Knowledge base
What we run into in practice: regulations, costs, cases and reference material for importers and exporters.
- Reference
1 minute
Container dimensions and weights
The figures below are indicative inside dimensions and maximum payloads of the most common container types. The exact values differ per shipping line and per container, so check them against the booking before you plan a load.
| Type | Inside length × width × height | Volume | Max. payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | 33 m³ | approx. 28,000 kg |
| 40ft standard | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | 67 m³ | approx. 26,500 kg |
| 40ft high cube | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m | 76 m³ | approx. 26,500 kg |
| 20ft reefer | 5.44 × 2.29 × 2.27 m | 28 m³ | approx. 27,000 kg |
| 40ft reefer high cube | 11.58 × 2.29 × 2.50 m | 67 m³ | approx. 29,000 kg |
| 20ft open top | 5.89 × 2.35 × 2.35 m | 32 m³ | approx. 28,000 kg |
| 40ft open top | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.35 m | 66 m³ | approx. 26,500 kg |
| 40ft flat rack | 12.08 × 2.12 × 1.96 m | — | approx. 40,000 kg |
Too tall, too wide or too heavy
Cargo that does not fit a closed container often travels on a flat rack or in an open top on a regular liner service. Too heavy or too large for that, and it becomes RoRo, breakbulk or a chartered vessel. See chartering and RoRo.