Container Sizes Explained: 20ft, 40ft, and High Cube Guide
Choosing the right container size is crucial for efficient and cost-effective shipping. Whether you're shipping a small consignment or filling an entire container, understanding the different sizes and their capacities helps you make informed decisions. This guide explains all the standard shipping container sizes and their best uses.
Standard Container Sizes
Shipping containers are measured in TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). The two most common sizes are 20-foot and 40-foot containers.
20-Foot Container (1 TEU)
External Dimensions:
- Length: 20 feet (6.1 meters)
- Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)
- Height: 8.5 feet (2.59 meters)
Internal Dimensions:
- Length: 19.4 feet (5.9 meters)
- Width: 7.7 feet (2.35 meters)
- Height: 7.9 feet (2.39 meters)
Capacity:
- Volume: 1,172 cubic feet (33.2 m³)
- Max Payload: 28,200 kg (62,170 lbs)
- Tare Weight: 2,300 kg (5,071 lbs)
Best For:
- Heavy cargo with lower volume
- Machinery and equipment
- Dense materials like steel or stone
- Smaller shipments
40-Foot Container (2 TEU)
External Dimensions:
- Length: 40 feet (12.2 meters)
- Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)
- Height: 8.5 feet (2.59 meters)
Internal Dimensions:
- Length: 39.5 feet (12.03 meters)
- Width: 7.7 feet (2.35 meters)
- Height: 7.9 feet (2.39 meters)
Capacity:
- Volume: 2,390 cubic feet (67.7 m³)
- Max Payload: 26,680 kg (58,820 lbs)
- Tare Weight: 3,750 kg (8,268 lbs)
Best For:
- General cargo
- Consumer goods
- Furniture and appliances
- Light to medium-weight shipments
40-Foot High Cube Container (HC)
External Dimensions:
- Length: 40 feet (12.2 meters)
- Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)
- Height: 9.5 feet (2.89 meters)
Additional Height: 1 foot (30 cm) taller than standard
Best For:
- Lightweight, voluminous cargo
- Tall machinery or equipment
- Maximizing cubic capacity
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Whatever size container you're shipping, Ocean by Traqo provides real-time tracking for all container types across all major shipping lines. Visit traqocontainer.com to track your shipment.