Container types and dimensions
Inside dimensions, volumes and payloads of the container types most used in ocean freight.
20' Standard (DC)
The most common container type. Well suited to heavy, dense cargo.
- Inside (L x W x H)
- 5.90 x 2.35 x 2.39 m
- Volume
- 33.2 m³
- Max payload
- ≈ 28,000 kg
- Door (W x H)
- 2.34 x 2.28 m
- Euro pallets
- 11
- Industrial pallets
- 9-10
40' Standard (DC)
Twice the volume of a 20ft. Ideal for bulky cargo that is not too heavy.
- Inside (L x W x H)
- 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.39 m
- Volume
- 67.7 m³
- Max payload
- ≈ 26,700 kg
- Door (W x H)
- 2.34 x 2.28 m
- Euro pallets
- 23-24
- Industrial pallets
- 20-21
40' High Cube (HC)
About 30 cm taller than a standard 40ft. An advantage for light, bulky cargo.
- Inside (L x W x H)
- 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.69 m
- Volume
- 76.3 m³
- Max payload
- ≈ 26,500 kg
- Door (W x H)
- 2.34 x 2.58 m
- Euro pallets
- 23-24
- Industrial pallets
- 20-21
20' Reefer
Temperature-controlled container for cold-chain cargo such as food and pharmaceuticals.
- Inside (L x W x H)
- 5.44 x 2.29 x 2.27 m
- Volume
- 28.3 m³
- Max payload
- ≈ 27,400 kg
40' High Cube Reefer
A tall reefer container for large cold-chain shipments.
- Inside (L x W x H)
- 11.58 x 2.29 x 2.55 m
- Volume
- 67.7 m³
- Max payload
- ≈ 29,000 kg
20' Open Top
A container with a removable tarpaulin roof, for tall cargo loaded from above by crane.
- Inside (L x W x H)
- 5.89 x 2.35 x 2.35 m
- Volume
- 32.5 m³
- Max payload
- ≈ 28,100 kg
40' Open Top
A 40ft top-loading container for long, tall cargo.
- Inside (L x W x H)
- 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.35 m
- Volume
- 66.4 m³
- Max payload
- ≈ 26,500 kg
20' Flat Rack
A platform container without side walls, for machinery and other out-of-gauge cargo.
- Inside (L x W x H)
- 5.62 x 2.20 x 2.23 m
- Volume
- Open platform
- Max payload
- ≈ 30,000 kg
40' Flat Rack
A 40ft platform without side walls for long, heavy project cargo.
- Inside (L x W x H)
- 12.08 x 2.12 x 1.96 m
- Volume
- Open platform
- Max payload
- ≈ 39,000 kg
Values are approximate and vary by carrier, manufacturer and national rules. Ask us for exact figures.
Let’s make the right call for your cargo.
Container or truck, which delivery term? Send us the details and we will suggest the best plan.