If you want to know the dimensions and differences of freight containers, here is an overview of the main models. The most commonly used cargo containers.
Containers for goods: dimensions and differences
20-foot container
The standard 20-foot container or dry van is one of the most common. It is mainly used to ship goods in international maritime transport. So it is one of the most used and seen.
As for its measurements, according to the international system, they are as follows:
- Exterior: 6.10 meters long x 2.44 meters wide x 2.59 meters high for the exterior.
- Interior: 5,898 meters long x 2,352 meters wide x 2,393 meters high.
- Useful capacity (volume): 32,6 m³
The weight of an empty 20-foot container is about 2,300 kg and can carry a load of about 28 tons, 28,000 kg. However, the cargo depends a lot on the shipping company’s restrictions, what it contains or the shipment.
40-foot container
The standard 40-foot container or dry van is also very common for carrying goods in maritime transport.
Its dimensions are as follows:
- Exterior: 12.19 meters long x 2.44 meters wide x 2.59 meters high.
- Interior: 39 feet 6 inches long x 7 feet 9 inches wide x 7 feet 10 inches high.
- Capacity (volume): 67.7 m³.
The weight of an empty 40-foot container is 3,750 kg. It can carry a load of about 29 tons, i.e. 29,000 kilograms. May vary.
Types of maritime containers
Although dry van is the standard, there are more:
- Dry van: the standard container, hermetically sealed and without any ventilation or refrigeration.
- Metallic: similar to the standard ones but not hermetically sealed and without refrigeration.
- High cube: are standard and 40 feet.
- Reefer: refrigerated containers of 20 or 40 feet. They have a cold and heat preservation system and thermostat.
- Open Top: they are open at the top.
- Flat Rack: no side walls.
- Open side: it is open on one side; 20 or 40 feet.
- Tank: for transporting bulk liquids. The dimensions are similar to those of a dry van.
- Flexi-Tank: alternative to the above. It is usually standard 20 feet.
These are the main types of maritime containers, their different types and sizes. We hope you found it interesting!
