Shipping Container Dimensions & Everything You Need to Know
In global trade, the shipping container is the quiet hero. For importers, Amazon FBA sellers, and B2B buyers, mastering container dimensions determines how much you can load, what it costs, and how reliably your freight moves.
At Zbao Logistics, we handle thousands of containers every year from China to the U.S. and EU. This guide covers standard sizes, internal vs external dimensions, door openings, CBM/payload, special container types, and real-world tips—so you can plan shipments with confidence.
Why Shipping Container Dimensions Matter
Choosing the wrong box can lead to:
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Paying for empty space or facing overweight surcharges
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Loading delays (door height/width mismatches)
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Customs and trucking snags (height/weight limits)
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Failed FBA receiving due to pallet height/label issues
Understanding standard shipping container dimensions helps you get:
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Accurate quotes and total landed cost
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Better CBM utilization and packing density
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Clean FCL/LCL planning and fewer operational surprises
Standards & Identification (ISO 668 / ISO 6346)
Shipping containers follow ISO 668 (dimensions/ratings) and ISO 6346 (container identification). Always record the full container ID and confirm the CSC plate (safety approval) for bookings, VGM, and any claims.
Authoritative reference: ISO 668 / ISO 6346 (International Organization for Standardization).
Standard Shipping Container Sizes (ISO Certified)
| Type | External (L × W × H, m) | Internal (L × W × H, m) | Volume (CBM) | Max Gross (kg) | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard (GP) | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 33.2 | 30,480 | 2,170 | 28,310 |
| 40ft Standard (GP) | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 67.7 | 30,480 | 3,750 | 26,730 |
| 40ft High Cube (HC) | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.89 | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 | 76.3 | 30,480 | 3,900 | 26,580 |
| 45ft High Cube | 13.72 × 2.44 × 2.89 | 13.55 × 2.35 × 2.69 | 86.0 | 32,500 | 4,800 | 27,700 |
Values may vary slightly by manufacturer; verify the CSC plate on your actual unit before loading.
Door Opening Dimensions (Critical for Real Loads)
| Container Type | Door Width (mm) | Door Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 2,340 | 2,280 |
| 40ft Standard | 2,340 | 2,280 |
| 40ft High Cube | 2,340 | 2,585 |
Tip: If cargo or pallet height exceeds ~2.25 m, confirm door height. Internal height won’t help if the door opening is too short.
Container Height, Width & Length — At a Glance
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Height: Standard = 8'6" (2.59 m); High Cube = 9'6" (2.89 m)
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Width: External = 8' (2.44 m); Internal ≈ 7'8" (2.35 m)
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Length options: 20ft / 40ft / 45ft (ISO Series 1)
20ft vs 40ft — Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | 20ft | 40ft |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Volume | ~33.2 CBM | ~67.7 CBM |
| Best For | Dense/heavy cargo (metal, liquids, stone) | Bulky/light cargo (furniture, plastics) |
| Base Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Cost per CBM | Higher | Lower |
| Typical Payload | 28,310 kg | 26,730 kg |
Key takeaway: Use 20ft when weight is the constraint; use 40ft when volume is the constraint.
High Cube Containers — Extra Height, More Capacity
A High Cube (HC) adds one foot of height (9'6"), increasing capacity by ~12–13%.
| Type | Internal Height (m) | Door Height (m) | Volume (CBM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40ft HC | 2.69 | 2.585 | 76.3 |
| 45ft HC | 2.69 | 2.585 | 86.0 |
Great for lightweight, voluminous cargo (home goods, textiles, toys).
Special Container Types (Uses & Practical Notes)
| Type | Use Case | Practical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reefer (Refrigerated) | Food, pharma, cosmetics | Internal dims slightly reduced by insulation; power required in transit |
| Open Top | Over-height loads via crane | Typical 40ft roof opening ~11.86 m × 2.25 m; use tarpaulin/roof bows |
| Flat Rack | Machinery, OOG cargo | No sidewalls/roof; securement and overhang planning required |
| Tank Container | Liquids/chemicals | IMDG/UN requirements; cleaning & certification apply |
| Double-Door (Tunnel) | Long items, fast turnarounds | Doors at both ends; easier loading/unloading |
| Hard-Top | Heavy cargo with crane lift | Removable steel roof; offers better protection than tarps |
| Pallet-Wide (EU) | Euro-pallet efficiency | 40’ PW fits ~30 Euro-pallets vs ~25 in standard 40’ |
Container Condition & Grading (IICL / CW / WWT)
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IICL-5: Highest used-container grade from the leasing industry; suitable for long-term international service.
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CW (Cargo-Worthy): Inspected and fit for export by sea.
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WWT (Wind & Water Tight): Weatherproof for storage; not necessarily export-qualified.
For international shipments, insist on CW or IICL with a valid CSC plate.
CBM, Weight & Square Footage (with Dual Units)
CBM Formula
CBM = (Length × Width × Height × Quantity) ÷ 1,000,000 (using centimeters)
Example: 50 cartons at 60 × 40 × 40 cm → 4.8 CBM.
Weight Terms
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Max Gross: Max container + cargo weight
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Tare: Empty container weight
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Payload: Max cargo weight (Gross – Tare)
| Container | Gross (kg) | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft | 30,480 | 2,170 | 28,310 |
| 40ft | 30,480 | 3,750 | 26,730 |
| 40ft HC | 30,480 | 3,900 | 26,580 |
| 45ft HC | 32,500 | 4,800 | 27,700 |
Size Chart (Feet, Meters & Floor Area)
| Type | Internal (ft) | Internal (m) | Volume (CBM) | Approx. Floor (sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft | 19.4 × 7.7 × 7.9 | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 33.2 | ~146 |
| 40ft | 39.5 × 7.7 × 7.9 | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 67.7 | ~305 |
| 40ft HC | 39.5 × 7.7 × 8.9 | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 | 76.3 | ~320 |
| 45ft HC | 44.5 × 7.7 × 8.9 | 13.55 × 2.35 × 2.69 | 86.0 | ~342 |
Square footage approximates floor area; usable height depends on packaging and handling clearance.
FCL vs LCL — Cost & Speed Trade-Off
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LCL (Less than Container Load): Best under ~15–20 CBM. You share a container; good for smaller orders.
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FCL (Full Container Load): Faster handling and typically lower cost per CBM for larger shipments.
Rule of thumb: If your cargo is ≥15–18 CBM, request an FCL quote—it’s often cheaper and faster than LCL.
Need a second opinion? We’ll run an LCL vs FCL comparison for you in minutes.
Amazon FBA Loading Tips (Pallet Counts & Compliance)
| Container | Standard Pallets (40" × 48") | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft | ~10 | Watch door height; typical loaded pallet ≤ ~2.2 m |
| 40ft | ~20–21 | Labeling & overhang rules per FBA |
| 40ft HC | ~21–22 | Confirm warehouse clearance limits |
We handle FBA palletization, carton labeling, ASN, and appointment scheduling end-to-end.
Learn more: Amazon FBA Shipping Services.
Zbao Playbook — Optimizing Your Container Space
How we turn specs into savings:
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Pre-load audit: Verify carton dims/weights; simulate CBM.
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Box selection: 20GP vs 40GP vs 40HC vs special types.
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Consolidation: Merge suppliers (China) into LCL or FCL efficiently.
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On-site supervision: Photos, sealing, and weight checks.
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Customs & ISF: Error-free filings; avoid penalties.
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DDP to door: Clear, duty-paid delivery to your 3PL or FBA.
Case example:
A U.S. home-goods importer shipping 40HC monthly switched to 2×20GP during peak season after our CBM/weight audit, cutting 12% total freight and avoiding overweight chassis fees—while maintaining delivery SLA.
Explore: DDP Shipping from China · Sea Freight China→USA
FAQs
Q1. How wide is a shipping container (inside vs outside)?
External width = 2.44 m (8 ft); internal ≈ 2.35 m (7'8").
Q2. How tall is a shipping container?
Standard = 2.59 m (8'6"); High Cube = 2.89 m (9'6").
Q3. What are the inside dimensions of a 20ft container?
~5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m (≈ 33.2 CBM).
Q4. What is the door opening on 20ft/40ft/40HC?
Width ≈ 2.34 m; Height ≈ 2.28 m (standard) / 2.585 m (HC).
Q5. How many Euro-pallets fit in a 40ft Pallet-Wide vs standard 40ft?
Approx. 30 vs ~25 (orientation and aisle clearance dependent).
Q6. How much weight can a 40ft container carry?
Typical payload ~26,730 kg; verify on the unit’s CSC plate.
Q7. Are containers waterproof and safe for long voyages?
Yes. ISO containers are wind- and water-tight (WWT) with corten steel and dual door seals.
Conclusion — The Right Container Saves You Time & Money
Container size and type drive freight cost, packing density, and delivery reliability.
By mastering dimensions, door openings, CBM, and payload limits, you’ll ship smarter and avoid costly mistakes.
With Zbao Logistics, you get data-driven planning, meticulous packing, and DDP door-to-door execution—from factory pickup in China to final delivery in the U.S. or EU.
Get Your Container Shipping Quote
Not sure if you need 20GP, 40GP, 40HC, or something special?
We’ll calculate CBM, recommend the right box, and handle FCL/LCL, customs, and DDP delivery.
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Author / Reviewer
Written by: Zbao Logistics Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Barry Lee – Senior Freight Forwarding Expert, 10+ Years in China–U.S. Trade Compliance
Published by: www.zbaologistics.com
