29/11/2023 - Shipping Containers

By Huska Cehic

A complete guide to shipping container dimensions and sizes

The shipping container market is under a transformation since the demand is getting high. From advanced technologies and amendments to new rules and regulations, the market is going through some significant changes to meet the current demand. 

While standard dimensions are common, shipping containers are now available in a variety of sizes. Most commonly available containers for storage are around 10 feet, 20 feet, or 40 feet long, each one around 8 feet wide with varying heights.

In this container sizing guide, you will find everything you need to know about finding the right container for your specific application – whether commercial or domestic. 

Common shipping container specifications 

Shipping containers vary in length, width and height. So, it is crucial to comprehend their diverse dimensions when you are looking for the right shipping containers for hire. The key dimensions include: 

1.  Standard containers

Twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) or 20-foot containers are widely used for smaller applications. They are 20 feet in length, 8 feet in width and approximately 8.5 feet in height. They are primarily used for transporting goods that don’t necessarily demand excessive capacity requirements. 

Forty-foot equivalent units (FEU) are another standard size. They are best for larger shipments and have a similar width and height as a 20-foot container. However, these containers are twice as long as a 20-foot shipping container. This ultimately provides double capacity for storage and removal purposes.

2. High-cube containers 

High cube (HC) containers provide additional vertical space to help you accommodate things that exceed the standard height limit. They are particularly useful for bulky or tall goods. A 20-foot HC container has the same width and length as a standard 20-foot shipping container. However, the height is 9 feet 6 inches. 

40-foot HC shipping containers are similar to their standard counterpart, but offer some extra height for increased capacity. These budget self-pack containers are 40 feet in length, 8 feet in width and 9 feet 6 inches in height. 

3.  Open-top containers 

Shipping containers with open tops are built to have a detachable roof. They are best when it comes to facilitating the effortless loading and unloading of big loads. They are appropriate for items that can’t fit into traditional shipping containers due to their height. 

20-foot open-top containers are identical to those of a standard 20-foot storage container, but they come with a detachable top cover. Whereas, 40-foot open-top containers are ideal for transporting oversized items with dimensions similar to that of a standard 40-footer. 

4.  Refrigerated containers 

Reefer or refrigerated containers are used for transporting perishable goods. They come in different sizes to cater to diverse shipping demands, especially those equipped with temperature-control mechanisms. 

These containers are designed to provide refrigerated storage space, ensuring the freshness and preservation of goods that have specific temperature requirements during transport or storage. They are available in both 20-foot and 40-foot variants.

How to choose the right shipping container size?

Choosing the right shipping container size comes down to some crucial factors. Follow these simple tips when looking for the right shipping containers: 

  • Cost: The cost varies according to the dimensions and types of containers. For example, 40-foot containers are more expensive than a 20-footer. But, it’s more economical to choose one 40-foot container than two 20-foot shipping containers. 

 

  • Volume: If you want to store only a few small items, then a 20-foot shipping container would be the best choice. However, if you want to store or move a larger number of items, consider budget self-pack containers with a higher volume. 

 

  • Weight: Along with the volume, you should also consider the weight of the items you are going to store or move. For instance, the maximum payload capacity of 20-foot shipping containers is 25,000kg. For anything heavier, make sure you choose a bigger container size with greater payload capacity. 

Ready to take the next step? 

It’s easy! Get in touch with the experts at Affordable Containers to discuss your shipping container needs. Whether you want to buy or hire shipping containers, we will help you understand the different dimensions and capacities associated with budget self-pack containers. Learn how to avoid getting scammed when searching for shipping containers for sale in Melbourne.

1300 ACONTAINERS 1300 22 66 82
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