SHIPPING REFERENCE

Container Dimensions

Compare common shipping container sizes before quoting, packing, or planning an ocean freight shipment. Figures below are planning references from carrier-published specifications and must be confirmed against the actual container and CSC plate before loading.

STANDARD DRY CONTAINERS

Common container sizes

Each container type is shown separately so buyers can compare length, height, capacity, door opening, and payload before planning a shipment.

20' Standard Dry container dimensions illustration

20GP / STANDARD DRY

20' Standard Dry

Internal: 5,900 x 2,352 x 2,393 mm / 232.3 x 92.6 x 94.2 in / 19.36 x 7.72 x 7.85 ft
Door opening: 2,340 x 2,280 mm / 92.1 x 89.8 in
Capacity: 33.2 CBM / about 1,170 cu ft
Payload: about 28,275 kg planning average from CMA CGM and Maersk.

Shorter container for dense cargo, small project loads, or shipments that reach weight limits before filling a 40' box.

40' Standard Dry container dimensions illustration

40GP / STANDARD DRY

40' Standard Dry

Internal: 12,034 x 2,352 x 2,395 mm / 473.8 x 92.6 x 94.3 in / 39.48 x 7.72 x 7.86 ft
Door opening: 2,340 x 2,280 mm / 92.1 x 89.8 in
Capacity: about 67.75 CBM carrier average
Payload: about 28,825 kg on high-gross units; lower-rated units may be about 26,760 kg.

Most general cargo when length and cube matter more than extra height.

40' High Cube Dry container dimensions illustration

40HC / HIGH CUBE

40' High Cube Dry

Internal: 12,034 x 2,352 x 2,700 mm / 473.8 x 92.6 x 106.3 in / 39.48 x 7.72 x 8.86 ft
Door opening: 2,340 x 2,585 mm / 92.1 x 101.8 in
Capacity: 76.4 CBM / about 2,700 cu ft
Payload: about 28,735 kg on high-gross units; lower-rated units may be about 26,760 kg.

Tall cartons, stacked light cargo, bulkier products, or cargo plans where extra height improves loading efficiency.

45' High Cube Dry container dimensions illustration

45HC / HIGH CUBE

45' High Cube Dry

Internal: 13,556 x 2,352 x 2,700 mm / 533.7 x 92.6 x 106.3 in / 44.48 x 7.72 x 8.86 ft
Door opening: 2,340 x 2,585 mm / 92.1 x 101.8 in
Capacity: 86.0 CBM / about 3,040 cu ft
Payload: about 26,715 kg planning average from CMA CGM and Maersk.

Longer, higher-cube cargo plans where 40HC volume is not enough and route equipment availability is confirmed.

What the numbers mean

Internal dimensions describe usable inside space. Door opening is often smaller than the internal width and height, so oversized pallets, frames, gates, equipment, and bundled metalwork must be checked against the door. Payload depends on the actual max gross rating, tare weight, route rules, road limits, and weight distribution.

Special Container Types

  • Open Top

    Used when cargo is too tall or must be loaded from above. CMA CGM lists 20' open top capacity around 32 CBM and 40' open top capacity around 66 CBM. Maersk and CMA CGM 20' open top payload references average about 28,295 kg.

  • Flat Rack

    Used for oversized, heavy, over-width, or over-height cargo. CMA CGM and Maersk 40' high flat rack payload references are close, averaging about 47,350 kg, but the actual unit and route must be confirmed.

  • Reefer

    Temperature-controlled containers have less usable internal volume because of insulation and machinery. Carrier reefer models vary significantly, so confirm the exact reefer type, temperature range, payload, and usable cargo height.

  • Tank / Platform

    Tank, platform, and special equipment should be handled as equipment-specific quotes. Confirm cargo type, hazardous status, fittings, loading method, route acceptance, and carrier approval before pricing.

    Loading Checklist

    • 1. Cargo dimensions

      Send packed length, width, height, unit weight, stackability, and whether the cargo can be tilted, nested, or bundled.

    • 2. Packing method

      Confirm cartons, pallets, crates, steel frames, loose bundles, moisture protection, bracing, and forklift access.

    • 3. Weight distribution

      Dense metal products may need a loading plan even when total weight is under the listed payload. Axle limits and route rules still apply.

    • 4. Final confirmation

      Before release, confirm CSC plate, tare, max gross, payload, condition, seal, photos, and carrier or forwarder acceptance.

      DATA BASIS

      Carrier data reviewed before publishing

      Data was cross-checked against CMA CGM and Maersk carrier references. MSC was used to confirm the standard dry cargo container families. Where carrier payload values differ, the page uses a practical planning average or range and keeps the final decision tied to the actual container, CSC plate, carrier rules, and loading inspection.

      References: CMA CGM Containers, Maersk cargo weight limit, and MSC Dry Cargo.