Shipping Container Types & Dimensions
Compare every standard shipping container, from 20ft and 40ft dry boxes to high cubes, reefers, open tops, flat racks and ISO tanks, with their internal and external dimensions, cubic capacity and weight limits.
Dry / General Purpose
High Cube
Refrigerated
Open Top
Flat Rack
Tank
Container dimensions and weights follow widely published ISO standards; minor variation exists between manufacturers, series and lessors. Use these figures for planning and load calculation, and always confirm the exact specification with your carrier before booking. Once your cargo is on the water, track any container by number on Panvaya for live status, ETA and port-call history.
Shipping Container FAQ
What are the standard shipping container sizes?
The two most common sizes are the 20ft and 40ft containers. They share the same 8ft width and (for standard boxes) 8ft 6in height; high-cube versions add roughly a foot of height. A 45ft high cube is the longest box in common use. Each type's exact internal and external dimensions are listed above.
What is a TEU?
A TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) is the standard measure of container capacity, based on the volume of one 20ft container. A 20ft box is 1 TEU and a 40ft box is 2 TEU. Ports and carriers report throughput and ship capacity in TEU.
What is the difference between a standard and a high cube container?
A high cube container is about one foot (0.3 m) taller than a standard container, 9ft 6in versus 8ft 6in external height, giving roughly 13% more internal volume. The length, width and door width are otherwise the same, so high cubes suit lightweight, voluminous cargo.
How much weight can a shipping container hold?
Maximum payload depends on the type, but most 20ft and 40ft dry containers carry up to about 26,000–28,500 kg, limited by a maximum gross weight of roughly 30,480 kg. Flat racks are reinforced for heavier, out-of-gauge loads of 30,000–40,000 kg. The exact tare, payload and gross weight for each type are listed on its page.
Which container should I use for my cargo?
Use a dry container for general palletised goods, a high cube for voluminous or tall cargo, a reefer for temperature-controlled goods, an open top for crane-loaded or over-height items, a flat rack for heavy or over-width project cargo, and an ISO tank for bulk liquids and gases. Each container page lists the cargo it is best suited to.