Choosing the right container size not only ensures the safe transport of goods but also maximises efficiency and cost-effectiveness in shipping operations. Whether you’re shipping large machinery or perishable items, knowing the different container sizes and types available can help you choose the best fit for your needs. This comprehensive guide explores the dimensions and specifications of various shipping containers, providing you with the information needed to make informed decisions.
Understanding Shipping Container Dimensions
When it comes to shipping goods, understanding container dimensions is essential for efficient logistics and cost management. Shipping containers come in various sizes, each designed to accommodate different types of cargo. Here’s a breakdown of the most common container sizes and their uses:
1. Standard 10-Foot Container
The 10-foot container is the smallest of the standard sizes, measuring 10 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8.6 feet in height. With a capacity of about 16 cubic metres, it’s typically used for small-scale storage, personal belongings, or short-distance transportation where larger containers would be impractical.
2. Standard 20-Foot Container
The standard 20-foot container, known as a TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit), measures 20 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8.6 feet in height. It offers around 33 cubic metres of space, making it ideal for smaller shipments like personal effects, machinery, or goods that don’t require a lot of room.
3. Standard 40-Foot Container
A 40-foot container, or FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent Unit), is double the length of a 20-foot container, measuring 40 feet long while maintaining the same width and height. With a capacity of approximately 67 cubic metres, it is widely used for larger shipments, such as bulk goods, vehicles, and commercial products.
4. High-Cube Container
The high-cube container is similar to the standard 40-foot container but with an extra foot in height, making it 9.5 feet tall. This additional height increases its capacity to about 76 cubic metres, making it perfect for lightweight, bulky items like furniture, textiles, and electronics that require more vertical space.
5. Refrigerated Container (Reefer)
Refrigerated containers, commonly available in both 20-foot and 40-foot lengths, are designed to maintain a consistent temperature for temperature-sensitive goods. They share the same width and height as standard containers, but their built-in refrigeration units make them essential for shipping perishable items like food, pharmaceuticals, and flowers.
Standard Shipping Container Sizes
Here is a table that summarises the exterior dimensions and cubic capacity of 10, 20, 40-foot containers, and a 40-foot high cube container:
| Container Type | Exterior Length | Exterior Width | Exterior Height | Cubic Capacity (m³) |
| 10-Foot Container | 10′ (3.05 m) | 8′ (2.44 m) | 8.6′ (2.62 m) | 11.77 m³ |
| 20-Foot Container | 20′ (6.10 m) | 8′ (2.44 m) | 8.6′ (2.62 m) | 27.76 m³ |
| 40-Foot Container | 40′ (12.19 m) | 8′ (2.44 m) | 9.5′ (2.90 m) | 68.47 m³ |
| 40-Foot High Cube Container | 40′ (12.19 m) | 8′ (2.44 m) | 9’6″ (2.90 m) | 76.4 m³ |
Conclusion
Understanding cargo container sizes is key to optimising the shipping process, whether for heavy machinery or temperature-sensitive goods. By selecting the appropriate container, you not only protect your cargo but also enhance your logistical efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
At ARCON Containers, we specialise in providing robust and durable shipping container solutions to meet diverse needs. Our offerings include standard containers, as well as other options such as Coil-Trainers, Tanks, and Refrigerated Containers. We offer competitive pricing and flexible leasing options to meet your needs. We are committed to delivering high-quality solutions that ensure the safety and security of your goods throughout the shipping process.
Choose ARCON Containers for reliable and cost-effective container solutions tailored to your shipping needs
Contact us at sales@arconcontainer.com today and power up your shipping with ARCON’s cutting-edge shipping containers.
