Standard Shipping Container Dimensions

Shipping container dimensions have been standardized, so they do not vary from one market to another, or from country to country. This is because they are made to international standards, making cross-border trade much easier. Containers can also be interchanged by shipping, rail and truck companies easily without having to make any adjustments whatsoever. The following are standard shipping container dimensions.

External Container Dimensions

The standard lengths of shipping containers are 10 feet, 20 feet, 30 feet and 40 feet. These containers have a standard external width of 8 feet. The height for standard containers is 8’6″ while High Cube containers have a height of 9’6″.

Internal Container Dimensions

Since containers are made from thick metal, the internal measurements are normally a little bit smaller than external measurements. The internal dimensions for the 10, 20, 30 and 40 feet containers are reduced to 9’2″, 19’3″, 29’4″ and 39’4″ respectively. The internal widths are also reduced to 7’7″. The internal height for standard containers is also reduced to 7’9″, while that of High Cube containers is reduced to 8’9″.

Carrying Capacity

Standard containers can carry 560, 1160,1760 and 2360 cubic feet of goods respectively in the 10, 20, 30 and 40 foot containers.

Companies that manufacture shipping containers have to adhere to these standards regardless of the type of materials they are using. Containers are designed to offer maximum carrying capacity while ensuring maximum stability of the road, bearing in mind the fact that traffic and trucking rules differ from country to another. Standard dimensions also make it easier for shipping companies to stack up the containers in their ships and shipping yards. After making a container, manufacturers are required to give each container a unique identification number.

It is important to note that refrigerated and insulated shipping containers have smaller internal measurements. They are also much heavier.

Types of Shipping Containers

The following is a list of standard shipping containers commonly used in the trucking industry.

– Flat rack
– Half height
– Open side
– Open end
– Standard
– Modular
– Liquid build (tank), and
– Refrigerated containers

Container shipping services are very important in the global trade. They must be used whenever individuals or corporations need to import items into the country. Using standardized containers makes loading, transportation, unloading and storage very easy. When you want to transport something, it is important that you consult a shipping company to come up with the best shipping solution.