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