Standard Shipping Container Dimensions Chart |
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| Container Type | External Length | Internal Length | External Height | Internal Height | External Width | Internal Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft. Shipping Container | 10ft. (3.05m) | 9ft. 2in. (2.79m) | 8ft. 6in. (2.59m) | 7ft. 8in. (2.34m) | 8ft. (2.44m) | 7ft. 7in. (2.31m) |
| 20ft. Shipping Container | 20ft. (6.09m) | 19ft. 4in. (5.89m) | 8ft. 6in. (2.59m) | 7ft. 10in. (2.34m) | 8ft. (2.44m) | 7ft. 8in. (2.31m) |
| 40ft. Shipping Container | 40ft. (12.18m) | 39ft. 5in. (11.99m) | 8ft. 6in. (2.59m) | 7ft. 10in. (2.34m) | 8ft. (2.44m) | 7ft. 8in. (2.31m) |
| 20ft. High-Cube Shipping Container | 20ft. (6.09m) | 19ft. 4in. (5.89m) | 9ft. 6in. (2.90m) | 8ft. 8in. (2.64m) | 8ft. (2.44m) | 7ft. 7in. (2.31m) |
| 40ft. High-Cube Shipping Container | 40ft. (12.18m) | 39ft. 5in. (11.99m) | 9ft. 6in. (2.90m) | 8ft. 10in. (2.64m) | 8ft. (2.44m) | 7ft. 8in. (2.31m) |
ISO Shipping Container Dimensions
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has established standard shipping container dimensions for use worldwide. This ensures that all shipping containers, no matter where they come from, can be safely and securely stacked on top of one another during transit and storage. Whether you choose a new or high-quality used shipping container from Interport, you can be sure that our shipping containers adhere to ISO requirements.
What’s a Typical Size for a Shipping Container?
Shipping containers come in many different sizes, but the standard ISO shipping container is 8ft. (2.43m) wide and 8.5ft. (2.59m) high. Shipping containers come in varying lengths as well, the most common being 20ft. (6.06m) and 40ft. (12.2m).
Depending on the type, shipping containers may vary in length and height. Shorter containers often start at 10ft. in length and typically range up to 40ft. in length. Taller containers, known as high-cubes, are a foot taller than standard containers and come in at 9.5ft.
Note, while shipping containers must adhere to the International Standard for Organization (ISO) sizing, container dimensions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.
Shipping Container Weights
The size and weight of your payload should determine which size shipping container to use. But which ones will work with what payload? Shipping containers use three relative weights: tare weight, gross weight, and payload. The tare weight is the weight of the container without any cargo or content, this is solely the base weight. The container’s gross weight is the weight of the container, plus its maximum payload. Finally, the container’s payload weight refers to the maximum amount of weight that the contents of the container can be.
Standard ISO 20ft. shipping containers can typically hold around up to a 62,788 lbs payload with the 40ft. shipping container typically holding around 59,547 lbs.
10-foot Shipping Containers Dimensions
The smallest of the standard shipping container sizes, Interport’s 10-foot steel shipping containers offer 680 cubic feet of space, or approximately half the storage capacity of a one-car garage. These small but spacious storage containers are a popular choice for urban work sites or as custom-modified storage sheds.
Gross capacity: 22,400 lbs.
Payload: 19,530 lbs.
Tare weight: 2,870 lbs.
20-foot Shipping Containers Dimensions
The industry standard for portable storage and intermodal transportation, 20-foot shipping containers offer 1,169 cubic feet of space or roughly the same storage capacity as a one-car garage. In addition to their utility as shipping containers, 20-foot containers can be custom modified into mobile offices, restrooms, and more.
Gross capacity: 66,139 lbs.
Payload: 66,139 lbs.
Tare weight: 4,850 lbs.
All 20-foot shipping containers have the same exterior dimensions, but interior dimensions vary slightly depending on modifications or type of container, such as in the case of 20-foot refrigerated containers.
40-foot Shipping Containers Dimensions
With 2,385 cubic feet of space, or nearly as much capacity as a two-car garage, 40ft. shipping containers can easily store or ship machinery, raw materials, excess inventory, and more. They can also be custom-modified into spacious offices, classrooms, food or ticket kiosks, and more.
Gross capacity: 66,139 lbs.
Payload: 57,759 lbs.
Tare weight: 8,380 lbs.
Like with 20ft. shipping containers, the interior dimensions of 40-foot shipping containers will vary slightly depending on the modifications or the type of container, such as with refrigerated or insulated containers.
40-foot “High-Cube” Shipping Containers Dimensions
For storage or shipping solutions that require even more space, Interport’s 40-foot high-cube shipping containers offer even more value. Their extra foot of height results in 2,660 cubic feet of storage space, allowing for bulkier cargo or an airier office or classroom space.
Gross capacity: 68,008 lbs.
Payload: 58,598 lbs.
Tare weight: 8,598 lbs.
As with other shipping containers, choosing a refrigerated or insulated 40-foot high-cube container will affect its interior dimensions.