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FreightUtils.com

Shipping Container Dimensions & Capacity

Internal dimensions, weights, door openings, and pallet capacity for all 10 standard ISO shipping container types

Container Specifications

TypeInternal L×W×H (cm)CBMTare (kg)Max Payload (kg)Door W×H (cm)EUR Pallets (1200×800mm)
20ft Standard589 × 234 × 23833.22,30028,180234 × 22811
40ft Standard1203 × 234 × 23867.73,75026,730234 × 22823–24
40ft High Cube1203 × 234 × 26976.33,94026,540234 × 25923–24
20ft Open Top589 × 234 × 23832.92,36028,120234 × 22811
40ft Open Top1203 × 234 × 23867.33,90026,580234 × 22823–24
20ft Reefer544 × 228 × 218273,08027,400228 × 21810
40ft Reefer1159 × 228 × 21857.84,80025,680228 × 21821
45ft High Cube1356 × 234 × 26985.94,82025,660234 × 25926–27
20ft Flat Rack583 × 234 × 22831.12,74027,740—11
40ft Flat Rack1196 × 234 × 22863.85,00025,480—23

How Many Pallets Fit?

ContainerEUR Pallets (1200×800mm)GMA Pallets (48×40in)
20ft Standard1110
40ft Standard23–2420
40ft High Cube23–2420
20ft Open Top1110
40ft Open Top23–2420
20ft Reefer109
40ft Reefer2118
45ft High Cube26–2722
20ft Flat Rack1110
40ft Flat Rack2320

Standard Shipping Container Sizes

Shipping containers are standardised under ISO 668 (classification and dimensions) and ISO 1496 (specification and testing). These standards ensure that containers are interchangeable between ships, trains, and road vehicles worldwide.

The 20ft and 40ft containers dominate global trade because they match standard trailer lengths and vessel cell guides. A 20ft container is the base unit of measurement for container shipping — known as a TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit). A 40ft container equals 2 TEU.

High-cube variants add 30cm (1 foot) of internal height, making them the preferred choice for light, voluminous cargo. Specialist types — open tops, flat racks, and reefers — serve specific cargo requirements that standard dry containers cannot accommodate.

Container Weight Limits

Every shipping container has three key weight figures. Tare weight is the weight of the empty container itself. Max gross weight is the maximum total weight of the container plus its contents — set at 30,480 kg for all standard ISO containers. Max payload is the maximum weight of cargo that can be loaded.

The relationship is straightforward:

Max Payload = Max Gross Weight − Tare Weight

In practice, road weight limits often restrict loading before container limits do. In the EU, the combined vehicle weight limit is typically 44 tonnes (including truck, chassis, and container). In the UK, individual bridge weight limits may further reduce the practical maximum. Always check local regulations and carrier-specific restrictions before loading to the ISO maximum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a 40ft standard and 40ft high cube?
A 40ft high cube is 30cm (1 foot) taller internally than a standard 40ft container, giving it approximately 76 m3 of capacity versus 68 m3. The floor dimensions are identical, so both fit the same number of pallets. The high cube has a slightly lower max payload due to the heavier frame needed for the taller structure.
How much does an empty shipping container weigh?
Tare weights (empty weight) vary by container type. A 20ft standard weighs approximately 2,300 kg, a 40ft standard around 3,750 kg, and a 40ft flat rack up to 5,000 kg. Reefer containers are heavier than dry containers of the same size due to insulation and the cooling unit.
Can I load a container to its maximum capacity?
The ISO maximum gross weight is 30,480 kg for all standard containers, but the practical maximum is often lower. Road weight limits (EU 44t combined vehicle weight, UK bridge restrictions), port terminal limits, and individual carrier restrictions frequently reduce the amount you can actually load. Always verify with your shipping line and transport operator before planning a heavy load.
What is a reefer container?
A reefer (refrigerated container) is a temperature-controlled container with an integrated cooling unit. Reefers maintain temperatures typically between -30 °C and +30 °C, making them essential for perishable goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. The insulation and cooling machinery reduce internal volume compared to a standard dry container of the same external size.

Weights are typical ISO container values. Actual specifications vary by manufacturer and age. Always verify with your container operator.