Typical ISO (International Standards Organization) shipping containers are manufactured with identical size specification in terms of exterior height, exterior width, and exterior length. The standardization of containers and the adoption of the ISO specification is to insure that all equipment handlers, chassis, rail cars, and slot spaces on vessels will accommodate all containers. This guide is designed to help you become informed about container uses, common questions and problems.
| Typical Dimensions | ||||||||
| Exterior | Interior | Door Opening | ||||||
| Length | Width | Height | Length | Width | Height | Width | Height | |
| 20′ Standard Dry Container | 20′ | 8′ | 8’6″ | 19’3″ | 7’8″ | 7′ 9 7/8″ | 7’8″ | 7’5″ |
| 40′ Standard Dry Container | 40′ | 8′ | 8’6″ | 39′ 5″ | 7’8″ | 7′ 9 7/8″ | 7’8″ | 7’5″ |
| 40′ High Cube Dry Container | 40′ | 8′ | 9’6″ | 39′ 5″ | 7’8″ | 8′ 10″ | 7’8″ | 8′ 5 1/2″ |
| 45′ High Cube Dry Container | 45′ | 8′ | 9’6″ | 44′ 5″ | 7’8″ | 8′ 10″ | 7’8″ | 8′ 5 1/2″ |
| 20′ Refrigerated Container | 19′ 10.5″ | 8′ | 8’6″ | 17′ 11″ | 7’6″ | 7’6″* | 7”5″ | 7’3″ |
| 40′ Refrigerated Container | 40′ | 8′ | 8’6″ | 37′ 11″ | 7’6″ | 7’6″* | 7”6″ | 7’6″ |
| 40′ High Cube Refrigerated Container | 40′ | 8′ | 9’6″ | 37′ 11″ | 7’6″ | 8’4″* | 7”6″ | 8’4″ |
| Cubic Capacity | Container Type | Tare Weight | Max Gross | Max Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20′ | Standard Dry Container 1,165 cu. ft. | 5,050 | 67,200 | 62,150 |
| 40′ | Standard Dry Container 2,350 cu. ft. | 8,000 | 67,200 | 59,200 |
| 40′ | High Cube Dry Container 2,694 cu. ft. | 8,775 | 67,200 | 58,425 |
| 45′ | High Cube Dry Container 3,043 cu. ft. | 9,810 | 72,800 | 62,990 |
| 20′ | Refrigerated Container 1,010 cu. ft. (967)** | 6,503 | 52,800 | 46,407 |
| 40′ | Refrigerated Container 2,051 cu. ft. (1,959)** | 9,700 | 67,200 | 57,450 |
| 40′ | High Cube Refrigerated 2,380 cu. ft. (2,289)** | 9,590 | 70,550 | 60,960 |