Understanding sea container dimensions is crucial for anyone involved in logistics, shipping, construction, or even those considering alternative housing solutions.
These common steel boxes are essential for global trade. Their standard sizes make transport and handling easier across different transport methods.
This article will look at the common sizes and dimensions of sea containers. We will explore their types and uses. This will help you understand them better.
Why Standardizing Sea Container Dimensions Matters?
The journey of a shipping container is fascinating. From cargo ships traversing vast oceans to becoming essential components of storage and construction solutions, these steel boxes are indispensable.
The Complete Process Behind Manufacturing Sea Can Containers adds depth to understanding how these containers come into being. The standardization of sea container dimensions is largely due to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which sets the standards for these intermodal containers.
Common Sea Container Dimensions: A Detailed Overview
While there is a wide range of sea cargo container dimensions, the most common are the 10-foot, 20-foot, and 40-foot containers, each with a standard width of approximately 8 feet.
These are often referred to as Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) and Forty-Foot Equivalent Units (FEUs).
The height of these containers can vary between standard height (8 feet 6 inches) and high cube (9 feet 6 inches), providing additional storage volume.
10-foot Sea Containers
The 10-foot container is the smallest common size and is ideal for smaller cargo loads or when space is a constraint.
Its external dimensions are approximately 9’ 10.5” long, 8’ wide, and 8’ 6” high, with internal dimensions about 9’ 3” long, 7’ 8” wide, and 7’ 10” high.
This size is commonly used for storage, compact mobile offices, pop-up shops, and workshops.
20-foot Sea Containers
The 20-foot shipping container, often referred to as a TEU, is the most common shipping container dimensions and offers versatility for a wide range of goods.
Its external dimensions are roughly 20’ long, 8’ wide, and 8’ 6” high, with internal dimensions approximately 19’ 3” long, 7’ 8” wide, and 7’ 10” high.
The door opening measures about 7’ 8” wide and 7’ 5” high. This container is widely used for shipping goods, storing bulky items, and for various modification projects, such as homes, cafes, and offices.
40-foot Sea Containers
The 40-foot sea container, or FEU, is another widely used size for transporting larger volumes of goods and bulky cargo.
Its external dimensions are around 40’ long, 8’ wide, and 8’ 6” high, with internal dimensions approximately 39’ 5” long, 7’ 8” wide, and 7’ 10” high.
The door opening measures about 7’ 8” wide and 7’ 5” high. This size is ideal for shipping large-volume goods, long-term storage of machinery, and constructing modular buildings.
The 40ft shipping container is often only about 30% more expensive than a 20-foot unit, making it a cost-effective choice when more space is needed.
High Cube Containers
A high cube sea container’s dimensions are similar to a standard container in terms of length and width but offer an additional foot taller than standard ones.
The standard height of a sea container is typically 8 feet 6 inches, while a high cube container height is 9 feet 6 inches, giving you that extra foot of vertical space for more storage capacity.
- Common sizes include 20ft, 40ft, and 45ft.
- The added extra height provides greater capacity, making them ideal for storing and transporting bulky or oversized items.
- Internal height: Approximately 8’ 10”.
- High cube shipping containers are easily identifiable by the black and yellow tape next to the corner castings.
Other Container Sizes
While 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft containers are the most common, other sizes are also available, including 8-foot and 45-foot containers.
The 45-foot containers are useful for specific needs that require larger storage capacities.
Additionally, there are 53-foot containers, which are wider at 8.6 feet and are made to rail standards, offering more space for certain types of cargo.
Specific Sea Container Types and Their Dimensions
Besides the standard dry containers, there are various specialized containers designed for specific purposes. Here’s an overview of some common types:
Open-Top Containers
Open-top containers are designed for cargo that is too large or awkwardly shaped to be loaded through standard doors. Cargo is loaded from above using cranes.
They are available in standard sizes like 20ft and 40ft. A 40ft open-top container has internal dimensions of approximately 12.03m in length, 2.4m in width, and 2.34m in height.
Flat Rack Containers
Flat rack containers have collapsible sides and are suited for heavy or oversized cargo. These containers essentially lack sidewalls and a roof, allowing for easy loading of large items.
They are commonly used for items like heavy machinery, construction materials, or oversized vehicles. A 40-foot flat rack container is often used for oversized cargo that doesn’t fit in a regular container.
Refrigerated Containers (Reefers)
Refrigerated containers, or reefers, maintain a controlled temperature for perishable goods. They come fitted with cooling systems and thermal-resistant walls.
Common sizes include 20ft and 40ft, with a 40ft reefer having internal dimensions of approximately 11.56m in length, 2.28m in width, and 2.25m in height. Reefers can maintain temperatures ranging from -30°C to +30°C.
Tank Containers
Tank containers are cylindrical containers used for transporting liquids, gases, and powders. They are essential in industries like chemicals and food, often used for transporting oils, wines, and hazardous chemicals.
These containers are built for long-lasting strength and secure transport.
Tunnel or Double-Door Containers
Double-door containers are designed with access points at both ends, offering enhanced convenience for loading and unloading cargo.
This design is particularly useful for long items that can be loaded from one end and unloaded from the other.
They are available in sizes like 20ft and 40ft. A 40ft double-door container typically has internal dimensions of 12.03m in length, 2.4m in width, and 2.39m in height.
Insulated Containers
Insulated containers maintain a stable internal environment, protecting contents from external temperature fluctuations.
They are ideal for transporting perishable items like food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Insulated containers are available in 20ft and 40ft options.
Pallet Wide Containers
European pallet-wide containers are designed for the efficient transportation of Euro pallets, offering slightly wider interior dimensions.
A 40-foot Pallet-wide container can hold up to 30 Euro-pallets, offering more capacity than the standard 40-foot container, which fits 25 pallets.
The typical internal dimensions of a 40-foot Pallet-wide container are about 12.1 meters in length, 2.44 meters in width, and 2.38 meters in height.
Side Opening Containers
Side-opening containers feature doors that open along the long side of the container, making access easier.
They are useful for loading and unloading specific pallets of goods and are available in both 20ft and 40ft variants.
Storage Container Capacity: Understanding the Volume
Storage container capacity is measured in cubic feet or cubic meters, and it refers to the total volume of space available inside the container. Here is an overview of the storage capacities:
Cubic Capacity of Standard Containers
- 10ft container: Approximately 563 cubic feet.
- 20ft container: Roughly 1,172 cubic feet.
- 40ft container: Around 2,389 cubic feet.
- 40ft high cube container: Approximately 2,694.5 cubic feet.
- 45ft high cube: About 3,036 cubic feet.
- 53ft high cube: Around 3,850 cubic feet.
- These measurements can vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer but are generally approximate.
Weights of Sea Containers
In addition to dimensions, understanding container weights is important. There are three key weight measurements to know:
- Tare weight refers to the weight of an empty container, excluding any cargo or contents inside.
- For example, an empty 20 feet wide container weighs about 2,100kg.
- The tare weight of a 40ft container is approximately 3,800 kg.
- Payload: This is the weight of the cargo that the container can hold.
- For a 20ft container, the payload is just over 28,000kg.
- Maximum Gross Weight (MGW): This is the total permitted weight of the container and its cargo combined.
- It is equal to the Tare weight plus the Payload.
Choosing the Right Sea Container Dimension
Selecting the right shipping container sizes depends on several factors, including:
- Purpose of Use: Determine whether you need the container for cargo shipping, storage, or modification.
- Cargo Size and Volume: Consider the size and volume of your cargo.
- Budget: Evaluate the costs associated with different container sizes.
- Accessibility and Handling: Ensure that the container size aligns with your logistical needs and handling equipment.
The Versatility of Shipping Containers
The versatility of shipping containers extends beyond their primary function of transporting goods. They have been repurposed for numerous applications, including:
- Storage: Providing secure and weatherproof storage solutions.
- Office Spaces: Converted into mobile or on-site offices.
- Housing: Used to build modular homes, apartments, and even restaurants.
- Workshops: Transformed into practical and mobile workshop spaces.
- Commercial Spaces: Used as pop-up shops or cafes.
- Ablution Blocks: Converted for use as a bathroom or shower facilities.
- First Aid Rooms: Providing a safe and clean space to treat individuals.
- Accommodation: Used to create comfortable housing for remote projects.
ISO and IICL Standards
The ISO 668 standard is the globally recognized framework for shipping containers, classifying them according to their external dimensions while specifying ratings and minimum internal measurements.
This standard ensures uniformity and consistency in container specifications, which is crucial for efficient international shipping.
In addition to the ISO standard, the International Institute of Container Lessors (IICL) plays a key role in setting the standards for used containers. The IICL’s guidelines focus on ensuring that containers are suitable for reuse and continue to meet high safety and quality standards.
One of their key classifications, the IICL-5 grade, is known for its high structural integrity.
Containers with this grade are often preferred for their reliability and durability, making them a popular choice for shipping companies that require robust, long-lasting containers for international transport.
Conclusion
Understanding sea container dimensions is essential for effective logistics and project planning.
If you are shipping goods, need additional storage space, or are considering a container conversion project, this guide provides a detailed overview of the common sizes and types of shipping containers available.
By considering your specific needs, you can select the most suitable container for your requirements, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Affordable Sea Containers from On-Site Storage Solutions
On-Site Storage Solutions provides reliable, secure, and convenient sea containers in a variety of sizes, ranging from 20 feet to 40 feet, ideal for residential, commercial, and custom projects.
We offer storage solutions for personal items, business inventory, or container conversions into offices, homes, or workshops, all at affordable prices that meet your needs.
With nationwide coverage across the United States and Canada, our weatherproof and durable containers are delivered directly to your site, ensuring easy access and peace of mind.
Call (888) 977-9085 today to find the perfect container and experience exceptional service!
