What are the standard sizes of shipping containers?
Shipping containers come in various sizes, but the two most common are the 20-foot and 40-foot containers.
- 20-foot container: This container has a length of 20 feet, a width of 8 feet, and a height of 8 feet 6 inches. It is often referred to as a “Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit” or TEU.
- 40-foot container: With double the length of a 20-foot container, this type measures 40 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8 feet 6 inches in height. These containers are commonly known as “Forty-foot Equivalent Unit” or FEU.
What are the internal and external dimensions of shipping containers?
The internal and external dimensions of shipping containers may vary slightly, so it’s important to consider these differences when planning your shipment.
For a standard 20-foot container, the internal dimensions are typically about 19 feet 4 inches in length, 7 feet 8 inches in width, and 7 feet 9 inches in height. The external dimensions, as mentioned earlier, are 20 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8 feet 6 inches in height.
In the case of a 40-foot container, the internal dimensions are approximately 39 feet 5 inches in length, 7 feet 8 inches in width, and 7 feet 9 inches in height. The external dimensions remain the same as 40 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8 feet 6 inches in height.
Are there other sizes of shipping containers?
Apart from the standard 20-foot and 40-foot containers, there are also other sizes available to cater to specific cargo needs. These include:
- 10-foot containers: These are less common but can be useful for smaller shipments.
- 45-foot containers: These containers offer slightly more space than the standard 40-foot containers.
- High-cube containers: These containers have a greater height of 9 feet 6 inches instead of 8 feet 6 inches, providing additional vertical space.
Shipping containers are essential components of the global trade industry and understanding their sizes and dimensions is crucial for effective logistics planning. Whether you are shipping goods overseas or simply curious about container sizes, knowing the standard 20-foot and 40-foot containers, as well as the additional options available, will help you navigate the world of international shipping with ease.
Remember, when planning your shipment, it’s important to consider both the external and internal dimensions of the containers to ensure your goods fit securely and are transported safely.