The container and its dimensions
The 20-foot container and the standard 40-foot container are among the most widely used types of container in the world in maritime freight transport.
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.
This characteristic makes it the most suitable type of container for the transport of goods that need to maintain a constant temperature without abrupt changes.
One of the main products transported in this type of container is coffee, which is why the ventilated container is also known as a coffee container.
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
The refrigerated container has a system that allows to maintain a temperature inside the container between -25º and + 25º. Contrary to popular belief, these containers cannot cool down the temperature because they do not generate cold air, but can only maintain it.
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.
It’s most common use is in the transport of fresh and frozen food, such as fish, meat and fruits and other perishable cargo. Its use is also very common in the transport of medicines and other shipments of the pharmaceutical industry.
Refrigerated containers are also known as reefer containers or by their English name as + reefer containers * or 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
Flat rack containers are designed to accommodate in multimodal transport all those loads whose measurements, distribution of packages or weight do not allow their transport in standard or dry van containers, whether they are 20, 40 or 40 feet 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
The open top container can be 20 or 40 feet and although it can be considered within the category of standard containers, it has the particularity of not having a top.
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.
That is, it is appropriate for loads that are too heavy and need to be lifted with cranes or that are too high and will not fit in a 40HC container.
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.
They allow the maritime transport of bulk cargo, both liquid food such as oil or wine, as dangerous substances.
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.
Isotanks are one of the most efficient solutions for the intermodal transport of bulk. They have the advantage of being safer, more agile, respectful with the environment and economical than other options such as drums.
The most common tank containers are 20 or 40 feet but there are also other measures such as 10 feet or 30 feet.
The tank container or isotank is also known in English as 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
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