Container Specs
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Standard Shipping Container Dimensions
Standard shipping containers are 8 feet wide, and 8.6 feet high for standard and 9.9 feet high for High Cube (the taller version) and are available in 20- and 40-foot lengths. The main purpose of this standardization is to ensure that containers can be stacked easily and be transported with the same ease. Standard shipping containers are typically made of CORTEN steel and reinforced wooden floor which can support a maximum load up to 40,000 lbs. However, that number could change depending on the container’s age or how well it has been maintained. A standard container also have two 270-degree outward opening doors that allow for easy access. If you’re in the market for a shipping container, it’s important to understand the dimensions and capacities of the different types of containers available.
Below are detailed specifications about each of the shipping containers we sell at McLaren Container Sales. This includes dimensions, max weights and some answers to questions that you might come across while shopping for a conex box. We want our customer to be as informed as possible in order to make an educated decision when it comes to the new & used shipping container for sale that fits your needs and if that container will be your best choice.
| Standard Shipping Container Dimensions Chart | ||||||
| Container Type | Length | Height | Width | |||
| External | Internal | External | Internal | External | Internal | |
| 20ft. Shipping Container | 20ft. (6.09m) | 19ft. 4in. (5.89m) | 8ft. 6in. (2.59m) | 7ft. 10in. (2.34m) | 8ft. (2.44m) | 7ft. 8in. (2.31m) |
| 40ft. Shipping Container | 40ft. (12.18m) | 39ft. 5in. (11.99m) | 8ft. 6in. (2.59m) | 7ft. 10in. (2.34m) | 8ft. (2.44m) | 7ft. 8in. (2.31m) |
| 20ft. High-Cube Shipping Container | 20ft. (6.09m) | 19ft. 4in. (5.89m) | 9ft. 6in. (2.90m) | 8ft. 8in. (2.64m) | 8ft. (2.44m) | 7ft. 7in. (2.31m) |
| 40ft. High-Cube Shipping Container | 40ft. (12.18m) | 39ft. 5in. (11.99m) | 9ft. 6in. (2.90m) | 8ft. 10in. (2.64m) | 8ft. (2.44m) | 7ft. 8in. (2.31m) |
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ISO shipping container dimensions
How can different countries from around the world manufacture containers and all of them be the same dimensions? The answer is the International Organization for Standardization or ISO for short. No matter where in the world containers come from, they have to be built to the same specifications so that they can be safely stacked and secured when traveling the world on cargo ships. All of the containers sold by McLaren Container Sales adhere to the ISO standard dimension requirements.
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What’s a typical size for a shipping container?
When shopping for a container, you will come across a few different sizes. The ISO standard container size is 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet tall. The length of the container is more of a customer preference, with the most common lengths being 20 foot shipping containers and 40 foot shipping containers.
High cube containers are also an option. A high cube container is one foot taller than the standard container and measure 9.5 feet tall. Even though containers must be built to ISO standards, there can be slight variations depending on the manufacturer.
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Shipping container weights
When choosing which size shipping container to use, the size and weight of your payload will have to be taken into account. ISO 20 foot containers can hold around 62,788 lbs. of payload while the ISO 40 foot container can hold around 59,547 lbs.
There are three different weights to consider when choosing a container. The first is the tare weight which is the weight of the container without a payload. Basically what the container weighs by itself. Second is the gross weight. This is the weight of the container plus its maximum payload. Lastly, we have the payload weight which is the most weight a particular container can hold.
Shipping Containers Dimensions
- Gross capacity: 60,850 lbs.
- Payload: 56,000 lbs.
- Tare weight: 4,850 lbs.
These shipping containers have the capacity equivalent to a one-car garage. Not only are they great for shipping and storage, they can also be custom modified into a mobile office, restrooms and many other DIY projects. With 1,169 cubic feet of space, these shipping containers offer plenty of room for storage.
- Gross capacity: 62,719 lbs.
- Payload: 57,869 lbs.
- Tare weight: 5,050 lbs.
If even more space is required, we offer a “high cube” version of the 20 foot container. This bumps up the cubic feet of space to 1,444. This will allow for bulkier cargo or a room with higher ceilings if you plan on making the container into a living space or office giving you container for cabin.
- Gross capacity: 66,139 lbs.
- Payload: 57,759 lbs.
- Tare weight: 8,380 lbs.
If you are looking for the most space at the best price, the 40-ft shipping container is the way to go. With 2,385 cubic feet of space, you will have plenty of room for storage or shipping of machinery, raw materials and more. These containers can also be converted into classrooms, ticket kiosks, offices and more.
- Gross capacity: 68,008 lbs.
- Payload: 57,759 lbs.
- Tare weight: 8,380 lbs.
As with the high cube in the 20 ft shipping container, the 40 foot high cube gains some capacity due to the extra foot of storage space. This just increases the value of the 40 ft shipping container also resulting in 2,660 cubic feet of storage space. This is as much as a two car garage!