The container and its dimensions
El contenedor de 20 pies y el contenedor de 40 pies estándar, son de los tipos de contenedor más usados a nivel mundial en el transporte marítimo de mercancías.
The standard container differs from other container models mainly in that it is hermetically closed and does not have refrigeration or ventilation systems, as is the case with refrigerated or ventilated containers.
Dimensions of a 20 foot container
| Container dimensions | Width | Height | Length |
| Container opening in feet | 7′ 8 ⅛» | 7′ 6 ¼» | |
| Container opening in meters | 2.34 m | 2.29 m | |
| Inside dimensions in feet | 7′ 8 ⅝» | 7′ 6 ¼» | 19′ 4 ¼» |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.34 m | 2.29 m | 5.9 m |
| Container weight | Peso bruto max. | Tara | Carga útil max. |
| Weight in lbs | 52,831 lbs | 4,914 lbs | 47,899 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 23,956 kg | 2,229 kg | 21,727 kg |
| Container volume | In CFT | In CBM | |
| Load Capacity | 1,172 CFT | 33.2 CBM |
Its base allows transporting up to 11 stacks of European pallets or 10 stacks of standard pallets. The standard 20-foot container is also known as a 20-foot dry container, a 20-foot dry van, or a 20-foot dry container.
Container reference code: 22GP
Dimensions of a 40 foot container
| Container dimensions | Width | Height | Length |
| Container opening in feet | 7′ 8 ⅛» | 7′ 6 ¼» | |
| Container opening in meters | 2.34 m | 2.29 m | |
| Inside dimensions in feet | 7′ 8 ⅝» | 7′ 10 ¼» | 37′ 11 ¼» |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.352 m | 2.395 m | 12.01 m |
| Container weight | Peso bruto max. | Tara | Carga útil max. |
| Weight in lbs | 67,199 lbs | 5,220 lbs | 59,039 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 30,481 kg | 3,701 kg | 26,780 kg |
| Container volume | En CFT | En CBM | |
| Load Capacity | 2,389.75 CFT | 67.67 CBM |
Its base allows transporting up to 25 stacks of European pallets. The standard 40 foot container is also known as a 40 foot dry container, a 40 foot dry van, or a 40 foot dry container.
Container reference code: 42GP
Dimensions of a 40ft HC container
| Container dimensions | Width | Height | Length |
| Container opening in feet | 7′ 8 ⅛» | 8′ 6 ¼» | |
| Container opening in meters | 2.34 m | 2.56 m | |
| Inside dimensions in feet | 7′ 8 ⅝» | 8′ 10 ⅛» | 39′ 5 ⅝» |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.352 m | 2.69 m | 12.01 m |
| Container weight | Peso bruto max. | Tara | Carga útil max. |
| Weight in lbs | 67,196 lbs | 8,747 lbs | 58,448 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 30,480 kg | 3,968 kg | 26,512 kg |
| Container volume | En CFT | En CBM | |
| Load Capacity | 2,694 CFT | 76.3 CBM |
Container reference code: 40HQ or 40HC
Dimensions of a 45 pies High Cube Container
| Container dimensions | Width | Height | Length |
| Container opening in feet | 7′ 9½» | 8′ 5 ¾» | |
| Container opening in meters | 2.37 m | 2.58 m | |
| Inside dimensions in feet | 7′ 11″ | 8′ 10″ | 44′ 4 ¾» |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.41 m | 2.69 m | 13.53 m |
| Container weight | Peso bruto max. | Tara | Carga útil max. |
| Weight in lbs | 74,960 lbs | 10,910 lbs | 64,050 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 3,4000 kg | 4,950 kg | 29,050 kg |
| Container volume | En CFT | En CBM | |
| Load Capacity | 3,122 CFT | 88.4 CBM |
Container reference code: L5GO
Dimensions of a ventilated container
The ventilated container is a type of container that has a ventilation system thanks to some side openings that allow air circulation.
Its ventilation system allows, on the one hand, the expulsion of hot air from the interior and, on the other, the entry of fresh air from the exterior, thus ensuring that there is no condensation of gases or humidity that could affect the load.
Esta característica lo convierte en el tipo de contenedor más adecuado para el transporte de mercancías que necesitan mantener una temperatura constante y sin cambios abruptos.
Uno de los principales productos transportados en este tipo de contenedor es el café, por eso también se conoce al contenedor ventilado como contenedor del café.
Dimensions of a 20-foot ventilated container
| Container dimensions | Width | Height | Length |
| Container opening in feet | 7′ 8 ⅛» | 7′ 6 ¼» | |
| Container opening in meters | 2.34 m | 2.29 m | |
| Inside dimensions in feet | 7′ 8 ⅝» | 7′ 10 ¼» | 19′ 4 ¼» |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.352 m | 2.395 m | 5.9 m |
| Container weight | Peso bruto max. | Tara | Carga útil max. |
| Weight in lbs | 52,897 lbs | 5,297 lbs | 47,899 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 32,500 kg | 2,394 kg | 21,727 kg |
| Container volume | En CFT | En CBM | |
| Load Capacity | 1,172 CFT | 33.2 CBM |
Container reference code: 22VH
Dimensions of a reefer container
El contenedor refrigerado cuenta con un sistema que permite mantener una temperatura dentro del contenedor de entre -25º y +25º. Contrariamente a lo que se cree, estos contenedores no pueden enfriar la temperatura porque no generan aire frío, sino que sólo pueden mantenerla.
Some special types of refrigerated containers can maintain temperatures as low as -60º.
Although this type of container has an integrated motor that allows temperature cooling, the system must be connected to the power grid of ships, ports or trucks for land transport.
It is important to ensure with the freight forwarder that the entire international transport chain, from the truck to the port facilities, has the necessary equipment to maintain the refrigeration of the containers.
Su uso más común es en el transporte de alimentos frescos y congelados, como pescado, carnes y frutas y otras cargas perecederas. También es muy habitual su uso en el transporte de medicamentos y otros envíos de la industria farmacéutica.
Los contenedores refrigerados también se conocen como contenedores refrigerantes o por su nombre en inglés como +reefer containers* o refrigerated containers.
Dimensions of a 20ft reefer container
| Container dimensions | Width | Height | Length |
| Container opening in feet | 7′ 8 ⅛» | 7′ 6 ¼» | |
| Container opening in meters | 2.34 m | 2.29 m | |
| Inside dimensions in feet | 7’6″ | 7′ 4 ⅞» | 17′ 11 ⅝» |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.28 m | 2.33 m | 5.45 m |
| Container weight | Peso bruto max. | Tara | Carga útil max. |
| Weight in lbs | 67,200 lbs | 6,970 lbs | 60,230 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 30,480 kg | 3,160 kg | 27,320 kg |
Container reference code: 22RT
Dimensions of a 40ft reefer container
| Container dimensions | Width | Height | Length |
| Container opening in feet | 7′ 5 ⅜» | 6′ 11 ⅞» | |
| Container opening in meters | 2.26 m | 2.13 m | |
| Inside dimensions in feet | 7’5 ⅜» | 7′ 1 ⅞» | 37′ 11 ¼» |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.26 m | 2.18 m | 11.48 m |
| Container weight | Peso bruto max. | Tara | Carga útil max. |
| Weight in lbs | 67,053 lbs | 10,778 lbs | 56,275 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 30,415 kg | 4,889 kg | 25,526 kg |
| Container volume | En CFT | En CBM | |
| Load Capacity | 2,039.7 CFT | 57.76 CBM |
Container reference code: 42RT
Dimensions of a Flat Rack container
Los contenedores flat rack están diseñados para dar cabida en el transporte multimodal a todas aquellas cargas cuyas medidas, distribución de los bultos o peso no permiten su transporte en contenedores estándar o dry van, ya sean de 20, 40 o 40 pies HC.
Flat racks are made from sheet metal that fit a standard 20 or 40 foot frame. The sides are folding and do not have a roof or top. This makes them suitable for the transport of:
- Very heavy goods that must be loaded into the container with cranes or specialized equipment. Typical examples of goods transported in flat racks for this reason are those of the machinery industry.
- Goods taller than a 20 or 40 foot High Cube container or with highly irregular volumes, such as industrial vehicles or pipes.
By not having sides or top, this type of container presents certain added complexities. Goods must travel exposed to rain, wind and other meteorological conditions and the only way to ensure that the cargo remains fixed in place or inside the container is through lashing.
When reserving a flat rack container, be sure to clearly indicate the most suitable points to lift the load, especially in the case of heavy machinery. Remember to also specify any type of driving instructions to your
Dimensions of a 20ft Flat Rack Container
| Container dimensions | Width | Height | Length |
| Dimensiones interiores en piest | 8′ | 7′ 3 ⅞» | 19′ 9 ¾» |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.438 m | 2.233 m | 5.638 m |
| Container weight | Peso bruto max. | Tara | Carga útil max. |
| Weight in lbs | 99,200 lbs | 6,400 lbs | 92,800 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 45,000 kg | 2,900 kg | 42,100 kg |
| Load Capacity | 1,154.3 CFT | 32.7 CBM |
Container reference code: 22PC
Dimensions of a 40ft Flat Rack Container
| Container dimensions | Width | Height | Length |
| Container opening in feet | NA | NA | |
| Container opening in meters | NA | NA | |
| Inside dimensions in feet | 7′ 4″ | 7′ 5 ⅓» | 39′ 3 ⅞» |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.23 m | 2.27 m | 11.98 m |
| Container weight | Peso bruto max. | Tara | Carga útil max. |
| Weight in lbs | 98,326 lbs | 12,897 lbs | 85,429 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 44,600 kg | 5,850 kg | 38,750 kg |
| Container volume | En CFT | En CBM | |
| Load Capacity | 1,860 CFT | 52.7 CBM |
Container reference code: 42PC
Dimensions of an Open Top container
El contenedor open top, puede ser de 20 o 40 pies y aunque puede considerarse dentro de la categoría de los contenedores estándar, tiene la particularidad de no disponer de parte superior.
The type of goods transported in this type of container is essentially the same as in a flat rack container, but with more regular measurements on the sides.
Es decir, es apropiado para cargas que son demasiado pesadas y necesitan ser levantadas con grúas o que son demasiado altas y no caben en un contenedor de 40HC.
Unlike the flat rack, which also does not have a roof, the open top container does have side walls and the upper part can also be covered with a canvas so that the goods travel more protected. Keep in mind that the open part of an open top container is slightly smaller than the inside of the container, just like the doors of a regular container. In other words, when you load your goods over the top of an open top, consider that you will have less room to maneuver than inside the container.
A 20 foot open top container allows a maximum load of approximately 28 tons, while the 40 foot open top container supports up to 30 tons.
The demand for this type of container is much lower and in some destinations shipping companies may find it difficult to send this type of container loaded back.
That is why the maritime transport of open top containers is less profitable for shipping companies and its price, in addition to including an additional cost, can be variable depending on the destination.
As in the case of flat racks, if you reserve an open top container, be sure to indicate the points where the load must be lifted to avoid damage and to specify the handling instructions or any other type of special indication.
Dimensions of a 20ft Open Top Container
| Container dimensions | Width | Height | Length |
| Apertura de la puerta en pies | 7′ 8 ⅛» | 7′ 6 ¼» | |
| Apertura de la puerta en metros | 2.34 m | 2.29 m | |
| Inside dimensions in feet | 7′ 8 ⅝» | 7′ 10 ¼» | 19′ 4 ¼» |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.352 m | 2.395 m | 5.9 m |
| Container weight | Peso bruto max. | Tara | Carga útil max. |
| Weight in lbs | 52,897 lbs | 5,297 lbs | 47,619 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 23,994 kg | 2,394 kg | 21,600 kg |
| Container volume | En CFT | En CBM | |
| Load Capacity | 1,172 CFT | 33.2 CBM |
Container reference code: 22U1
Dimensions of a 40ft Open Top Container
| Container dimensions | Width | Height | Length |
| Container opening in feet | 7′ 8 ⅛» | 7′ 6 ¼» | |
| Container opening in meters | 2.34 m | 2.29 m | |
| Inside dimensions in feet | 7′ 8 ⅝» | 7′ 10 ¼» | 39′ 5 ⅝» |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.352 m | 2.395 m | 12.01 m |
| Container weight | Peso bruto max. | Tara | Carga útil max. |
| Weight in lbs | 67,196 lbs | 8,487 lbs | 58,709 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 30,480 kg | 3,850 kg | 26,630 kg |
| Container volume | En CFT | En CBM | |
| Load Capacity | 2,389.75 CFT | 66.67 CBM |
Container reference code: 42OT
Dimensions of a tank container
Tank containers or isotanks are containers specially designed for the transport of liquids or gases.
Permiten el transporte marítimo de cargas a granel, tanto alimentos líquidos como aceite o vino, como sustancias peligrosas.
Tank containers destined for the shipment of dangerous goods must comply with a series of additional regulations. Furthermore, once an isotank has been marked for use as a container for dangerous cargoes, it can no longer be used for the shipment of other types of conventional bulk.
Regarding its structure, the tank or cistern travels within a frame that allows lashing and conforms to the measures of ISO standards. The tank is lined with an insulating material that protects it from the elements.
Los isotanques son una de las soluciones más eficaces para el transporte intermodal de graneles. Presentan la ventaja de ser más seguros, ágiles, respetuosos con el medioambiente y económicos que otras opciones como los tambores.
The most common tank containers are 20 or 40 feet but there are also other measures such as 10 feet or 30 feet.
El contenedor tanque o isotanque también se conoce en inglés como Isotank, Tanktainer, Tank Container, Iso Tank Container.
Dimensions of a 20 foot tank container
| Container dimensions | Width | Height | Length |
| Dimensiones exteriores en pies | 8′ | 8′ 6″ | 20″ |
| Dimensiones exteriores en metros | 2.43 m | 2.59 m | 6.09 m |
| Container volume | En U.S. Gallons | En Liters | |
| Load Capacity | 6,450 gl | 26,001 lt |
Container reference code: 22TO
