Understanding 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft HC Shipping Containers

Guide to the Differences Between 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft HC Containers

Sea freight containers are standardized mainly in three sizes: 20-foot, 40-foot, and 40-foot high cube containers. Understanding these sizes helps you make informed decisions based on your shipping needs.

This guide provides a detailed look at the dimensions, types, weights, and capacities of the 20ft Container, 40ft Container, and 40ft HC Containers.

Guide to the Differences Between 20ft, 40ft and 40ft HC Containers

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Specifications and Dimensions of Shipping Containers

Container Type	External Dimensions (L x W x H)	Internal Dimensions (L x W x H)	Tare Weight (lbs)	Maximum Payload (lbs)	Cubic Capacity (CBM)
20ft General Container	20 ft x 8 ft x 8.6 ft	19 ft 4 in x 7 ft 9 in x 7 ft 10 in	4,850	52,000	33
20ft Open Top Container	20 ft x 8 ft x 8.6 ft	19.4 ft x 7.7 ft x Variable	4,900	62,300	32.7
20ft Flat Rack Container	20 ft x 8 ft x 7.9 ft	18.6 ft x 7.7 ft x 7.7 ft	5,070	67,200	32.7
20ft Refrigerated Container	20 ft x 8 ft x 8.6 ft	17.4 ft x 7.7 ft x 7.5 ft	6,790	62,350	28.3
40ft General Container	40 ft x 8 ft x 8.6 ft	39 ft 5.5 in x 7 ft 8 in x 7 ft 9.5 in	8,200	58,920	67.7
40ft Open Top Container	40 ft x 8 ft x 8.6 ft	39 ft 5.5 in x 7 ft 8 in x 7 ft 8 in	8,400	58,800	66.7
40ft Flat Rack Container	40 ft x 8 ft x 7 ft	39 ft x 7.7 ft x 7 ft	11,025	88,200	62.2
40ft Refrigerated Container	40 ft x 8 ft x 8.6 ft	37.7 ft x 7.7 ft x 7.6 ft	9,744	65,212	67.6
40ft HC Container	40 ft x 8 ft x 9.6 ft	39 ft 5 in x 7 ft 8 in x 8 ft 10 in	8,598	65,212	76.2

20ft Container Size and Capacity

Here’s a look at the various types of 20ft containers including General Purpose, Open Top, Flat Rack, and Refrigerated Containers:

20ft General Container:

External dimensions: 20 ft (L) x 8 ft (W) x 8 ft 6 in (H)
Internal dimensions: 19 ft 4 in (L) x 7 ft 9 in (W) x 7 ft 10 in (H)
Tare weight: 4,850 lbs
Maximum payload: Between 48,000 and 52,000 lbs
Cubic capacity: 1,172 cubic feet

This container type is typically used for dry cargo such as machinery, textiles, and electronics. It offers a substantial cubic capacity and payload to accommodate a variety of goods.

20ft Open Top Container

Ideal for items that need loading from the top by a crane or other equipment, covered with a removable tarp for weather protection.

External dimensions: 20 ft (L) x 8 ft (W) x 8.6 ft (H)
Internal dimensions: 19.4 ft (L) x 7.7 ft (W) x variable height
Maximum payload: 62,300 lbs
Cubic capacity: 1,155 cubic feet

20ft Flat Rack Container

Designed for oversized cargo, these containers have no side walls or roof, facilitating easier loading and unloading.

External dimensions: 20 ft (L) x 8 ft (W) x 7.9 ft (H)
Maximum payload: 67,200 lbs
Cubic capacity: 1,154 cubic feet

20ft Refrigerated Container

Used for perishable goods requiring temperature control.

External dimensions: 20 ft (L) x 8 ft (W) x 8.6 ft (H)
Internal dimensions: 17.4 ft (L) x 7.7 ft (W) x 7.5 ft (H)
Maximum payload: 62,350 lbs
Cubic capacity: 1,000 cubic feet

40ft Container Size and Capacity

40-foot containers also come in various types including General Purpose, Open Top, Flat Rack, and Refrigerated models.

40ft General Container:

External dimensions: 40 ft (L) x 8 ft (W) x 8 ft 6 in (H)
Internal dimensions: 39 ft 5.5 in (L) x 7 ft 8 in (W) x 7 ft 9.5 in (H)
Maximum payload: 58,920 lbs
Cubic capacity: 2,389 cubic feet

40ft Open Top Container

Similar to the 20ft version but larger, facilitating more significant payloads.

Maximum payload: 58,800 lbs
Cubic capacity: 2,360 cubic feet

40ft Flat Rack Container

For extremely heavy or bulky cargo.

Maximum payload: 88,200 lbs
Cubic capacity: 2,195.7 cubic feet

40ft Refrigerated Container

Larger refrigerated option for bigger shipments needing temperature control.

Maximum payload: 65,212 lbs
Cubic capacity: 2,388 cubic feet

40ft HC Containers: Size and Capacity

These containers are taller by one foot than standard containers, ideal for larger or taller cargo.

External dimensions: 40 ft (L) x 8 ft (W) x 9 ft 6 in (H)
Maximum payload: 65,212 lbs
Cubic capacity: 2,694 cubic feet

What Are High Cube Containers Used For?

High Cube (HC) containers are designed to accommodate larger or taller cargo, providing greater capacity. They are ideal for industrial equipment, oversized crates, or bulky furniture.

Pallet Capacity in HC Containers

Europallets (48 in x 30 in): Approximately 23-25 pallets can fit in a 40ft HC container.
US Pallets (48″ x 40″): Approximately 20-21 pallets can be accommodated, ensuring they do not extend beyond the container sides.

How-many-pallets-fit-in-a-standard-shipping-container-Super-International-Shipping

How Many Pallets Can A Container Hold?

A 20-foot container typically carries about 11 Europallets or 10-11 US standard pallets.
A 40-foot container can hold 23-24 Europallets or 20-21 US standard pallets, depending on the arrangement and efficiency of loading.

Maximizing Cargo in Containers

Effective cargo management is essential for optimizing container use:

Cargo Planning and Preparation

Evaluate and classify cargo based on size, weight, and fragility.
Pack strategically to minimize unused space.

Optimize Space

Stack goods efficiently, considering weight distribution and stability.
Use racking systems designed for efficient loading.
Utilize vertical space with appropriate stacking techniques without compromising cargo integrity.

Implement Integration and Spin-off Strategies

Group and split cargo based on destination and accessibility.
Consolidation: Combine multiple shipments into a single container to minimize the number of containers needed and maximize loading capacity.
Deconsolidation: Divide a container into multiple shipments for specific destinations to reduce shipping time and costs.

By understanding these container specifications and employing strategic loading techniques, you can significantly enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of your shipping operations. Whether you’re importing goods from China or shipping domestically, choosing the right container and properly planning your cargo can lead to substantial benefits.