All Container Equipment Specifications 10 Units
Choosing the right container type
Dry van (20ft / 40ft)
The standard steel box for general cargo in cartons, bags, drums or on pallets. A 20ft suits heavy, dense goods such as tiles, stone or steel; a 40ft suits lighter, bulkier cargo.
High cube (40ft / 45ft)
About 30 cm taller than a standard container, giving roughly 13% more volume. Ideal for light, voluminous cargo such as furniture, textiles or foam.
Reefer
Insulated, with its own refrigeration unit for chilled and frozen cargo. Internal space is smaller than a dry van because of the insulation and machinery; see the reefer temperature guide.
Open top and flat rack
For cargo that is too tall or too wide for a closed box, such as machinery, marble blocks, vehicles or steel structures. Out-of-gauge cargo is loaded by crane and priced individually.
Tank container
A stainless-steel tank in a 20ft frame for bulk liquids such as chemicals, oils or food-grade liquids.
Pallet-wide
Slightly wider internally so two Euro pallets fit side by side, increasing the pallet count. Common on European short-sea and inland routes.
Shipping container dimensions and weights
| Container | Internal L × W × H | Door opening | Capacity | Tare | Max payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' Standard Dry Van | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | 2.34 × 2.28 m | 33.2 m³ | 2,200 kg | 28,200 kg |
| 40' Standard Dry Van | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | 2.34 × 2.28 m | 67.7 m³ | 3,700 kg | 26,700 kg |
| 40' High Cube Dry | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.70 m | 2.34 × 2.58 m | 76.4 m³ | 3,900 kg | 26,500 kg |
| 45' High Cube Dry | 13.56 × 2.35 × 2.70 m | 2.34 × 2.58 m | 86 m³ | 4,800 kg | 27,800 kg |
| 20' Standard Reefer | 5.44 × 2.29 × 2.28 m | 2.29 × 2.26 m | 28.3 m³ | 3,080 kg | 27,400 kg |
| 40' Reefer High Cube | 11.58 × 2.29 × 2.50 m | 2.29 × 2.44 m | 67.9 m³ | 4,480 kg | 26,000 kg |
| 20' Open Top Container | 5.89 × 2.35 × 2.38 m | 2.34 × 2.28 m | 32.5 m³ | 2,360 kg | 28,120 kg |
| 40' Flat Rack Container | 11.65 × 2.24 × 1.95 m | Open sides and top | 50.8 m³ | 5,800 kg | 39,200 kg |
| 20' ISO Tank Container | 5.80 × 2.20 × 2.20 m | Top hatch / valves | 26 m³ | 3,800 kg | 32,000 kg |
| 40' PalletWide High Cube | 12.05 × 2.45 × 2.70 m | 2.42 × 2.58 m | 79.5 m³ | 4,100 kg | 26,300 kg |
Typical values for standard equipment. Dimensions, tare and payload vary slightly by manufacturer and build year; the container's CSC plate shows the exact maximum gross mass. Use the CBM calculator to see how your cargo fits.
Weight or volume: which limit applies first?
Every container has two limits: its cubic capacity and its maximum payload. Dense goods reach the weight limit long before the box is full, so a 20ft carrying tiles or granite can be only half full by volume. Light goods fill the space first. Road weight limits in the country of loading or delivery can be lower than the container's rated payload, so check them with your forwarder before planning a heavy load.
For the codes printed on containers, such as 22G1 or 45G1, and how to read a container number, see the ISO 6346 container standards guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the internal dimensions of a 20ft container?
A standard 20ft dry container is about 5.90 m long, 2.35 m wide and 2.39 m high inside, giving roughly 33 m³ of space.
What is the difference between a 40ft standard and a 40ft high cube?
Both have the same length and width, but the high cube is about 30 cm taller (2.70 m internal height instead of 2.39 m). That adds roughly 9 m³ of volume at a small increase in tare weight.
How much weight can a 20ft container carry?
Maximum payload is typically around 28 tonnes, but many roads limit the total truck weight, so the practical limit is often lower. Check the CSC plate and local road rules.
How many pallets fit in a 20ft and a 40ft container?
About 11 Euro pallets (1200 × 800 mm) or 9–10 standard pallets (1200 × 1000 mm) fit in a 20ft container. A 40ft takes about 23–24 Euro pallets or 20–21 standard pallets. Plan the exact load with the 3D pallet calculator.
When should I use a flat rack instead of an open top?
Use an open top when cargo is too tall but fits the container's width and length. Use a flat rack when cargo is also too wide or needs side loading. Both are priced as special equipment.