GENERAL INFORMATION
External and minimum shipping container internal dimensions (according to ISO)
The following table summarizes the overall and minimum shipping container internal dimensions defined in ISO 668. General-purpose containers are classified by ISO 668, which specifies the following ISO container sizes, container specs, and other general parameters:
Maximum gross weights: 20′ containers: For general-purpose containers, the maximum container capacity is up to 32,500 kg (71,650 lbs), while for Flatracks it is up to 45,000 kg (99,207 lbs). 40′ and 45′ containers: For general-purpose containers, the maximum weight is 32,500 kg (71,650 lbs). For Flatracks, this is up to 60,000 kg (123,276 lbs) and for reefer containers, it’s up to 35,000 kg (77,161 lbs). Weight limits for road and rail transport: Contact any On-Site Storage Solution office near you for individually valid restrictions.
Floor loads: A forklift truck with a maximum axle load of 5,460 kg (12,037 lbs) might be loaded onto a container floor if the contact surface area per wheel is at least 142 cm2 (22 in2), whereas steel-floor containers can carry up to 9,200 kg (20,282 lbs), as long as they comply with ISO 1496/I.
The maximum spread load should not exceed: for 20′ containers: 4.8 tons (10,582 lbs) per running meter in length, 7.6 tons (16,755 lbs) for steel floor containers only for 40′ containers: 3 tons per running meter in length, and 6.0 tons (6,614 lbs) for steel-floor containers only load must not exceed maximum payload
The gooseneck tunnel on 40′ high cube shipping containers allows the container to fit on a gooseneck chassis and still be under 14’ high. This gooseneck tunnel is a recessed area on the floor that is covered by metal at the bulkhead (front end) of the container. The recessed area allows the 40’ high cube container to sit lower on the chassis which enables the container to meet height restrictions for most bridges and overpasses.
Timber treatment: Timber exposed to the elements is made ready according to Australian, European, Chinese, and American standards.
Container markings: Containers display the ISO size type code.
Tolerances internal dimensions The interior dimensions and door apertures of On-Site Storage Solutions’ containers meet ISO requirements. The figures given on the following pages are mere approximations. A variation in measurement is possible as a result of manufacturing tolerances:
DRY VAN CONTAINERS
Dry van (DV) shipping containers are another name for general purpose containers. These DV containers are the same ones seen stacked on ships, transported by trucks, and in stacks at ports. These dry van shipping containers might have different door configurations depending on their use.
20' GENERAL PURPOSE CONTAINERS
- Any type of freight is suitable.
- Liner bags for bulk cargo, such as malt, might be added to containers.
- Allowable 20ft container height: 170 mm (ground level to interior floor surface, tolerance deviation possible)
- There are three distinct lashing systems on the top and bottom longitudinal rails, as well as four corner posts, with a permissible max weight of 20’ containers which is 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs) each.
- Lashing rings on each top longitudinal rail, are especially effective for transporting hanging garment equipment
- Most containers were assessed and certified for ONE-DOOR-OFF OPERATION, but with a restricted stack weight. (Allows for the container to be shipped with 1 door open or off)
- Maximum container load weights indicated may exceed permissible weight limits for road and rail transport.
40' GENERAL PURPOSE CONTAINER
- Any type of freight is suitable.
- Liner bags for bulk cargo, such as malt, might be added to containers.
- Allowable floor height: 170 mm (ground level to interior floor surface, tolerance deviation possible)
- Lashing rings on each top longitudinal rail, especially effective for transporting hanging garment equipment
- Most containers were assessed and certified for ONE-DOOR-OFF OPERATION, but with a restricted stack weight. (Allows for the container to be shipped with 1 door open or off)
- The maximum container load indicated may exceed permissible 40 feet container weight limits for road and rail transport.
40' HIGH CUBE GENERAL PURPOSE CONTAINER (9'6"/ 2.9m)
- Suitable for large objects weighing up to 2.70 m (8′ 10¼”) in height
- The height of a shipping container from the ground to the interior floor surface is 170 mm. (tolerance deviation possible)
- There are a variety of lashings systems with a maximum load of 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs) on each top and bottom longitudinal rails and corner posts.
- Lashing rings on each top longitudinally running rail, particularly good for transporting hanging garment equipment.
- The majority of containers have been tested and certified for ONE-DOOR-OFF OPERATION, but with a limited stack weight. (Allows for the container to be shipped with 1 door open or off)
- Consider the possibility of over-height vehicles (bridges, clearances, tunnels, and so on) for inland transportation.
45' HIGH CUBE GENERAL PURPOSE CONTAINER (9'6"/2.9m)
- Suitable for large objects weighing up to 2.70 m (8′ 10¼”) in height
- The shipping container height from the ground to the interior floor surface is 170 mm. (tolerance deviation possible)
- There are a variety of lashings systems with a maximum load of 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs) on each top and bottom longitudinal rails and corner posts.
- Lashing rings on each top longitudinally running rail, particularly good for transporting hanging garment equipment.
- The majority of containers have been tested and certified for ONE-DOOR-OFF OPERATION but with a limited stack weight. (Allows for the container to be shipped with 1 door open or off)
- Consider the possibility of over-height vehicles (bridges, clearances, tunnels, and so on) for inland transportation.
REFRIGERATED CONTAINERS
Also known as Reefers are insulated shipping containers that are used to transport temperature-sensitive cargo. They are usually fitted with a refrigeration unit that controls the temperature inside the container.
20’ REFRIGERATED CONTAINER (TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED)
- Low CO2 footprint due to less power-consuming refrigeration technology
- Pre-trip inspection (PTI) and maintenance procedure before each shipment
- This structure was designed and tested to fulfill or even surpass industrial criteria and regulations
- Constant high circulation for perishable items ensures the best temperature control
- Hygienically planned sealing-free container with side lining to protect the scuff lining
- Approved for cold treatment control, such as the USDA’s requirement that it be insulated with contemporary methods.
- Low tare weight = greater payload due to the container’s construction.
- Dedicated equipment available for non-foodstuff cargoes
- The unit has a -40°C to +30°C temperature range for maintaining temperature control
- This unit is also designed to maintain a positive temperature in the surrounding environment of up to 50°C.
- Multi-temperature setting (MTS) option available
- “On-demand” defrosting assists in avoiding unnecessary heat supply
- Reefer containers equipped with dehumidification option (including sensor)
- Maximum stowage height indicated by the red line inside the container in order to ensure proper air circulation
- ATO-DLO certified by Agrotechnological Research Institute e.g. for flower bulb transportation, bulb mode option available
- All containers are suitable for shore power supply, voltages: 380V / 50 Hz to 460V / 60Hz
- Refrigerated Container (Temperature Controlled Container)
40’ REFRIGERATED CONTAINER (TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED)
- Low CO2 footprint due to less power-consuming refrigeration technology
- Pre-Trip Inspection (PTI) and maintenance procedure prior to each shipment
- This structure was designed and tested to fulfill or even surpass industrial criteria and regulations
- Constant high circulation for perishable items ensures the best temperature control
- Hygienically planned sealing-free container with side lining to protect the scuff lining
- Approved for cold treatment control, such as the USDA’s requirement that it be insulated with contemporary methods.
- Low 40 ft container empty weight means greater payload due to the container’s construction.
- Dedicated equipment available for non-foodstuff cargoes
- The unit has a -40°C to +30°C temperature range for maintaining temperature control
- This unit is also designed to maintain a positive temperature in the surrounding environment of up to 50°C.
- Multi-temperature setting (MTS) option available
- “On-demand” defrosting assists to avoid unnecessary heat supply
- Reefer containers equipped with de-humidification option (including sensor)
- Maximum stowage height indicated by a red line inside the container in order to ensure proper air circulation
- ATO-DLO certified by Agrotechnological Research Institute e.g. for flower bulb transportation, bulb mode option available
- All containers are suitable for shore power supply, voltages: 380V / 50 Hz to 460V / 60Hz
INSULATED SHIPPING CONTAINER
- Non-working refrigerated shipping containers are also known as insulated containers or non-operating reefer containers (NOR) and they usually have one set of double doors on the end.
- These containers are insulated but do not use integrated electric refrigeration for high-powered cooling. Still, because of their significant insulation, non-working reefers protect products from severe temperature variations and the risk of mold or condensation damage far better than standard shipping containers.
SPECIALITY SHIPPING CONTAINERS
Specialty shipping containers have been adapted to transport unusual cargo that won’t fit inside the typical big metal shipping containers. From transporting oversized machinery to liquids, there’s a specialty container for every need.
COLLAPSIBLE FLAT RACK SHIPPING CONTAINER
- These flat rack shipping containers are suitable for big items and oversized freight
- Modified bottom construction designed for loads up to 60,000 kg ( 123.276 lbs) G
- Gooseneck tunnel on both ends of 40′ platforms
- Australian standards have been applied to ensure that the timber was treated according to requirements.
- The corner posts, longitudinal rails, and base ends have a lot of powerful lashing devices.
- Allows for the transportation of heavy loads on a small load surface area.
- If you have any special demands for large or hefty goods that exceed the platform capacity, please contact your On-Site Storage Solutions office.
- The static load for 40′ platforms is up to 85,000 kg (187,390 lbs) as a foundation base when shipping break bulk.
Difference between Flat Racks
Flat Rack Container Specifications and Dimensions
NON- COLLAPSIBLE FLAT RACK SHIPPING CONTAINER
- Suitable for big items and oversized freight
- Fork-lift pockets for loaded containers are available on all models.
- The corner posts, longitudinal rails, and base ends have a lot of powerful lashing devices.
- Each lash device may carry a weight of up to 5,00kg (11,023 lbs).
- If the total floor area of the flat rack is utilized, the maximum payload can only be employed if all goods are equally distributed.
- The payload is reduced as the weight of heavy loads is decreased. Please contact your On-Site Storage Solutions workplace for stowage recommendations.
- Stanchions are not included with flat racks. If stanchions are necessary, please notify us upon booking.
- Twist locks and spring-assisted collapsible end walls interlock 7 units to make an 8’6″ high pile.
- Australian standards have been applied to ensure that the timber was treated according to requirements. It is absolutely prohibited to weld on flat racks.
OPEN SIDE SHIPPING CONTAINER
- A side-opening container, also known as an open-sided container, is a shipping container with two extra pairs of bi-fold doors on one of the longer sides in addition to the normal, lockable double doors on one end.
- It is also known as a ventilated container because it features four sides with doors. This allows the air to enter and exit the container, which keeps the produce fresher for longer.
- Side doors have a bi-fold function, allowing for two different aperture sizes. If you’re dealing with a 20-foot side opening container for example, the first hinges that swing open nearest to the container’s center make for an eight-foot aperture. You can then expand the side doors even more to create a gap that allows for almost a 20-foot access. As a result, these are frequently known as “full-side access containers.”
OPEN TOP SHIPPING CONTAINER
- Open Top Containers (OTCs) are a kind of container unit with a unique design. It features an open-top that is draped by a tarpaulin.
- It’s designed to store heavy, bulky items that traditional containers can’t handle.
- The top of the container is also accessible through broad open-top doors on either side, allowing normal products to flow through.
- Most of these covers have heavy-duty design specifications and are held in place by clamp locks that cannot be opened without a specific gadget.
Related: The Hidden Potential of the Top of Shipping Container
Open Top Container Specifications and Dimensions
DUO-CON SHIPPING CONTAINER
- Duo-Con shipping containers are 20-foot containers split in half into two 10-foot containers for easy transport.
- Once the Duo-Con arrives, it is cut in half along the special panel to form the two 10-foot containers.
- The two containers are joined together with the front walls, which must be welded to the containers to create a standard 10-foot shipping container.
Duo-Con Container Specifications and Dimensions
TANK SHIPPING CONTAINER
- A tank shipping container is a cylindrical-shaped container that is used to store and transport dangerous and non-hazardous goods.
- ISO tanks are the safest containers for such delicate goods since they are composed of stainless steel and have an insulating and protective layer of aluminum or polyurethane. The most common types of goods and products transported in ISO tanks are:
- Liquids
- Gasses
- Powders
- Chemicals
- Perishable and non-perishable food items
- ISO-compliant tanks are suitable for intermodal transportation. They also come in 20, 40, and 45-foot versions. However, capacity is the most important factor to consider when selecting a tank container.
- It’s critical to remember that the tank should be at least 80% full at all times. This will avoid the surge during transit.
- Similarly, you’ll want to make sure the tank is less than 95% full to allow for thermal expansion.
SHIPPING CONTAINER CHASSIS
- A container chassis or intermodal chassis is a wheeled device used to transport containers between ports, warehouses, and terminals.
- A steel framework with tires and axle systems makes up a chassis. It also includes suspension, braking, and lighting systems.
- A basic chassis can transport two ISO containers (20ft and 40ft) on two axles.
- A tri-axle chassis is required to transport a 20 ft container weight or 40 ft container weight of 36,000 pounds or 44,000 pounds, respectively.
The following table shows the various container size and type codes according to ISO 6346:
CONTAINER SIZE TYPE CODES ACCORDING TO ISO 6346
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The standard dimensions of storage containers are 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.6 feet high. While high cube containers are one foot taller than ordinary shipping containers, with an outer height of 9 feet, 6 inches and an inside dimension of 8 feet, 10 inches.
The width of a standard shipping container is approximately 2.43 meters (7.8 feet). However, it’s important to note that container dimensions can vary slightly between different companies and types of containers.
ISO shipping containers have standard dimensions of 8ft (2.43m) in width and 8.5ft (2.59m) in height. They are available in two lengths: 20ft (6.06m) and 40ft (12.2m). Additionally, there are high-cube containers that are extra tall, measuring 9.5ft (2.89m) in height.
The standard dimensions of a freight container are approximately 7.8ft (2.3m) in width, 7.9ft (2.3m) in height, and lengths of 20ft (5.9m) or 40ft (12.03m). High-cube containers are taller at 9.6ft (2.89m).
The tare weight of an empty cargo container falls within the range of 2.5 to 4.79 metric tonnes, equivalent to approximately 5,050 to 9,590 pounds. The exact weight is influenced by factors like the container’s dimensions and construction characteristics.
Cargo containers come in various dimensions. The most common lengths are 10, 20, and 40 feet, with a width of approximately 8 feet. Standard containers have a height of 8 feet 6 inches, while high cube containers have a height of 9 feet 6 inches. However, it’s important to remember that these measurements can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.
The dimensions of a 40-foot-high cube container are approximately 12.025 meters in length, 2.352 meters in width, and 2.585 meters in height.
