Shipping Container Specifications

Understanding the Dimensions and Capacities of Various Shipping Containers

When it comes to shipping your goods, choosing the right container capacity is paramount for the safe transport and storage of your cargo.

In this guide, we’ll dissect the various container sizes and capacity options in ocean freight. Our goal is to empower you to make an informed decision on the best fit for your unique shipment.

As an experienced freight forwarder in the international logistics field, we cater to a variety of shipping needs by providing an array of shipping container sizes. If you are interested in purchasing used containers, you can buy quality second-hand shipping containers from us.

Wondering what size are shipping containers? Or pondering about the specific Chinese container sizes? We have got you covered! From general-purpose containers of varying sizes to high cube containers, we provide a spectrum of options. Our offerings include:

7 Most common Shipping Containers type 

 

20-Foot Standard Shipping Container: Your Go-To Option

Considering a 20ft shipping container? That’s a great choice. It’s just one of many container sizes out there. These containers are designed with ease in mind – they have four roof hatches for easy access, in addition to door panels at both ends. Plus, they come with dividers inside, so you can split the space in half if needed. Simple, efficient, and flexible – that’s the 20ft standard shipping container for you.

 

40-Foot Standard Shipping Container: The Heavy-Duty Choice

Thinking about a 40ft shipping container? It’s exactly what it sounds like – a large container that’s part of the diverse range of unit sizes available. With a load capacity of approximately 36 tons, it can accommodate 18 standard-sized pallets stacked on top of each other.

The 40ft container offers ample space, making it ideal for larger items. However, it won’t necessarily hold more smaller items than other types. It’s important to keep this in mind when choosing the right container for your shipping needs.

 

Reefer Shipping Container: Your Cold Storage Solution

The Reefer Shipping Container is a unique choice designed with temperature-sensitive goods in mind. These containers are insulated, and equipped with machinery to regulate temperature, preventing your food or other cargo from freezing during transit. A standard-sized Reefer measures 40″ x 48″ and can handle up to 36 tons of freight.

These containers are specifically designed for cold storage or refrigeration. To keep your goods at the right temperature, they come with thick insulation around the walls and flooring, and heavy-duty door seals that protect against the elements.

 

Reefer Shipping Container (Refrigerated): The Cool Choice for Cold Storage

Reefer Shipping Containers, also known as refrigerated containers, are specifically designed with temperature-sensitive goods in mind. Made with thick insulation, durable doors, and heavy-duty seals, they are robustly built to withstand weather elements. The interior is divided into two compartments, providing ample cargo storage space.

But the real game-changer is the temperature control system inside. This feature ensures that food or other perishable items won’t spoil during transport, maintaining optimal conditions throughout the journey.

Typically, these containers come in 20ft length units, mirroring their standard counterparts. Their design is primarily tailored for cold storage purposes, making them a cool choice for shipping needs that require a chilly environment.

 

High Cube Shipping Container: Maximizing Space with Extra Height

High Cube Shipping Containers are a standout choice for those who need that extra vertical space. Taller than standard containers by a foot, these units measure a generous nine feet six inches in height and about eight feet in width.

This container size is typically available in a 40ft length, known as a 40HQ container. The additional height compared to a standard 40ft container makes it particularly versatile for accommodating taller cargo or packing more items.

Not only do they offer more room for your goods, but their robust construction also makes them perfect for stacking. If your shipping requirements call for more headroom, the High Cube Shipping Container is your top-tier option.

Open Top Shipping Container: Easy Access for Bulky Cargo

The Open Top Shipping Container is a unique type of standard-sized container that is open at both ends. This design means it’s not suitable for transporting goods that need a secure fit, such as hazardous chemicals or fragile items that may break if they shift during transit.

While refrigerated versions of this container type exist, its primary use is for cargo that can safely move around inside the unit during transit. This open design makes it particularly useful for loading bulky items that wouldn’t easily fit through the end doors of a standard container.

 

Flat Rack Shipping Container: Ideal for Oversized Loads

Flat Rack Shipping Containers are exactly what they sound like – flat racks that allow for the transportation of exceptionally large or oversized items. These containers can carry up to 30 tons of goods or the equivalent of 15 standard-sized pallets, offering versatility in terms of capacity.

These containers are typically open on the top and sides, allowing for easy loading and unloading of heavy or bulky items such as machinery, vehicles, or large industrial parts.

However, it’s important to note that if the container isn’t loaded with goods during transit, an escort truck may be required, which could incur additional charges. Always consult with your shipping company about potential added costs before finalizing your shipping plans.

Understanding Cargo Weight Limits Per Country: A Key to Efficient Shipping

Did you know that when you’re shipping goods from one country to another, there are certain rules and regulations you need to keep in mind? Yep, that’s right. Every country has its own say on the size and weight limits for items being shipped. And trust me, knowing these limitations is super important for smooth sailing (pun intended!).Let’s say, for instance, you’re moving a shipment from China to the US. China has its own rules, allowing containers of up to 20 feet and 40 tons. But when you get to America, things change a bit. Over here, the limit is 20 feet, but you can go up to 48 tons. Knowing these differences ahead of time is a real game-changer. It helps you plan what size of container you’ll need for shipping your goods from China to the US. But wait, there’s more! Some countries have weight limits that are different at each port. So, you might pick up your cargo at one port, your container filled to the brim, only to find out that at your destination port, your container is over the limit. Yikes!So, the moral of the story? Always check the specific weight restrictions for all the countries and ports involved in your shipping route. It’ll save you a whole lot of stress (and possibly money) later on. Happy shipping!

Understanding the Dimensions and Capacity of General Shipping Containers

 

20-Foot Standard Shipping Container

Container Type Maximum Payload Cubic Capacity Inside Dimensions Length x Width x Height Door Opening Width x Height
20-Foot Standard 21,700 kg 33 CBM 5.89M x 2.35M x 2.36M 2.33M x 2.25M

Designed for simplicity and flexibility, the 20ft shipping container features four roof hatches for easy access and optional dividers for space optimization. It’s an efficient choice for a variety of shipping needs.

40-Foot Standard Shipping Container

Container Type Maximum Payload Cubic Capacity Inside Dimensions Length x Width x Height Door Opening Width x Height
40-Foot Standard 26,500 kg 66 CBM 12.05M x 2.35M x 2.36M 2.33M x 2.25M

The 40ft container is the heavy-duty choice. With a load capacity of approximately 36 tons, it can accommodate larger items and is ideal for stacking standard-sized pallets.

Reefer Shipping Container

Container Type Maximum Payload Cubic Capacity Inside Dimensions Length x Width x Height Door Opening Width x Height
Reefer 36 tons 40″ x 48″ x –

Designed for temperature-sensitive goods, a Reefer Shipping Container is equipped with machinery to regulate temperature, keeping your cargo from freezing during transit. They are insulated and offer cold storage solutions.

Reefer Shipping Container (Refrigerated)

Container Type Maximum Payload Cubic Capacity Inside Dimensions Length x Width x Height Door Opening Width x Height
Reefer (Refrigerated) 20ft x – x –

These containers come with a temperature control system, ensuring perishable items won’t spoil during transport. With thick insulation and durable doors, they are ideal for shipping needs that require a chilly environment.

40 High Cube Shipping Container

Container Type Maximum Payload Cubic Capacity Inside Dimensions Length x Width x Height Door Opening Width x Height
High Cube 9’6″ x 8′ x –

These containers are a foot taller than standard ones, offering extra vertical space. Commonly available as a 40ft length (40HQ), they are perfect for taller cargo or packing more items.

Open Top Shipping Container

Container Type Maximum Payload Cubic Capacity Inside Dimensions Length x Width x Height Door Opening Width x Height
Open Top Standard Size x – x –

These containers are open at both ends, providing easy access for loading bulky items. They are not suitable for transporting goods that need a secure fit, such as hazardous chemicals or fragile items.

Flat Rack Shipping Container

Container Type Maximum Payload Cubic Capacity Inside Dimensions Length x Width x Height Door Opening Width x Height
Flat Rack 30 tons – x – x –

These containers are open on the top and sides, making them ideal for transporting large or oversized items. They can carry up to 30 tons of goods, but it’s important to check potential additional costs if the container isn’t fully loaded during transit.

Goods Packaging and Container Volume: The Balancing Act

When planning for your shipment with  Super International Shipping, one crucial aspect to consider is the volume of your packaging. The size of your container isn’t determined solely by the size of your goods – your packaging specifications play a significant role too. Depending on the goods, some might require more secure or bulky packaging, which inevitably adds to the total volume (and weight) of your shipment.Consider this: If you’re shipping high-value electronics like computers or delicate items like cameras, extra precautions are necessary. Retailers won’t usually just toss these items into one big box. Why? Because that’s a surefire way to risk damages during shipment. Instead, they’ll likely package each item individually, protecting each one within its own smaller box. Sure, this approach might take up more space inside the larger container, and it could seem like you’re losing valuable real estate. But remember, these are sensitive items we’re talking about. They’re more susceptible to damage, so this method actually benefits the safety of your goods in the long run. So, when you’re deciding on the right container size, remember to factor in the space your packaging will occupy. It’s a game of Tetris, and every little bit counts!

What is Capacity of a 45-Foot High Cube Shipping Container ? 

A 45-foot High Cube Shipping Container can typically accommodate approximately 130 cubic meters (CBM) worth of goods. This, however, may vary based on the specific dimensions of the items being stored.

Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with your supplier to understand the exact storage capacity for your specific goods. By doing so, you can ensure optimal utilization of your 45-foot High Cube Shipping Container and avoid any surprises after ordering.

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