What is a standard container?
Standard 20FT and 40FT containers are the most used container types worldwide. By more than 90% of the goods transported over the oceans a 20FT or 40FT container is used. These types of containers are made of aluminium or steel and are suitable for (almost) all types of cargo. Aluminium containers have a slightly larger load capacity than the steel version. Steel containers have a slightly larger volume.
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Dimensions and loading capacity of a standard container
The specific dimensions and loading capacity of 20FT and 40FT containers are depending on the container manufacturer, the age of the container and the container owner. Below specifications are representative for the most available standard containers.
20FT standard container
| Tare weight | Payload capacity | Cubic capacity | Internal length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,300 | 25,000 kg |
33.2 m3 |
5.9 m |
| 5,071.5 lbs | 55,126.9 lbs |
1,172 cu ft |
19.4 ft |
| Internal width | Internal height | Door opening width | Door opening height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.35 m | 2.39 m |
2.34 m |
2.28 m |
| 7.7 ft | 7.9 ft |
7.7 ft |
7.5 ft |
40FT standard container
| Tare weight | Payload capacity | Cubic capacity | Internal length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3,750 | 27,600 kg |
67.7 m3 |
12.03 m |
| 8,268.8 lbs | 61,200 lbs |
2,389 cu ft |
39.5 ft |
| Internal width | Internal height | Door opening width | Door opening height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.35 m | 2.39 m |
2.34 m |
2.28 m |
| 7.7 ft | 7.9 ft |
7.7 ft |
7.5 ft |
