External dimensions: ISO 668
The external dimensions of series 1 freight containers are set by ISO 668:
- width: 2,438 mm (8 ft) for all;
- length: 6,058 mm for the 20' and 12,192 mm for the 40';
- height: 2,591 mm (8'6") for standard containers and 2,896 mm (9'6") for High Cube.
As amended in 2022, the standard sets a maximum gross mass of 36,000 kg for 20' and 40' containers.
The real limit is on the plate. The maximum gross mass, tare and payload of each container are shown on its CSC plate and door, and are often lower than the ISO maximum (for example 30,480 or 32,500 kg). On the road leg, vehicle mass limits also apply.
Typical sizes and payloads
Reference inside values for the most common container types.
| Type | Inside dimensions (L × W × H) | Door opening (W × H) | Volume | Tare | Max payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' standard | 5,898 × 2,350 × 2,390 mm | 2,340 × 2,280 mm | 33.1 m³ | 2,150 kg | 28,330 kg |
| 40' standard | 12,032 × 2,350 × 2,390 mm | 2,340 × 2,280 mm | 67.6 m³ | 3,640 kg | 26,840 kg |
| 40' High Cube | 12,032 × 2,350 × 2,695 mm | 2,340 × 2,585 mm | 76.2 m³ | 3,700 kg | 28,800 kg |
| 20' open top | 5,898 × 2,350 × 2,348 mm | 2,340 × 2,280 mm roof 5,680 × 2,252 mm | 32.5 m³ | 2,240 kg | 28,240 kg |
| 40' open top | 12,022 × 2,350 × 2,348 mm | 2,340 × 2,280 mm roof 11,798 × 2,230 mm | 66.3 m³ | 3,880 kg | 26,600 kg |
| 20' flat rack | 5,568 × 2,194 × 2,213 mm between corner posts | — | — | 3,100 kg | 35,000 kg |
| 40' flat rack | 11,652 × 2,208 × 1,955 mm between corner posts | — | — | 6,200 kg | 38,800 kg |
| 20' reefer | 5,456 × 2,288 × 2,263 mm | 2,290 × 2,221 mm | 28.2 m³ | 2,810 kg | 27,670 kg |
| 40' reefer High Cube | 11,590 × 2,284 × 2,544 mm | 2,290 × 2,502 mm | 67.5 m³ | 4,490 kg | 30,510 kg |
Reference values published by the carrier Ocean Network Express (ONE). Individual containers may differ: the CSC plate and the specifications of the supplying line prevail.
Container types and when to use them
- 20' standard (dry): for dense, heavy goods such as metals or mechanical parts. The weight limit is often reached before the volume is filled.
- 40' standard: twice the length, for bulkier goods of similar weight.
- 40' High Cube: about 30 cm taller than the standard 40'. Useful for light, voluminous goods or tall packages.
- Open top: the roof is a removable tarpaulin. Loaded from above by crane, it accepts packages taller than the container.
- Flat rack: a platform with end walls, no side walls or roof. For heavy machinery and cargo that is out of gauge in width or height.
- Reefer: refrigerated container with its own cooling unit, for temperature-controlled goods. It must be powered throughout the journey, including land legs.
FCL and LCL: full container or groupage
FCL (Full Container Load): the container is all yours. It is loaded at your plant or at the forwarder's warehouse, sealed and travels closed to destination, subject to customs checks.
LCL (Less than Container Load), or groupage: your goods share a container with other shippers' cargo. You pay by volume or weight, according to the tariff. Goods are consolidated and then split in dedicated warehouses.
- FCL makes sense when volumes approach a container's capacity, when goods should not be handled or are of high value.
- LCL makes sense for a few pallets or cubic metres. There are more warehouse handlings, so packaging must be sturdy and well marked.
- There is no fixed threshold between the two: it depends on current rates. Ask for both quotes.
How to choose a container
- Collect the weight and dimensions of each package and check whether packages can be stacked.
- Compare total volume and weight with the volume and payload in the table, and with road transport limits.
- Out-of-gauge packages or top loading: open top or flat rack.
- Temperature-controlled goods: reefer.
- Dangerous goods: container, labels and documents under the IMDG Code.
- Wooden pallets and crates for non-EU countries: packaging compliant with ISPM 15.
- Distribute the weight evenly and secure the load. The reference is the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code).
- Before loading on board, the container's verified gross mass (VGM) must be declared, as required by the SOLAS Convention.
Sources
- ISO 668:2020/Amd 1:2022 – Series 1 freight containers, Classification, dimensions and ratings
- Ocean Network Express (ONE) – Container specifications
A container to arrange?
Send us the weight, dimensions and number of packages, origin and destination: we will tell you which container you need and send a quote.
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