Shipping container sizes
Learning more about the ISO’s standard shipping container sizes will be helpful if you plan to transport goods.
If you know the internal and external dimensions of common containers, like 20-foot and 40-foot containers, you can then optimise cargo loading and make the most of the available space.
It can even prevent the expensive, last-minute purchases of multiple containers. Learn more about compliance with international shipping regulations and shipping container sizes with Freight Broker.
If you know the internal and external dimensions of common containers, like 20-foot and 40-foot containers, you can then optimise cargo loading and make the most of the available space.
It can even prevent the expensive, last-minute purchases of multiple containers. Learn more about compliance with international shipping regulations and shipping container sizes with Freight Broker.
What are standard shipping container sizes?
Standard sizes refer to the globally recognised dimensions established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
These pre-set sizes, primarily 20-foot and 40-foot lengths, with widths of 8 feet and heights of either 8 feet 6 inches (standard) or 9 feet 6 inches (high cube), guarantee uniformity across the shipping industry.
These pre-set sizes, primarily 20-foot and 40-foot lengths, with widths of 8 feet and heights of either 8 feet 6 inches (standard) or 9 feet 6 inches (high cube), guarantee uniformity across the shipping industry.
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20-Foot Containers (TEU)
The 20-foot container, also known as a Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU), is a standard shipping container widely used worldwide. As one of the most common (if not the most common shipping container sizes), it can be used across various modes, including sea, rail, and road.
A standard TEU has the following shipping container dimensions:
External Dimensions:
Internal Dimensions:
Dimensions and capacity
A standard TEU has the following shipping container dimensions:
External Dimensions:
- Length: 20 feet (6.05 meters)
- Width: 8 feet (2.43 meters)
- Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters)
Internal Dimensions:
- Length: 19 feet 4 inches (5.89 meters)
- Width: 7 feet 9 inches (2.35 meters)
- Height: 7 feet 10 inches (2.39 meters)
These measurements provide an internal volume of approximately 33 cubic meters. 20-foot can serve a range of purposes but are mainly intended for international shipping.
They’re best used for transporting smaller cargo loads, including machinery, raw materials, and personal effects. This standard shipping container size can even house the contents of a 1 or 2-bedroom house!
They’re best used for transporting smaller cargo loads, including machinery, raw materials, and personal effects. This standard shipping container size can even house the contents of a 1 or 2-bedroom house!
40-Foot Containers (FEU)
One of the larger shipping container sizes, the 40-foot container (or the FEU), is another standardised container made for the international transportation of goods. They can house massive amounts of stock and are great for shippers who need to transport palletised stock or bulky items over long distances.
External dimensions
Internal dimensions
Dimensions and capacity
External dimensions
- Length: 40 feet (12.2 meters)
- Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)
- Height: 8 feet 5 inches (2.59 meters)
Internal dimensions
- Length: 39 feet 6 inches (12.03 metres)
- Width: 7 feet 9 inches (2.35 metres)
- Height: 7 feet 10 inches (2.39 metres)
These dimensions provide an internal volume of approximately 67.7 cubic meters. As a standard shipping container size, an FEU can be loaded with bulk goods like grains or coffee beans (provided there are liners to protect the cargo). It can also be used for international locations, with plenty of space to house the contents of a 3 or 4-bedroom house.
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