Standard container sizes and dimensions
A container is a standardised metal cargo unit used for the transportation of goods. The same standard and international dimensions are used throughout the world, so containers can be transferred from an ocean-going vessel to a train, truck or barge. TEU is the standard size of a container and refers to the size equivalent to a 20-foot
unit of measurement.
The usual container is:
- 20 feet (approximately 6 metres = 1 TEU);
- 40 feet (2 TEU = 1 FEU).
FEU stands for forty-foot measurement unit. In addition, containers with sizes other than TEU and FEU are also available. Containers with different functions and sizes are shown below.
Standard: dry container
The standard container is made of steel and is designed for general cargo, e.g. cartons or pallets that are not too long, too wide, too high or too heavy. It is also referred to as a dry container.
Special dimensions: Flat rack container
What is the best way to transport heavy cargo or cargo that does not fit into a standard container? With a Flat Rack container! Such units are equipped with folding walls, corner supports and rail fastenings at the bottom, to which the load is secured with straps or chains.
Refrigerated container - Reefer
For some products, such as foodstuffs, film, plants or pharmaceuticals, it is important to maintain the correct temperature throughout the transport process. This is possible thanks to specialised refrigerated containers equipped with cooling units. Cold or warmer air circulates constantly around the cargo. In this way, the quality of the cargo is guaranteed throughout the journey.
Open top container
The container does not have a metal roof, it is covered with a waterproof tarpaulin which is attached by ropes. This type of container is equipped with internal lashings, which prevents the cargo from moving. It is suitable for high or long loads.
Standard: dry container
| 20 FT Standard | 40 FT Standard |
| Capacity | 33 cbm | 67.4 cbm |
| Inside dimensions in mm (LxWxH) | 5,888 x 2,340 x 2,387 | 12,031 x 2,346 x 2,383 |
| Door opening in mm (WxH) | 2.280 x 2.275 | 2.338 x 2.272 |
| Weight (max. gross/total weight) | 30,480 kg | 30,480 kg |
| Tare (container) weight | 2,200 kg | 3,740 kg |
| Max. load weight | 28,280 kg | 26,740 kg |
| 40FT High Cube | 45FT |
| Capacity | 76.2 cbm | 86.0 cbm |
| Inside dimensions in mm (LxWxH) | 12,031 x 2,350 x 2,694 | 13,556 x 2,352 x 2,697 |
| Door opening in mm (WxH) | 2.338 x 2.585 | 2.340 x 2.585 |
| Weight (max. gross/total weight) | 30,480 kg | 30,480 kg |
| Tare (container) weight | 3,830 kg | 4,780 kg |
| Max. load weight | 26,650 kg | 25,700 kg |
Special dimensions: Flat rack container
| 20FT Flat Rack | 40FT Flat Rack |
| Capacity | 28.4 cbm | 53.2 cbm |
| Inside dimensions in mm (LxWxH) | 5,652 x 2,438 x 2,213 | 12,082 x 2,438 x 1,955 |
| Weight (max. gross/total weight) | 34,000 kg | 45,000 kg |
| Tare (container) weight | 3,050 kg | 6,200 kg |
| Max. load weight | 30,950 kg | 38,800 kg |
Refrigerated container - Reefer
| 20FT Reefer | 40FT Reefer HQ |
| Capacity | 28.2 cbm | 64.9 cbm |
| Inside dimensions in mm (LxWxH) | 5,446 x 2,268 x 2,260 | 11,558 x 2,284 x 2,522 |
| Door opening in mm (WxH) | 2.290 x 2.264 | 2.286 x 2.542 |
| Weight (max. gross/total weight) | 30,480 kg | 34,000 kg |
| Tare (container) weight | 3.080 kg | 4,720 kg |
| Max. load weight | 27.400 | 29,280 kg |
Open top container
| 20FT Open top | 40FT Open Top |
| Capacity | 32.4 cbm | 66.2 cbm |
| Inside dimensions in mm (LxWxH) | 5,893 x 2,346 x 2,348 | 12,022 x 2,346 x 2,348 |
| Door opening in mm (WxH) | 2.336 x 2.244 | 2.336 x 2.244 |
| Roof opening in mm (WxL) | 5.760 x 2.228 | 11.891 x 2.184 |
| Weight (max. gross/total weight) | 30,480 kg | 30,480 kg |
| Tare (container) weight | 2,380 kg | 3.880 |
| Max. load weight | 28,100 kg | 26.600 |
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