Shipping Container Size, Type, Dimensions, and Specifications
Shipping containers come in various sizes and types to accommodate different cargo needs. The 20ft and 40ft containers are the most common sizes and are used for standard shipments. ISO Shipping Containers have an exterior size (dimension) of 8’0″ (2.438m) wide by 8’6″ (2.591m) tall. The most commonly used lengths are 20ft (6.058m) & 40′ (12.192m).
Types of Shipping Containers
Additionally, there are refrigerated containers, known as reefers, for perishable goods and open-top or flat-rack containers for oversized items that cannot fit in standard containers. There are also “High Cube” containers, which are typically 40 feet long & are a foot taller at 9’6″ (2.896m).
- 20ft Container: The 20ft container is compact, making it ideal for transporting smaller loads or when space is limited. It offers a capacity of about 33 cubic meters, which is suitable for moderate shipments.
- 40ft Container: In contrast, the 40ft container provides twice the length and a capacity of approximately 67 cubic meters, making it perfect for larger shipments that require more space.
Comparison of Container Dimensions and Specifications
Below is a detailed comparison of the standard dimensions and capacity for the most common container types:
| Container Type | External Dimensions (L x W x H) | Internal Dimensions (L x W x H) | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 20 feet (6.058m) x 8 feet (2.438m) x 8.5 feet (2.591m) | 19 feet 4 inches (5.898m) x 7 feet 8 inches (2.352m) x 7 feet 10 inches (2.393m) | 33 cubic meters |
| 40ft Standard | 40 feet (12.192m) x 8 feet (2.438m) x 8.5 feet (2.591m) | 39 feet 5 inches (12.031m) x 7 feet 8 inches (2.352m) x 7 feet 10 inches (2.393m) | 67 cubic meters |
| 40ft High Cube (HC) | 40 feet (12.192m) x 8 feet (2.438m) x 9.5 feet (2.896m) | 39 feet 6 inches (12.040m) x 7 feet 7 inches (2.311m) x 8 feet 10 inches (2.698m) | 76 cubic meters |
How to Choose the Right Ocean Freight Container
Ocean freight is the most common mode of transportation used by exporters and importers all over the world; in fact, 90% of all goods shipped internationally are transported via ocean freight. When planning your overseas shipment, it is important to select the correct ocean container to suit your needs. Choosing the right size container not only saves you money, but it is also key to ensuring your shipment arrives safely and in good condition.
Identifying Cargo and Calculating Volume
The first step in determining the right container to suit your needs is to identify the type of cargo that you intend to ship. Does the cargo require refrigeration, insulation, or ventilation? The next step is to calculate the freight volume of the shipment. Freight volume is the product of the length, times the width, times the height, times the quantity (number of items) to be loaded.
Follow these steps to calculate volume:
- Step 1: Using a tape measure, determine the length, width, and height of the carton, box, or pallet.
- Step 2: Multiply the length, width and height of a single box to determine the volume in cubic inches (e.g., 24 x 18 x 10 = 4,320 cu. in.).
- Step 3: Convert the cubic inches to cubic feet by dividing the total volume by 1728 (4,320 ÷ 1728 = 2.5 cu. ft.).
- Step 4: Multiply the number of boxes by the volume of a single box to find the total volume.
- Step 5: If your shipment includes different shapes (batches), repeat the formula for each and add the totals together.
- Step 6: Calculate the overall weight of the payload by multiplying the quantity by the weight of each item.
