Shipping Container Types
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This reference page outlines commonly used ISO standard and specialized freight containers, including their dimensional specifications, structural limits, and operational use cases. Data reflects typical industry values used by ocean carriers, freight forwarders, and cargo planners.
Shipping Containers, Tanks & IBCs – Complete Technical Reference
| Container Type | Internal Dimensions (L × W × H) |
External Dimensions (L × W × H) |
Door Opening (W × H) |
Roof Opening (W × L) |
Max Payload | Deck Strength | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
20ft Dry Standard
|
5898 × 2352 × 2393 mm (19'4" × 7'8" × 7'10") |
6058 × 2438 × 2591 mm (19'10" × 8'0" × 8'6") |
2340 × 2280 mm (7'8" × 7'6") |
N/A |
28,200 kg (62,170 lb) |
~7,500 psi | General cargo, cartons, pallets, machinery, consumer goods. |
|
40ft Dry Standard
|
12032 × 2352 × 2393 mm (39'5" × 7'8" × 7'10") |
12192 × 2438 × 2591 mm (40'0" × 8'0" × 8'6") |
2340 × 2280 mm (7'8" × 7'6") |
N/A |
28,800 kg (63,500 lb) |
~7,500 psi | High-volume general cargo, retail distribution, consolidated freight. |
|
40ft High Cube
|
12032 × 2352 × 2698 mm (39'5" × 7'8" × 8'10") |
12192 × 2438 × 2896 mm (40'0" × 8'0" × 9'6") |
2340 × 2585 mm (7'8" × 8'5") |
N/A |
28,600 kg (63,050 lb) |
~7,500 psi | Lightweight, high-cube cargo, paper goods, furniture. |
|
20ft Open Top
|
5890 × 2340 × 2350 mm (19'4" × 7'8" × 7'8") |
6058 × 2438 × 2591 mm (19'10" × 8'0" × 8'6") |
2340 × 2280 mm (7'8" × 7'6") |
2235 × 5450 mm 7'4" × 17'11" |
28,000 kg (61,730 lb) |
~7,000 psi | Over-height machinery, steel coils, marble blocks. |
|
40ft Open Top
|
12030 × 2340 × 2350 mm (39'5" × 7'8" × 7'8") |
12192 × 2438 × 2591 mm (40'0" × 8'0" × 8'6") |
2340 × 2280 mm (7'8" × 7'6") |
2235 × 11800 mm (7'4" × 38'9") |
28,500 kg (62,830 lb) |
~7,000 psi | Over-height cargo requiring crane loading without HC height. |
|
40ft Open Top High Cube
|
12030 × 2340 × 2650 mm (39'5" × 7'8" × 8'8") |
12192 × 2438 × 2896 mm (40'0" × 8'0" × 9'6") |
2340 × 2580 mm (7'8" × 8'5") |
2235 × 11800 mm (7'4" × 38'9") |
28,500 kg (62,830 lb) |
~7,000 psi | Tall industrial cargo loaded by crane. |
|
20ft Flat Rack
|
5610 × 2210 mm (deck) (18'5" × 7'3") |
6058 × 2438 × 2591 mm (19'10" × 8'0" × 8'6") |
N/A | Top-loadable (no roof) |
34,000 kg (74,960 lb) |
~12,000 psi | Heavy machinery, vehicles, project cargo. |
|
40ft Flat Rack
|
11700 × 2200 mm (deck) (38'4" × 7'3") |
12192 × 2438 × 2591 mm (40'0" × 8'0" × 8'6") |
N/A | Top-loadable (no roof) |
40,000 kg (88,185 lb) |
~12,000 psi | Heavy machinery, pipes, vehicles not requiring HC clearance. |
|
40ft Flat Rack High Cube
|
11700 × 2200 mm (deck) (38'4" × 7'3") |
12192 × 2438 × 2896 mm (40'0" × 8'0" × 9'6") |
N/A | Top-loadable (no roof) |
45,000 kg (99,200 lb) |
~12,000 psi | Transformers, large construction equipment. |
|
20ft Reefer
|
5450 × 2290 × 2275 mm (17'11" × 7'6" × 7'6") |
6058 × 2438 × 2591 mm (19'10" × 8'0" × 8'6") |
2290 × 2265 mm (7'6" × 7'5") |
N/A |
27,500 kg (60,620 lb) |
~6,500 psi | Frozen and chilled cargo, pharma, foodstuffs. |
|
40ft Reefer
|
11590 × 2290 × 2275 mm (38'0" × 7'6" × 7'6") |
12192 × 2438 × 2591 mm (40'0" × 8'0" × 8'6") |
2290 × 2265 mm (7'6" × 7'5") |
N/A |
27,700 kg (61,070 lb) |
~6,500 psi | Temperature-controlled cargo without HC height. |
|
40ft High Cube Reefer
|
11590 × 2290 × 2550 mm (38'0" × 7'6" × 8'4") |
12192 × 2438 × 2896 mm (40'0" × 8'0" × 9'6") |
2290 × 2560 mm (7'6" × 8'5") |
N/A |
27,500 kg (60,620 lb) |
~6,500 psi | Temperature-controlled food, pharma, chemicals. |
|
20ft ISO Tank Container
|
Capacity: 21,000–26,000 liters |
6058 × 2438 × 2591 mm (19'10" × 8'0" × 8'6") |
Top manway: Ø500 mm | Top loading hatch |
26,000 kg (57,320 lb) |
~7,000 psi | Bulk liquids, hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals. |
|
IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container)
|
1200 × 1000 × 1160 mm (47" × 39" × 46") |
Same as internal | Top fill: Ø150 mm | Top opening |
1,000 kg (2,205 lb) |
~3,000 psi (pallet base) | Chemicals, food ingredients, liquids in domestic or export transport. |
Carrier Acceptance & Operational Notes
- Dry Containers: Accepted by all major ocean carriers subject to CSC validity, payload limits, and proper weight distribution.
- High Cube Containers: Accepted on most trade lanes; inland rail or chassis height restrictions may apply in North America and parts of Europe.
- Open Top Containers: Require carrier pre-approval. Cargo must be tarped, lashed, and compliant with out-of-gauge (OOG) policies.
- Flat Rack Containers: Subject to OOG approval, lashing diagrams, and port handling capability. Stackability may be restricted.
- Reefer Containers: Acceptance depends on temperature range, ventilation requirements, and carrier-specific commodity restrictions.
- ISO Tank Containers: Must comply with IMDG, ADR, RID, or CFR regulations as applicable. Cleaning certificates and tank approvals are mandatory.
- IBCs: Generally accepted for inland transport. Ocean acceptance varies by carrier and commodity; often restricted to non-hazardous liquids.
All values shown are typical industry averages. Payload, floor loading, and acceptance limits depend on CSC plate ratings, manufacturer specifications, carrier rules, and load distribution. It can vary from carrier to carrier. Always confirm prior to booking or loading.