As leading suppliers of shipping containers, we are frequently asked about shipping container dimensions and sizes. There are many different types of shipping containers, each designed to transport different types and sizes of cargo. Please note, however, that all our containers are of the best quality, and comply with all the relevant international standards and regulations.
How do we measure shipping container dimensions?
When researching the size of a shipping container, you will need to consider all the shipping container dimensions. In others words, the container’s length, width, and height. These measurements differ, depending on the type of container you are looking at. In addition, certain types of containers are available in different lengths. Shipping container dimensions and sizes are typically given in feet, although standard metric measurements are also readily available.
If you are comparing shipping containers from different sources, you might find that a certain dimension or measurement varies slightly. This is because shipping containers have both internal (inside) and external (outside) dimensions. However, in the shipping industry we usually refer to the external shipping container dimensions.
What are the shipping container dimensions and sizes for standard shipping containers?
If you are looking at general purpose shipping containers, they have the following dimensions:
- Width: 8ft (2.44m)
- Height: 8ft 6in (2.6m)
- Length: 10ft (3m), 20ft (6.06m), or 40ft (12.2m)
High cube shipping containers are an extra foot high (as the name suggests). However, it is important to note that the additional storage space does not extend the maximum weight capacity. High cube shipping container dimensions and sizes are as follows:
- Width: 8ft (2.44m)
- Height: 9ft 6in (2.89m)
- Length: 20ft and 40ft
Side opening containers are essentially general purpose shipping containers that have been modified to have an additional set of doors on one side. This makes for much easier access to stored goods. Side opening containers are available in the following dimensions:
- Width: 8ft (2.44m)
- Height: 8ft 6in (2.6m)
- Length: 20ft (40ft side opening containers are available upon request)
Specialised shipping container dimensions and sizes differ from the standard containers.
Bolster shipping containers (also known as platform flat racks) are used to transport very heavy or awkward equipment and other cargo. A bolster container consists of a wooden floor in a corten steel frame, and are some of the strongest containers on the market. These containers don’t have a roof or any walls, so you can only transport items that can withstand exposure to the elements.
- Width: 8ft (2.44m)
- Length: 20ft (6.06m), or 40ft (12.2m)
Our two other variants are collapsible-end and fixed-end flat rack containers.
Bulker containers are food grade containers built specifically to store and transport sugar, salt, or grain. In addition to standard doors, each container has 3 roof hatches, 2 bleed hatches, and a front discharge hatch. The external dimensions are:
- Width: 8ft 1in (2.462m)
- Height: 9ft 6in (2.89m) (high cube)
- Length: 20ft (6.06m)
Our dangerous goods containers meet international regulations and Australian government requirements pertaining to the handling, transport, and storage of dangerous and hazardous goods.
- Width: 8ft (2.44m)
- Height: 8ft 6in (2.6m) (high cube side opening 20ft containers are also available)
- Length: 10ft (3m), 20ft (6.06m) (40ft side opening containers are available upon request)
Insulated containers are used to maintain good at a constant temperature, whereas refrigerated containers are used for items that require a cold chain. Both types come in 2 sizes:
- Width: 8ft (2.44m)
- Height: 9ft 6in (2.89m)
- Length: 20ft (6.06m), or 40ft (12.2m)
Gantry containers are shipping containers that have a gantry crane. They are typically modified standard, high cube, side opening, or dangerous goods containers. Options for dimensions include:
- Width: 8ft (2.44m)
- Height: 8ft 6in (2.6m) or 9ft 6in (2.89m)
- Length: 10ft (3m), 20ft (6.06m), or 40ft (12.2m)
Standard open top containers are best for heavy and bulky cargo that needs to be loaded by crane. Open top half height containers are specifically made for the mining and construction industries.
- Width: 8ft (2.44m)
- Height: 4ft 9in (1.45m) or 8ft 6in (2.6m)
- Length: 20ft (6.06m) or 40ft (12.2m) (half height only available in 20ft)
All our shipping container dimensions and sizes are made to meet international standards.
This means all our containers are transported, stored, stacked, and modified with ease. Therefore, no matter what you want to transport, store, or modify, we have the perfect container for you.
If you need some expert advice on which shipping container is best for you, please contact our team. We are here to answer all your questions pertaining to shipping container dimensions and sizes.
