Standard container sizes
International shipping containers come in standardized sizes set by the International Organization for Standardization. Understanding these sizes is essential for planning your shipments efficiently and avoiding costly mistakes.
20-foot standard container (TEU)
The 20-foot container is the baseline unit of measurement in the shipping industry. One TEU equals one 20-foot container. Internal dimensions are approximately 5.9 meters long by 2.35 meters wide by 2.39 meters high. The usable volume is approximately 33 cubic meters. Maximum payload weight is approximately 28,200 kg. This container is ideal for heavy cargo where weight is reached before volume, such as metals, machinery, and building materials.
40-foot standard container (FEU)
The 40-foot container is the most commonly used size in international trade. Internal dimensions are approximately 12.03 meters long by 2.35 meters wide by 2.39 meters high. Usable volume is approximately 67 cubic meters. Maximum payload weight is approximately 26,680 kg, which is slightly less than the 20-foot because the container itself weighs more. This container is the standard choice for most general cargo shipments.
40-foot high cube container
The high cube is the same length and width as a standard 40-foot container but adds approximately 30 centimeters of height. Internal height is approximately 2.69 meters. Usable volume is approximately 76 cubic meters. This extra height makes it ideal for voluminous lightweight cargo such as furniture, textiles, and plastic goods, and for cargo that requires additional vertical clearance.
Specialty containers
Refrigerated containers (reefers)
Temperature-controlled containers maintain cargo at specified temperatures from minus 30 to plus 30 degrees Celsius. Used for perishable food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Available in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes with slightly reduced internal volume due to refrigeration equipment.
Open-top containers
These have a removable roof or tarpaulin cover, allowing oversized cargo to be loaded from the top using a crane. Used for machinery, heavy equipment, and tall cargo that cannot fit through standard container doors.
Flat rack containers
Flat racks have a floor but collapsible or no side walls, designed for oversized cargo such as heavy machinery, vehicles, boats, and construction equipment that cannot fit in enclosed containers.
Tank containers
Cylindrical tanks mounted within a standard container frame, used for liquid cargo including chemicals, food-grade liquids, and hazardous materials.
Choosing the right container
Your choice depends on three factors. Volume: how much space does your cargo occupy? Use our CBM calculator at asrwe.com/tools/cbm-calculator to find out. Weight: does your cargo approach the weight limit before filling the volume? Check our loading schemes tool at asrwe.com/tools/loading-schemes for optimal loading plans. Cargo type: does your product require temperature control, top loading, or special handling?
Get the right container with ASR
We help you select the most cost-effective container size and type for every shipment. Our team optimizes loading plans to maximize container utilization and minimize shipping costs. Contact us at shipping@asrwe.com or request a quote at asrwe.com/quote.
