In worldwide shipping, using standard containers is super important. These containers, which are strong enough to protect goods from the weather and keep them safe, are the foundation of trading between countries. It’s not only about the containers being watertight; their standard sizes are what let them be easily moved on ships and handled in ports all over the world.
What is a Standard Shipping Container?
An ISO shipping container, often referred to as an intermodal container, is a large steel box designed for transporting goods across the globe via cargo ships, trains, or trucks. These containers are standardized in terms of size and shape to facilitate easy loading, unloading, stacking, and transport, ensuring the cargo inside remains undisturbed. Each container is equipped with a CSC plate that certifies it has been inspected and meets international safety standards, adding an extra layer of security for transported goods.
Commonly, these containers measure 20 feet in length, though 40-foot variants are also available. They feature corrugated steel walls, wooden flooring, and double doors at one end for convenient access. The introduction of standard shipping containers, complete with CSC certification, has revolutionized global trade, significantly enhancing the efficiency of shipping goods worldwide using cargo ships and other means.
A Short Overview of the Shipping Container's History
Standard Container Sizes for Shipping
Standard 20 ft Shipping Container:
- Dimensions: Approximately 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet 6 inches high.
- Capacity: Can typically hold around 1,170 cubic feet of cargo.
Examples of What Fits:
- Approximately 10 standard pallets.
- Small vehicles like sedans or SUVs.
- Household items for a 1-2 bedroom apartment.
Standard 40 ft Shipping Container:
- Dimensions: Approximately 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet 6 inches high.
- Capacity: Can typically hold around 2,390 cubic feet of cargo.
Examples of What Fits:
- Approximately 21 standard pallets.
- Larger vehicles like trucks or multiple cars.
- Household items for a 3-4 bedroom house.
High Cube 20 ft Shipping Container:
- Dimensions: Approximately 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9 feet 6 inches high.
- Capacity: Can typically hold around 1,320 cubic feet of cargo.
Examples of What Fits:
- Additional vertical space for taller items.
- Tall machinery or equipment.
- Stacking goods or pallets with extra height.
High Cube 40 ft Shipping Container:
- Dimensions: Approximately 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9 feet 6 inches high.
- Capacity: Can typically hold around 2,680 cubic feet of cargo.
Examples of What Fits:
- Increased vertical clearance for stacking.
- Large machinery or construction equipment.
- Easy loading and unloading of tall items.
