Sea freight
Container types and internal dimensions
Which cargo fits which box? Nominal internal dimensions and the logic of choosing a type · exact figures always come from the carrier's equipment sheet.
Nominal internal dimensions
The values below are nominal figures in line with ISO 668; the carrier's equipment sheet governs exact dimensions and stowage planning, with a few centimetres of variance by manufacturer.
| Type | Internal ~ L×W×H (m) | Capacity ~ | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20' Dry (20DC) | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 33 m³ · ~21-28 t | Heavy, dense cargo: granules, sheet metal, ceramics |
| 40' Dry (40DC) | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 67 m³ | Voluminous general cargo |
| 40' High Cube (40HC) | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 | 76 m³ | Light, bulky cargo: furniture, textiles, plastics |
| 45' High Cube (45HC) | 13.55 × 2.35 × 2.69 | 86 m³ | Maximum volume in one box |
| 20' / 40' Reefer | smaller inside due to insulation | 28 / 59 m³ | Cold chain: food, pharma |
| 20' / 40' Open Top | open roof, tarpaulin | · | Tall cargo; crane loading from above |
| 20' / 40' Flat Rack | platform without side walls | · | Out-of-gauge: machinery, vehicles, steel structures |
| 20' Tank (20TK) | · | ~24,000 L | Bulk liquids (with suitability certificates) |
| LCL / Groupage | · | per m³ | Part loads that do not fill a container |
Three practical selection rules
- Heavy: 20'. Bulky: 40'/40'HC. The 20-footer carries almost the same weight limit as the 40-footer; dense cargo hits the weight ceiling in a 40'.
- The door opening is smaller than the inside. Fit is judged at the narrowest point · the door; on borderline cargo, ask us for the figures.
- Not filling a box? Consider LCL. Pricing is per cubic metre; where FCL becomes cheaper varies by trade lane · we price both options in the same quote.
Cargo dimensions, weight and handling determine the type; state them
in your quote request and we will recommend the right box.
Official sources
External links are provided for information; their content belongs to the respective organisations.
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