Shipping containers come in various sizes, but the most commonly encountered sizes adhere to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, which include 20-foot and 40-foot lengths.
While other sizes exist, such as custom containers and those of 10-foot, 30-foot, 45-foot, and 53-foot dimensions, the 20-foot and 40-foot ISO containers are the most prevalent and widely used around the world. These containers are typically referred to as Dry Containers.
Additionally, there are specialized types of containers, including Open Top Containers, Dry Tunnel Containers with openings on both ends, Insulated Containers, Refrigerated Containers, and Side Open Containers that open along the long side.
High-Cube Containers are modified versions of the standard 10-foot, 20-foot, and 40-foot containers. They maintain the same basic design but offer increased height, resulting in more interior space.
Ideally, standard shipping containers should conform to ISO specifications, although slight variations may occur based on factors like manufacturing location and age.
Determining the appropriate container size begins with assessing your space requirements. Calculating cargo capacity solely from dimensions can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with shipping containers.
For your convenience, the following chart provides a quick comparison of various container sizes, including external and internal dimensions, cubic capacity, and approximate weight:
- 20′ Container:
- External Dimensions: 20′ x 8′ x 8’6″
- Internal Dimensions: 19’5-1/2” x 7’8″x 7’9-7/8”
- Cubic Capacity: 1,173 Cubic Feet
- Approx. Weight: 4,874 lbs.
- 40′ Container:
- External Dimensions: 40′ x 8′ x 8’6″
- Internal Dimensions: 39’5″x 7’8″x 7’9-7/8”
- Cubic Capacity: 2,389 Cubic Feet
- Approx. Weight: 8,891 lbs.
- 40′ High-Cube Container:
- External Dimensions: 40′ x 8′ x 9’6″
- Internal Dimensions: 39’5-1/2” x 7’8″ x 8’ 9-7/8”
- Cubic Capacity: 2,694 Cubic Feet
- Approx. Weight: 9,648 lbs.
If you’re uncertain about your cargo capacity needs, consider seeking assistance from a reputable company experienced in shipping containers, such as Brattleboro Portable Storage. Experts in this field can help you determine the necessary container space in terms of TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) for storage or transportation purposes.
