Shipping Container Specifications: Everything You Need to Know

Shipping containers come in various sizes and specifications, and it’s essential to understand their features to ensure that you choose the right container for your needs. In this post, we’ll answer some common questions about shipping container specifications, including the specs of a 40ft container, ISO shipping container, 20-foot shipping container, and how many CBM is a 20ft container.

Standard Shipping Container Specifications

The two most common shipping container sizes are the 20ft and 40ft containers. A 20ft container is typically used for shipping cargo over short distances, while a 40ft container is used for shipping cargo over long distances.

20-foot Shipping Container Specifications

A 20-foot shipping container has external dimensions of 20ft long, 8ft wide, and 8ft 6in high. Its internal dimensions are 19ft 4in long, 7ft 8in wide, and 7ft 9in high. The maximum gross weight of a 20ft container is 47,625 lbs or 21,700 kg, and it can hold up to 33 CBM of cargo. The container’s door opening is 7ft 8in wide and 7ft 5in high, making it easy to load and unload cargo

40-foot Shipping Container Specifications

A 40ft shipping container is the most commonly used container for shipping cargo globally. Its external dimensions are 40ft long, 8ft wide, and 8ft 6in high. Its internal dimensions are 39ft 5in long, 7ft 8in wide, and 7ft 9in high. The maximum gross weight of a 40ft container is 67,200 lbs, and it can hold up to 2,390 cubic feet of cargo. The container’s door opening is 7ft 8in wide and 7ft 5in high.

Other Types of Shipping Container Specifications

In addition to the standard 20ft and 40ft containers and ISO containers, there are other types of shipping containers available. These include the 40ft General container and the 40ft High Cube container.

A 40ft General container is similar to a standard 40ft container but has slightly different specifications. Its external dimensions are 40ft long, 8ft wide, and 8ft 6in high. Its internal dimensions are 39ft 5in long, 7ft 8in wide, and 7ft 9in high. The maximum gross weight of a 40ft General container is 58,450 lbs or 26,500 kg, and it can hold up to 66 CBM of cargo. The container’s door opening is 7ft 8in wide and 7ft 5in high, making it easy to load and unload cargo.

A 40ft High Cube container is similar to a standard 40ft container but has a taller height. Its external dimensions are 40ft long, 8ft wide, and 9ft 6in high. Its internal dimensions are 39ft 5in long, 7ft 8in wide, and 8ft 10in high. The maximum gross weight of a 40ft High Cube container is 58,450 lbs or 26,500 kg, and it can hold up to 66.1 CBM of cargo. The container’s door opening is 7ft 8in wide and 7ft 5in high, with a height of 8ft 5in, making it easy to load and unload cargo.

ISO Shipping Container Specifications

An ISO shipping container is a standard container that complies with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. It’s a versatile container that can be used for various purposes, including shipping, storage, and even as a living space. The external dimensions of an ISO shipping container are 20ft long, 8ft wide, and 8ft 6in high. Its internal dimensions are 19ft 4in long, 7ft 8in wide, and 7ft 9in high. The maximum gross weight of an ISO shipping container is 67,200 lbs, and it can hold up to 1,165 cubic feet of cargo. The container’s door opening is 7ft 8in wide and 7ft 5in high.

Choosing the Right Container Size

When choosing a shipping container size, there are several factors to consider. These include the amount of cargo you need to transport, the distance you need to transport it, andthe mode of transportation you’ll be using. It’s important to choose the right container size to ensure that your cargo is transported safely and efficiently.

For example, if you’re transporting a small amount of cargo over a short distance, a 10ft or 20ft container may be the best choice. However, if you’re transporting a large amount of cargo over a long distance, a 40ft or 45ft container may be more suitable.

It’s also important to consider the type of cargo you’ll be transporting. If you’re transporting perishable goods, you may need a refrigerated container to maintain the temperature of your cargo. If you’re transporting hazardous materials, you may need a specialized container that meets specific safety requirements.

In addition to choosing the right container size, it’s also important to work with a reliable shipping company that can ensure the safe and timely transportation of your cargo.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shipping Container

When choosing a shipping container, there are several factors to consider. These include the payload capacity, cubic capacity, door opening width and height, interior dimensions, exterior dimensions, and the purpose of the container.

Payload capacity refers to the maximum weight that a container can carry. Cubic capacity refers to the amount of space available inside the container. Door opening width and height are important for loading and unloading cargo, whileinterior dimensions and exterior dimensions determine how much cargo can fit inside the container and whether it can be transported on certain modes of transportation. Finally, the purpose of the container should also be considered, as different types of containers have different features and specifications that suit different purposes.

Conclusion

Shipping container specifications play a crucial role in determining the container that is best suited for your needs. Understanding the different types of containers and their specifications can help you choose the right container for your cargo and ensure that it is transported safely and efficiently. When choosing a shipping container, factors such as payload capacity, cubic capacity, door opening width and height, interior and exterior dimensions, and the purpose of the container should be considered. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you choose the right container for your needs and transport your cargo with confidence.