 to 28 tonnes, depending on the box and the carrier. Check the figure on your booking. A 40 ft box does not carry twice the weight of a 20 ft box. Dense cargo, such as metal or tiles, reaches the weight limit long before the box is full.
Reefer containers
| Type | Typical internal L x W x H (m) | Typical capacity (CBM) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 ft reefer | 5.45 x 2.29 x 2.27 | about 28 |
| 40 ft reefer (high cube) | 11.59 x 2.28 x 2.54 | about 67 |
A reefer is a refrigerated container with a built-in cooling unit. Insulation and the cooling unit take space, so internal size is smaller than a dry box. Reefer payload is usually a little lower than dry. Cargo must be loaded at the right temperature, because the unit holds temperature but does not usually cool warm cargo.
Special containers
| Type | Typical size | What it suits |
|---|---|---|
| 20 ft open top | Internal length about 5.90 m, width 2.35 m, height about 2.35 to 2.38 m | Tall cargo or loading from above by crane |
| 40 ft open top | Internal length about 12.03 m, width 2.35 m, height about 2.35 to 2.38 m | Long, tall cargo loaded from above |
| 20 ft flat rack | Platform about 5.6 to 5.9 m long and 2.2 to 2.4 m wide, by type | Heavy or wide machinery, no sides or roof |
| 40 ft flat rack | Platform about 12.0 m long and 2.2 to 2.4 m wide, by type | Long, heavy loads, pipes, steel, vehicles |
An open top has a removable roof (usually a tarpaulin) so cargo can go in from above. A flat rack has a floor and end frames, and sometimes collapsible ends, but no roof or side walls. Cargo that sticks out past the box is "out-of-gauge" and needs extra planning. See Out-of-gauge and machinery.
Which box suits which cargo
- 20 ft standard. Heavy, dense cargo, smaller loads, or where road limits restrict weight.
- 40 ft standard. Light, bulky cargo that needs volume more than weight.
- 40 ft high cube. Tall or very bulky goods, such as furniture, or when you need the extra height. It is about one foot taller than a standard 40 ft.
- Reefer. Food, medicine and other goods that need a set temperature. See Cold chain and reefer.
- Open top and flat rack. Machinery and projects that do not fit through a door.
Usable space is smaller
You will not fill the internal volume. Pallets, carton shapes, gaps, bracing and the door end all reduce use. Try the container fit estimator for a rough view, then ask us to check the load plan.
Questions
What is a TEU?
TEU means twenty-foot equivalent unit. One 20 ft container is one TEU and one 40 ft container is two TEU. It is a counting unit, not a measure of weight or volume.
Why does my cargo reach the weight limit before the container is full?
Container payload is limited. Dense goods use up weight quickly, so you may need a second box or a different type even when space is left. Road and rail limits at each end can be lower than the box limit.
Are these sizes exact?
No. They are typical. Carriers and box builders differ, so use the figures in your booking.