Standard containers are the most popular type of freight unit for sea transportation since they are strong and versatile. These are referred regarded as “dry” containers. They offer weatherproof defense from the elements when completely enclosed. The most popular sizes are 20- and 40-foot containers.
These containers are designed for any type of transport – sea or land. High cube containers are taller and thus offer more capacity for larger cargo
The ISO standard 6346 specifies the maximum weight (i.e., including cargo), minimum internal container dimensions, and external dimensions. However, there will be variations between models and manufacturers in terms of tare weight, actual internal container dimensions, and other metrics.
External Dimensions (l x h x w) | 6.058 m x 2.591 m x 2.438 m | 19′ 10.5″ x 8′ 6″ x 8′ 0″ |
Minimum Internal Dimensions (l x h x w) | 5.867 m x 2.350 m x 2.330 m | 19′ 3″ x 7′ 8.5″ x 7′ 7.73″ |
Approx. Doorway Dimensions (w x h) | 2.330 m x 2.260 m | 7’ 7” x 7’ 5” |
Approx. Tare Weight | 2,250 kg | 4,960 lbs |
Approx. Max Payload | 28,230 kg | 62,240 lbs |
Max. Weight | 30,480 kg | 67,200 lbs |
Approx. Cubic volume | 33 m3 | |
External Dimensions (l x h x w) | 12.192 m x 2.591 m x 2.438 m | 40′ 0″ x 8′ 6″ x 8′ 0″ |
Minimum Internal Dimensions (l x h x w) | 11.998 m x 2.350 m x 2.330 m | 39′ 4.375″ x 7′ 8.5″ x 7′ 7.73″ |
Approx. Doorway Dimension (w x h) | 2,330 m x 2.590 m | 7’ 7” x 7’ 5” |
Approx. Tare Weight | 3,740 kg | 8,250 lbs |
Approx. Max Payload | 26,740 kg | 58,950 lbs |
Max. Weight | 30,480 kg | 67,200 lbs |
Approx. Cubic volume | 66 m3 | |
External Dimensions (l x h x w) | 12.192 m x 2.896 m x 2.438 m | 40′ 0″ x 9′ 6″ x 8′ 0″ |
Minimum Internal Dimensions (l x h x w) | 11.998 m x 2.655 m x 2.330 m | 39′ 4.375″ x 8′ 8.5″ x 7′ 7.73″ |
Approx. Doorway Dimensions (w x h) | 2.330 m x 2.590 m | 7’ 7” x 8’ 6” |
Approx. Tare Weight | 4,150 kg | 9,150 lbs |
Approx. Max Payload | 26,330 kg | 58,050 lbs |
Max. Weight | 30,480 kg | 67,200 lbs |
Approx. Cubic volume | 76 m3 | |
45-foot containers generally come in high-cube format, and are the largest container type commonly used.
External Dimensions (l x h x w) | 13.716 m x 2.896 m x 2.438 m | 45′ 0″ x 9′ 6″ x 8′ 0″ |
Minimum Internal Dimensions (l x h x w) | 13.542 m x 2.655 m x 2.330 m | 44′ 5.15″ x 8′ 8 1/2″ x 7′ 7 3/4″ |
Approx. Doorway Dimensions (w x h) | 2.340 m x 2,597 m | 7’ 8” x 6’ 2” |
Approx. Tare Weight | 4,280 kg | 9,440 lbs |
Approx. Max Payload | 26,500 kg | 57,760 lbs |
Max Weight | 30,480 kg | 67,200 lbs |
Approx. Cubic volume | 86 m3 | |
Refrigerated containers, also known as reefers, or temperature-controlled containers, are used for items like food, electronics, and pharmaceuticals that need to be kept at a specific temperature. In order to provide consistent thermal performance, the containers must be connected to a power supply because their built-in engine keeps their internal temperature between -35 and +30⁰C.
The precise tare weight and cubic volume capacity will be influenced by the engine’s size and weight, and can thus significantly vary from one model and manufacturer to another.
20-foot Refrigerated containers
External Dimensions (l x h x w) | 6.058 m x 2.591 m x 2.438 m | 19′ 10.5″ x 8′ 6″ x 8′ 0″ |
Example Internal Dimensions (l x h x w) | 5.450 m x 2.263 m x 2.290 m | 17’ 10 1/3” x 7’ 1/10” x 7’ 6 1/5″ |
Example Doorway Dimensions (w x h) | 2.290 m x 2.252 m | 7’ 6 1/5″ x 7’ 4 3/4″ |
Example Tare Weight | 2,840 kg | 6,260 lbs |
Example Max Payload | 27,640 kg | 60,940 lbs |
Example Max Gross Weight | 30,480 kg | 67,200 lbs |
Approx. Cubic volume | 28 m3 | |
Non-Operated Reefer (NOR) transports are shipments of dry cargo in a Reefer container, without activating the temperature control.
While they are a great way to carry goods, they come with some limitations: the space occupied by the gen-set reduces the volume capacity, while special grate flooring limits the weight of the stuffed cargo. They are also not suitable for all types of forklifts.
Tank containers, a reinforced frame nesting a tank, specialize in the transport of food, oil, fuel & chemical liquids. Such containers types are easy to load and reliably retain even flammable contents. Tank containers are also normally not available from steam ship lines, but rather from specialized leasing companies.
20-foot tank containers will typically hold up to 26,000 liters of liquid. Their dimensions match that of classic 20-foot containers:
20-foot tank container dimensions
External Dimensions (l x h x w) | 6.058 m x 2.591 m x 2.438 m | 19′ 10.5″ x 8′ 6″ x 8′ 0″ |
Max Weight | 30,480 kg | 67,200 lbs |
Approx. Cubic volume | 26 m3 | |
Flat racks and platform containers are suitable for out-of-gauge cargo but naturally carry in-gauge goods as well. Flat racks are usually shown with two side walls, while platform containers feature no paneling at all. Their exact container dimension will vary depending on the manufacturer and paneling solution, but they do come in 20- and 40-foot versions like any ISO container.
Open Top containers follow a similar principle, but do feature four side panels and a soft tarpaulin top, and also allow for the transportation of bulk cargo. They are best suited for cargo that requires crane loading from the top of the container, or that contains taller items. They exist in 20-foot and 40-foot versions, thus featuring similar dimensions to the standard container types explored above. They are notably also available as high-cubes, because the tarpaulin hoops reduce the headroom and thus loading capacity. It is also worth mentioning that open-tops’ door headers can be removed for easier access through the door opening.
