Choosing the right container is essential for properly shipping and storing your items. Containers come in various sizes and types, each designed for specific purposes. By understanding standard shipping container dimensions and sizes, you can select the best option for your needs, whether you’re moving or securely storing goods.
In this guide, we’ll discuss common container sizes like the standard 20ft and 40ft containers, as well as high cube containers that provide extra height. We’ll also explore specialized types, such as open-top and flat rack containers, to help you find the perfect fit for your cargo. By knowing these details, you’ll be able to make informed decisions that ensure your shipping and storage are efficient and secure.
Standard Shipping Container Sizes and Dimensions
Standard shipping containers come in popular sizes like 20ft and 40ft, which are designed to meet most cargo needs. Knowing these sizes is important to ensure your shipments fit well and travel efficiently.
Common Sizes: 20ft and 40ft
The most frequently used shipping container sizes are 20 feet and 40 feet. These sizes are ideal for typical cargo loads and are made for international shipping.
- External Dimensions: About 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high.
- Internal Dimensions: A little smaller, around 7.7 feet wide and 7.9 feet high.
- Gross Weight: Can hold up to 55,000 pounds (25,000 kg).
- Tare Weight: Weigh about 4,800 pounds (2,200 kg).
- External Dimensions: Roughly 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high.
- Internal Dimensions: Approximately 39.5 feet long, 7.7 feet wide, and 7.9 feet high.
- Gross Weight: Typically holds up to 67,200 pounds (30,480 kg).
- Tare Weight: Weighs around 8,000 pounds (3,600 kg).
These standard sizes are widely used in cargo ships because of their efficiency and compatibility with international shipping systems.
High Cube Shipping Containers
High cube containers are a foot taller than standard containers, giving you extra space for larger or bulkier items. Here’s what you need to know:
External Dimensions: 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9.5 feet high.
- Internal Dimensions: About 39.5 feet long, 7.7 feet wide, and 8.9 feet high.
- Benefits: With an additional foot of height compared to standard containers, they are perfect for accommodating bulky or tall cargo.
- Gross Weight: Can hold up to 67,200 pounds (30,480 kg).
- Tare Weight: Generally weighs around 8,800 pounds (4,000 kg).
High cube containers provide more storage space and can fit items that wouldn’t fit in standard containers.
Specialty Containers
Specialty containers are specifically designed for unique types of cargo and shipping needs. They include options like open-top and flat rack containers, which can handle loads that standard containers can’t accommodate.
Open Top Containers
Open-top containers feature a removable top, allowing cargo to be loaded from above. They are ideal for oversized items or loads that need to be lifted using cranes.
- External Dimensions: Typically 20ft or 40ft long, 8ft wide, and 8.5ft high for standard sizes.
- Internal Dimensions: Slightly smaller, around 19.5ft or 39.5ft long, 7.7ft wide, and 7.9ft high.
- Gross Weight: Up to 67,200 pounds (30,480 kg) for 40ft versions.
- Tare Weight: Approximately 8,000 pounds (3,600 kg) for 40ft versions.
- Cargo Doors: Equipped with end door openings for easy loading and unloading.
Flat Rack Containers
Flat rack containers have no sides or tops, making them perfect for heavy or large items that need to be loaded from the sides or top.
- External Dimensions: Typically available in lengths of 20 feet or 40 feet.
- Internal Dimensions: Around 19.5ft or 39.5ft long and 7.7ft wide, with varying heights based on design.
- Gross Weight: Can usually hold up to 48,000 pounds (21,770 kg) for 40ft versions.
- Tare Weight: Roughly 5,500 pounds (2,500 kg) for 40ft versions.
- Structural Integrity: Built to support heavy loads and withstand various conditions.
ISO Shipping Standards
ISO shipping standards establish global guidelines for container sizes and dimensions, ensuring consistency and compatibility in international transport systems.
The Role of ISO
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) develops worldwide rules for container sizes and dimensions. These standards ensure that containers are the same size everywhere, allowing them to work well with various transport systems around the globe.
A key measurement used is the Foot Equivalent Unit (FEU), which helps compare different container sizes. Standardization guarantees that containers fit properly in cargo ships, trucks, and trains, making international shipping smoother and more efficient. Thanks to ISO standards, transporting goods worldwide is easier and more organized.
Dimensions and Weights
Understanding dimensions and weights is crucial when selecting the right shipping container. Knowing the difference between gross weight and tare weight, as well as checking the internal dimensions, ensures your cargo fits well and travels safely.
Gross Weight vs. Tare Weight
When discussing shipping containers, two important terms are gross weight and tare weight:
- Gross Weight: This is the total weight of the container when it’s fully loaded, including both the container itself and the cargo inside.
- Tare Weight: This is just the weight of the empty container, without any cargo.
Importance of Internal Dimensions
It’s essential to check the internal dimensions of a container to make sure your cargo will fit. The internal dimensions are always a bit smaller than the external ones. So, when planning your shipment, measure your items and compare them to the internal space of the container. This helps you avoid any surprises when loading.
Choosing Based on Dimensions and Weights
When choosing a container, consider both the dimensions and weights. Make sure the container can handle the size and weight of your cargo safely. If the container is too small or doesn’t support the weight, your cargo could get damaged during transport. By selecting a container that perfectly fits your cargo and meets weight limits, you ensure a smooth and safe shipping process.
Choosing the Right Container
Picking the right shipping container is essential for safely transporting and storing your cargo. Whether you need a standard size or something more specialized, understanding your options will help you find the perfect fit for your needs. Here’s how to choose the best container for your cargo.
Assessing Your Cargo Needs
Start by figuring out the specifics of what you need to ship. If your items are regular-sized, a 20ft or 40ft shipping container is usually sufficient. However, if your cargo is larger or bulkier, you might want to consider a high cube container, which offers extra height, or specialty containers like open tops and flat racks that are designed for different types of cargo.
Comparing Different Container Types
Look at the various container types to see which one best fits your requirements. Think about the height of your cargo, how you need to access it, and its weight. For example, open-top containers are great for loading items from above, while flat racks are better for large or heavy items that need to be loaded from the sides.
Ensuring Proper Fit and Safety
Make sure the container you choose is the right size for your cargo. It should fit your items comfortably and stay within weight limits. A well-fitting container keeps your cargo safe and minimizes the risk of damage during transport. Always double-check the dimensions and weight limits to ensure everything will fit properly and travel safely.
Conclusion
Selecting the right shipping container involves understanding the various sizes and types that are available. Containers come in standard sizes, high cube options for extra height, and specialty types like open tops and flat racks. Common sizes include 20ft and 40ft, among others.
The ISO standards set by the International Organization for Standardization help ensure that containers function well across different transport systems. By knowing these details, you can choose the best container for your cargo, making shipping safer and more efficient.
Choosing the Right Shipping Container: A Guide by SuperBox
Picking the right shipping container is essential for effective transport and safe storage. At SuperBox, we offer a wide range of high-quality containers to suit all your needs.
Our team is committed to helping you find the best container for your specific requirements. With SuperBox, you can be confident that you’re getting a dependable product and excellent service. We take pride in customer satisfaction and provide expert advice to ensure you make the right choice.
Don’t settle for anything less than top quality. Contact us today at 210-557-006, and let SuperBox assist you with all your shipping container needs. Your satisfaction is our top priority!
