Shipping Container Dimensions & Sizes

Shipping Container Dimensions And Specs

Just as the perfect outfit comes in various cuts and sizes, shipping containers too offer an array of dimensions to suit different needs – be it transportation, storage, or innovative uses like transforming them into things like offices, gyms, pools, basements, or even tiny shopping outlets. The usual suspects when it comes to size are the 20-foot and 40-foot variants. Getting to grips with these sizes is key to making the most of your space, ensuring your goods stay safe during transport, and crucially, keeping costs in check.

Now, let’s dive a bit deeper into the shipping containers. With a number of sizes and dimensions up for grabs, understanding your options will help you pick the one that fits your needs like a glove. This guide has got you covered, dishing out all the essential info about shipping container sizes, types, dimensions, weights, and tips on how to select the perfect one for your needs.

Shipping Container Dimensions in Feet and Meters

Container Size	External Dimensions (L x W x H)	Internal Dimensions (L x W x H)	Door Opening (W x H)	Max Gross Weight	Tare Weight	Max Payload
10′ Standard	10′ x 8′ x 8′ 6″ (3.05 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)	9′ 4″ x 7′ 9″ x 7′ 10″ (2.84 m x 2.35 m x 2.39 m)	7′ 9″ x 7′ 6″ (2.36 m x 2.29 m)	22,046 lbs (10,000 kg)	2,204 lbs (1,000 kg)	19,753 lbs (8,956 kg)
20′ Standard	20′ x 8′ x 8’6″ (6.1m x 2.4m x 2.6m)	19’4″ x 7’8″ x 7’10” (5.9m x 2.3m x 2.4m)	7’8″ x 7’6″ (2.3m x 2.3m)	66,139 lbs (30,000 kg)	4,850 lbs (2,200 kg)	61,289 lbs (27,800 kg)
20′ High Cube	20′ x 8′ x 9’6″ (6.1m x 2.4m x 2.9m)	19’4″ x 7’8″ x 8’10” (5.9m x 2.3m x 2.7m)	7’8″ x 8’6″ (2.3m x 2.6m)	66,139 lbs (30,000 kg)	5,181 lbs (2,350 kg)	60,958 lbs (27,650 kg)
40′ Standard	40′ x 8′ x 8’6″ (12.2m x 2.4m x 2.6m)	39’6″ x 7’8″ x 7’10” (12.0m x 2.3m x 2.4m)	7’8″ x 7’6″ (2.3m x 2.3m)	66,139 lbs (30,000 kg)	8,380 lbs (3,800 kg)	57,759 lbs (26,200 kg)
40′ High Cube	40′ x 8′ x 9’6″ (12.2m x 2.4m x 2.9m)	39’6″ x 7’8″ x 8’10” (12.0m x 2.3m x 2.7m)	7’8″ x 8’6″ (2.3m x 2.6m)	66,139 lbs (30,000 kg)	8,775 lbs (3,980 kg)	57,364 lbs (26,020 kg)
45′ High Cube	45′ x 8′ x 9’6″ (13.7m x 2.4m x 2.9m)	44’6″ x 7’9″ x 8’10” (13.6m x 2.4m x 2.7m)	7’8″ x 8’6″ (2.3m x 2.6m)	32,500 kg (71,650 lbs)	4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)	27,700 kg (61,077 lbs)
53′ Container	53′ x 8′ 6″ x 9’6″ (16.15 m x 2.90 m x 2.59 m)	52′ 6″ x 8′ 2″ x 8′ 8″ (16.0 m x 2.48 m x 2.70 m)	8′ 2″ x 8’8″ (2.48 m x 2.70 m)	67,200 lbs (30,480 kg)	12,103 lbs (5,490 kg)	72,918 lbs (33,075 kg)

Note: It’s important to note that the actual dimensions and specifications can vary, so be sure to check the actual container information from the dealers.

Common Shipping Container Sizes and Information

Here are some common shipping container sizes along with some important information to consider.

10ft Shipping Container Dimensions

Size: 10 foot
Dimensions: 10′ long x 8′ wide x 8′ 6″ high
Volume: 563 cubic feet
Common Uses: Storage, Mobile Offices, Pop-Up Shops, Personal Spaces, Agricultural Storage, Emergency Housing and more

20ft Shipping Container Dimensions

Size: 20 foot
Dimensions: 20′ long x 8′ wide x 8′ 6″ high
Volume: 1,172 cubic feet
Common Uses: Transportation of Goods, Modular Buildings, Medical Clinics, Military Applications, Cold Storage, Portable Toilets or Showers and more

40ft Shipping Container Dimensions

Size: 40 foot
Dimensions: 40′ long x 8′ wide x 8′ 6″ high
Volume: 2,390 cubic feet
Common Uses: Theater or Performance Spaces, Transportation of Goods, Workshops, Data Centers, Sport Facilities, Aquaponics or Hydroponics Farms, Saunas or Pool Houses and more

45ft Shipping Container Dimensions

Size: 45 foot
Dimensions: 45′ long x 8′ wide x 8′ 6″ high
Volume: 3,043 cubic feet
Common Uses: Gyms or Training Facilities, Healthcare Facilities, Exhibition Spaces, Animal Shelters, Waste Management Facilities, Restaurants or Coffee Shops, Broadcasting Studios, and more

53ft Shipping Container Dimensions

Size: 53 foot
Dimensions: 53′ long x 8′ wide x 8′ 6″ high
Volume: 3,850 cubic feet
Common Uses: Solar Power Stations, Educational Facilities, Security Checkpoints, Tool Sheds, Vehicle Storage, and more

Frequently Asked Questions

When you’re hunting for the perfect shipping container, start by understanding just what you need to ship. How many items are you dealing with? What’s their size and weight? Do they need a specific temperature to stay in good condition? Usually, shipping containers come in a few standard sizes – 20-foot and 40-foot are the most common, but you can also find 10-foot, 45-foot, and even 53-foot options. The standard heights are typically 8.5 feet or a slightly taller 9.5 feet.

Next on your to-do list? Grab your calculator. You’ll need to work out the overall volume of your items in cubic meters to gauge how much room they’ll need. Once you’ve got that figured out, it’s time to pick a container size. Make sure you give your items a little breathing space, too – you don’t want them crammed in. The kind of stuff you’re shipping also matters: depending on their nature, you may need a dry or refrigerated container. Finally, scrutinize the container for any signs of damage. Look for leaks, rust, or other defects that could be harmful to your items. Now you’re ready to make a smart, solid choice.

Shipping containers are incredibly versatile – they’ve been transformed into homes, offices, retail spaces, cafes, and so much more. These hardy units offer a modular, robust, and often wallet-friendly solution for construction. Yet, it’s important to know that converting these cargo carriers into liveable spaces isn’t without its hurdles.

For starters, you’ll need to add insulation and moisture barriers to make these spaces comfortable, and often some structural reinforcement to meet safety standards. Navigating the permitting and regulatory landscape can be tricky too – but don’t let that scare you! If done right, shipping container structures serve as a testament to sustainable construction, giving a new lease of life to pre-existing materials.

What’s more, they also allow for quick and easy on-site assembly, providing a flexibility that’s hard to beat. If you’re after simple storage spaces or unheated workspaces like sheds and workshops, shipping containers are a surprisingly cost-effective solution.

Shipping Container Dimensions & Sizes | 40 ft, 20 ft, 10 ft

Shipping Container Dimensions And Specs

Shipping Container Dimensions in Feet and Meters