Comprehensive Guide to Container Sizes Comprehensive Guide to Container Sizes
Container Core Dimensions Summary / Key Container Dimensions Summary
| Type | Internal Dimensions (L×W×H) | Capacity (CBM) | Payload (tons) | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP | 5.89×2.35×2.39m | 28-33 | 22-28 | Heavy-density cargo/Machinery Heavy-density cargo/Machinery |
| 40GP | 12.03×2.35×2.39m | 54-67 | 26-29 | Bulk lightweight goods/Textiles Bulk lightweight goods/Textiles |
| 40HQ | 12.03×2.35×2.69m | 68-76 | 26-28 | Furniture/Lighting/Light industrial goods Furniture/Lighting/Light industrial goods |
| 45HQ | 13.58×2.34×2.71m | 86 | 25-28 | US low-density cargo/Auto parts US low-density cargo/Auto parts |
| Open Top | 12.01×2.33×2.35m* | ~65 | 24-26 | Over-height machinery/Construction equipment Over-height machinery/Construction equipment |
| Reefer | 11.56×2.29×2.50m (40RH) | 67 | 21-26 | Cold chain products/Pharmaceuticals Cold chain products/Pharmaceuticals |
*Note: Open Top height refers to floor to roof height
Data source: Bureau International des Containers (BIC), ISO 668
I. Standard Dry Containers
1. 20ft General Purpose (20GP)
- Internal dimensions: 5.89m × 2.35m × 2.39m
- Maximum payload: 21.78 tons (empty container weight about 2.22 tons)
- Advantages: Lowest unit cost for heavy cargo transportation, Chinese port weight limit ≤28.3 tons
2. 40ft High Cube (40HQ)
- Internal height: 2.69m (0.3m higher than 40GP)
- Loading efficiency: Can accommodate 18 more standard European pallets than 40GP
- Technical upgrade: 95% of newly built containers are equipped with moisture-proof coating
II. Specialized Containers
1. Open Top
- Structural features: Removable roof, supports crane vertical loading and unloading
- Freight premium: 15%-20% higher than standard containers
2. Flat Rack
- Load capacity: Single cargo can reach over 25 tons
- Typical uses: Yachts, industrial turbines and other irregular cargo
3. Reefer
- Temperature control range: -30℃ to +30℃
- Operation requirements: Need to book ship power slots in advance
III. Selection Strategy & Industry Trends
1. Cargo adaptation principles
- Lightweight cargo (density < 300kg/m³): Prefer 40HQ (such as furniture)
- Heavy cargo (density > 800kg/m³): Choose 20GP (such as machinery parts)
2. Weight limit differences
| Region | Weight limit policy |
|---|---|
| United States | Unified weight limit 30.48 tons |
| Chinese ports | Strict overweight inspection, 20GP weight limit ≤28.3 tons |
3. Intelligent trends
- IoT temperature control systems (real-time monitoring of reefer containers)
- GPS tracking becomes standard for high-end containers
Operation tips: Special containers (such as frame containers) need to be booked 7-10 days in advance; when LCL cargo is less than 15m³, FCL transportation may be more economical