What are the dimensions of a shipping container?
Shipping container dimensions depend on the container type, but the most common sizes are 20ft, 40ft and 40ft high cube. A standard 20ft shipping container is approximately 6.06 x 2.44 x 2.59 m externally, while a standard 40ft shipping container is approximately 12.19 x 2.44 x 2.59 m externally.
Use the table below to compare the most common shipping container sizes, including standard dry containers, high cube containers and reefer containers. Exact dimensions may vary slightly by manufacturer, production year and container specification.
Shipping container dimensions comparison chart
| Container type | Exterior dimensions L x W x H | Interior dimensions L x W x H | Door opening W x H | Tare weight | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft shipping container | 2.99 x 2.44 x 2.59 m | 2.83 x 2.35 x 2.39 m | 2.34 x 2.28 m | Approx. 1,300 kg | Approx. 15.8 m³ |
| 20ft shipping container | 6.06 x 2.44 x 2.59 m | 5.90 x 2.35 x 2.39 m | 2.34 x 2.28 m | Approx. 2,180 kg | Approx. 33.2 m³ |
| 40ft shipping container | 12.19 x 2.44 x 2.59 m | 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.39 m | 2.34 x 2.28 m | Approx. 3,620 kg | Approx. 67.7 m³ |
| 40ft high cube container | 12.19 x 2.44 x 2.90 m | 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.69 m | 2.34 x 2.58 m | Approx. 3,820 kg | Approx. 76.3 m³ |
| 20ft reefer container | 6.06 x 2.44 x 2.59 m | 5.44 x 2.29 x 2.27 m | 2.29 x 2.26 m | Approx. 3,000 kg | Approx. 28 m³ |
| 40ft reefer container | 12.19 x 2.44 x 2.90 m | 11.58 x 2.29 x 2.55 m | 2.29 x 2.56 m | Approx. 4,800 kg | Approx. 67 m³ |
Please note: container dimensions, tare weight and capacity can vary per container. Always check the exact specifications on the product page or request confirmation before transport or loading.
What are the main shipping container sizes?
Shipping container sizes are usually expressed in feet. The most common container lengths are 10ft, 20ft and 40ft. For international transport, 20ft and 40ft containers are the most widely used. For storage, temporary site use and smaller projects, 10ft containers can also be a practical solution.
When comparing container dimensions, it is important to look at more than just the external length. Interior dimensions, door opening, tare weight and cubic capacity determine whether the container is suitable for your cargo, storage needs or transport requirements.
Different container types explained
Standard shipping containers
Standard dry shipping containers are used for general cargo, storage and international transport. They are available in several sizes, with 20ft and 40ft being the most common. These containers are suitable for dry goods, equipment, materials and palletized cargo.
High cube containers
High cube containers have the same length and width as standard containers, but offer extra height. A 40ft high cube container has an external height of approximately 2.90 m instead of 2.59 m. This makes it a strong choice for bulky cargo and situations where extra internal volume is required.
Reefer containers
Reefer containers are refrigerated containers designed for temperature-controlled cargo. They are insulated and equipped with a reefer unit, which reduces the internal dimensions compared to a standard dry container. Reefer containers are commonly used for fruit, vegetables, seafood, pharmaceuticals, beverages and other temperature-sensitive products.
Open top containers
Open top containers have a removable roof or tarpaulin, allowing cargo to be loaded from above. They are suitable for machinery, industrial equipment and oversized cargo that cannot be loaded through standard container doors.
Flat rack containers
Flat rack containers have no side walls and are designed for heavy, oversized or irregularly shaped cargo. They are often used for machinery, vehicles, steel structures and project cargo.
Tank containers
Tank containers are designed for the transport and storage of liquids, chemicals and food-grade products. Instead of a standard rectangular loading space, they consist of a cylindrical tank mounted within a container frame.
20ft shipping container dimensions
A 20ft shipping container is one of the most versatile container sizes. It combines a compact footprint with a strong payload capacity, making it suitable for heavy cargo, storage and transport.
- Exterior dimensions: approximately 6.06 x 2.44 x 2.59 m
- Interior dimensions: approximately 5.90 x 2.35 x 2.39 m
- Door opening: approximately 2.34 x 2.28 m
- Tare weight: approximately 2,180 kg
- Capacity: approximately 33.2 m³
A 20ft container is often the right choice when the cargo is heavy, when space on site is limited or when you need a flexible storage container for professional use.
View our 20ft shipping containers
40ft shipping container dimensions
A 40ft shipping container provides almost twice the volume of a 20ft container while keeping the same standard width and height. It is commonly used for large-volume cargo, long-term storage and international transport.
- Exterior dimensions: approximately 12.19 x 2.44 x 2.59 m
- Interior dimensions: approximately 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.39 m
- Door opening: approximately 2.34 x 2.28 m
- Tare weight: approximately 3,620 kg
- Capacity: approximately 67.7 m³
A 40ft container is usually the best option when volume is more important than weight. It is suitable for lighter but larger cargo, palletized goods, equipment and commercial storage.
View our 40ft shipping containers
High cube container dimensions
High cube containers are designed for extra internal height. The most common high cube size is the 40ft high cube container, which offers approximately 30 cm more height than a standard 40ft container.
- Exterior dimensions: approximately 12.19 x 2.44 x 2.90 m
- Interior dimensions: approximately 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.69 m
- Door opening: approximately 2.34 x 2.58 m
- Tare weight: approximately 3,820 kg
- Capacity: approximately 76.3 m³
Choose a high cube container if your cargo is bulky, tall or difficult to stack efficiently in a standard container. High cube containers are also popular for storage, modifications and project applications where extra headroom is valuable.
Reefer container dimensions
Reefer containers are used when cargo must be kept at a controlled temperature. Because the walls are insulated and a refrigeration unit is installed, the internal dimensions are smaller than those of standard dry containers.
20ft reefer container dimensions
- Exterior dimensions: approximately 6.06 x 2.44 x 2.59 m
- Interior dimensions: approximately 5.44 x 2.29 x 2.27 m
- Door opening: approximately 2.29 x 2.26 m
- Tare weight: approximately 3,000 kg
- Capacity: approximately 28 m³
40ft reefer container dimensions
- Exterior dimensions: approximately 12.19 x 2.44 x 2.90 m
- Interior dimensions: approximately 11.58 x 2.29 x 2.55 m
- Door opening: approximately 2.29 x 2.56 m
- Tare weight: approximately 4,800 kg
- Capacity: approximately 67 m³
Reefer containers are especially relevant for businesses operating in warmer climates or Mediterranean regions, where maintaining a stable temperature is essential for product quality. They are commonly used for fresh produce, frozen goods, pharmaceuticals and other temperature-sensitive cargo.
Which container size do you need?
The right container size depends on your cargo volume, cargo weight, available space, loading method and whether temperature control is required. The following guidelines can help you make a practical first selection.
Choose a 20ft shipping container if:
- You need a compact container for transport or storage.
- Your cargo is relatively heavy.
- You have limited space at the loading or delivery location.
- Your cargo volume is below approximately 33 m³.
Choose a 40ft shipping container if:
- You need more loading volume.
- You want to optimize transport costs per cubic meter.
- Your cargo is large, light or palletized.
- You need a practical solution for large-scale storage.
Choose a high cube container if:
- Your cargo is tall or bulky.
- You need extra internal height.
- You want maximum storage volume within a standard container footprint.
- You are planning modifications or project use.
Choose a reefer container if:
- Your products require temperature control.
- You transport or store food, pharmaceuticals, beverages or frozen goods.
- You operate in warm climates where product integrity is critical.
- You need a reliable cold storage or transport solution.
Buying or renting the right shipping container
At Alconet Containers, you can find a wide range of new and used shipping containers, including 20ft containers, 40ft containers, high cube containers, reefer containers and specialized container types. Each container has its own specifications, so it is important to check the exact dimensions, weight and condition before purchase or rental.
Our team can help you compare container sizes and select the most suitable option for your cargo, project or storage location.
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Shipping container dimensions FAQ
What are the standard shipping container dimensions?
The most common standard shipping container dimensions are 6.06 x 2.44 x 2.59 m for a 20ft container and 12.19 x 2.44 x 2.59 m for a 40ft container. These are external dimensions. Internal dimensions are slightly smaller because of the container walls, floor and doors.
What are the dimensions of a 20ft shipping container?
A standard 20ft shipping container has exterior dimensions of approximately 6.06 x 2.44 x 2.59 m. The interior dimensions are approximately 5.90 x 2.35 x 2.39 m, with a capacity of around 33.2 m³.
What are the dimensions of a 40ft shipping container?
A standard 40ft shipping container has exterior dimensions of approximately 12.19 x 2.44 x 2.59 m. The interior dimensions are approximately 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.39 m, with a capacity of around 67.7 m³.
What is the difference between standard and high cube containers?
The main difference is height. A standard container is approximately 2.59 m high externally, while a high cube container is approximately 2.90 m high externally. This gives a high cube container more internal height and additional cubic capacity.
How do I choose the right shipping container size?
Choose a container based on cargo volume, weight, loading requirements, available space and temperature needs. A 20ft container is suitable for heavy or compact cargo, a 40ft container for larger volumes, a high cube container for bulky cargo and a reefer container for temperature-controlled goods.
Request advice or a quotation
Not sure which shipping container dimensions are best for your application? Contact Alconet Containers for practical advice on container sizes, availability, transport options and suitable alternatives. We can help you select the right container for storage, transport or temperature-controlled cargo.