Shipping Container Specifications

If you have more freight to send than ever before, that's great! Business is booming! You've transitioned from LCL (less than container load) to FCL (full container load) freight. You might be wondering about the dimensions of shipping containers and which size container to use.

Are there different types of shipping containers?
Understanding the various container sizes and dimensions is crucial when shipping cargo, as shipping container specifications like dimensions and maximum weight impact the type of equipment that can be used.

The following guide provides insights into the different types of shipping containers as a starting point for determining your shipping requirements.
Note: Exact dimensions of shipping containers can vary slightly due to the manufacturer, and load regulations may restrict operation to less than maximum weight. Use this information as a guide only.
 

	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

Notes - 

• Heavy Rated shipping containers which support a heavier load are available, additional surcharges may apply
• Food Grade shipping containers for carrying foodstuffs are available, additional surcharges may apply
• A 20FT High Cube shipping containers (higher height that standard) are only available for designated origin/destination pairings 
• Additional charges may apply for High Cube containers 

	Container Type	Internal Dimensions (L x W x H)	Door Opening (W x H)	Cubic Capacity	Cargo Weight
	20FT Flat Rack with sides	5.89 x 2.35 x 2.23m	Side Opening W - 2.59m	30m³	26500kgs
	20FT Flat Rack without sides	6.00 x 2.35 x 0.23m		33m³  Max Height 2.36m	23500kgs
	40FT Flat Rack with Sides	12.05 x 2.35 x 2.23m	Side Opening W - 11.66m	63m³	3600kgs
	40FT Flat Rack without sides	12.20 x 2.35 x 0.65m		67m³ Max Height 2.36m	39000kgs

Notes - 

• This shipping container is used for over-dimensional (out of gauge) cargo. It is available with or without sides 
• Survey reports may be required when shipping out of gauge cargo 
• If out of gauge additional surcharges will apply
• Flat Rack containers are subject to availbility and additional surcharges will apply

	Container Type	Internal Dimensions (L x W x H)	Door Opening (W x H)	Cubic Capacity	Cargo Weight
	20FT Open Top	5.89 x 2.35 x 2.36m	2.33 x 2.29m	32m³	21700kgs
	40FT Open Top	12.05 x 2.35 x 2.36m	2.33 x 2.29m	66m³	26500kgs

Notes - 

• Open top containers allow you to load over height cargo or allows easier loading by crane
• If out of gauge additional surcharges will apply
• Open Top containers are subject to availbility and additional surcharges will apply

 

	Container Type	Internal Dimensions (L x W x H)	Door Opening	Cubic Capacity	Cargo Weight
	20FT Reefer	5.44 x 2.26 x 2.24m	2.26 x 2.20m	27m³	21700kgs
	40FT Reefer	11.55 x 2.26 x 2.24m	2.26 x 2.20m	58m³	25000kgs

Notes -

• Refrigerated shipping containers can be set at a required temperature for the duration of the voyage 
• Commonly used for food/dairy products
• The smaller dimensions are due to thicker walls
• Reefer containers are subject to availbility and additional surchrges will apply  

In New Zealand there is a general 30 tonne road weight limit for containers and their cargo combined (i.e. gross weight) If gross weight will exceed this amount, approval and additional permits may be required.