Shipping Container Dimensions & Specifications
Choosing the right shipping container for your ocean freight is essential - the correct shipping container dimensions ensure your goods fit securely and transit smoothly from origin to destination. At Mainfreight, we provide clear information on container types, internal space and cargo capacity to help you plan with confidence.
20ft container dimensions
20ft containers are a versatile and popular choice for many shipments, balancing capacity and cost-efficiency.
- Internal dimensions: 5.89 m (L) × 2.35 m (W) × 2.36 m (H)
- Door opening: 2.33 m (W) × 2.26 m (H)
- Typical volume: 33 m³
- Max cargo weight: 21,700 kg
These dimensions make the 20ft container ideal for a wide range of goods and smaller shipment volumes.
40ft container dimensions
If you need more space or are shipping larger quantities, the 40ft container is often the best value per cubic metre.
- Internal dimensions: 12.05 m (L) × 2.35 m (W) × 2.36 m (H)
- Door opening: 2.33 m (W) × 2.26 m (H)
- Typical volume: 66 m³
- Max cargo weight: 26,500 kg
With nearly double the internal length of a 20ft container, a 40ft unit is perfect for larger shipments or when you want to maximise space and cost efficiency.
High cube containers dimensions
Both 20ft and 40ft containers are available in High Cube versions with extra internal height (~2.69 m) — giving you more volume for taller items or stacked pallets
Quick reference table
| Container Type | Internal Dimensions (L x W x H) |
Door Opening (W x H) |
Cubic Capacity | Cargo Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
20FT General | 5.89 x 2.35 x 2.36m | 2.33 x 2.26m | 33m³ | 21,700kgs |
| 20FT High Cube | 5.89 x 2.35 x 2.69m | 2.33 x 2.59m | 37m³ | 21,700kgs | |
 |
40FT General | 12.05 x 2.35 x 2.36m | 2.33 x 2.26m | 66m³ | 26500kgs |
| 40FT High Cube | 12.05 x 2.35 x 2.69m | 2.33 x 2.59m | 76m³ | 26500kgs |
Refrigerated (Reefer) container dimensions
Refrigerated containers provide reliable temperature control for sensitive cargo, helping protect items such as food, medicines, electronics and other products that can be affected by heat or cold during ocean transport.
Reefer containers are typically available in 20ft and 40ft sizes, but their internal dimensions and cargo capacity differ from general purpose containers. The built-in refrigeration unit reduces internal volume and increases tare weight, meaning usable space and payload are lower. Exact reefer container dimensions and weight limits can also vary by manufacturer and model, even when external sizes are the same.
Frequently asked questions - shipping container dimensions
What are the most common shipping container sizes?
The two most widely used sizes in sea freight are 20ft and 40ft shipping containers, with Standard (General Purpose) and High Cube (extra height) variations. These sizes meet most cargo needs and are supported on international shipping routes.What’s the difference between a General Purpose and a High Cube container?
- General purpose (GP): Standard height containers used for most freight.
- High cube (HC): Around 30 cm taller internally than standard containers, providing extra volume - great for lightweight but tall goods or maximizing cubic space.
Is a 20ft container as tall as a 40ft container?
Yes. Both 20ft and 40ft containers usually have the same external height — either standard (~2.36 m internal for GP) or increased height in High Cube variants (~2.69 m internal). The difference is in length, not height.
What do container weights mean?
- Tare weight: the empty container’s weight.
- Payload: the maximum cargo weight allowed inside the container.
- Gross weight: tare weight plus payload. Always check local regulations for weight limits.
Why these container dimensions matter?
- Shipping containers dimensions are standardised for compatibility with trucks, ships and port infrastructure.
- 20ft container dimensions give a compact solution for smaller loads, while offering over 33 m³ of space.
- 40ft container dimensions double that volume, delivering cost savings per cubic metre when shipping larger loads. The high-cube variants add extra height - great for taller goods.
What other container types are available?
- Flat rack containers: Ideal for oversized or heavy cargo that doesn’t fit within standard dimensions, such as machinery or vehicles.
- Open top containers: Perfect for tall cargo loaded from above, like timber or industrial equipment.
- Reefer (Refrigerated) containers: Designed for temperature-sensitive goods such as food or pharmaceuticals. These containers have insulation and cooling systems, which slightly reduce internal space.
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