Container Dimensions

Know Your Container, Before You Book It

Standard container dimensions and capacities, at a glance.

Choosing the wrong container size is one of the most common – and most expensive – mistakes in ocean freight. This quick reference covers the standard container types used across most global trade lanes, so you can plan loads accurately before requesting a quote.

What We Handle

Container Type

20ft Standard

Internal LxWxH:
5.90M x 2.35M x 2.39M
Max Payload
~28,000 kg

40ft Standard

Internal LxWxH:
12.03M x 2.35M x 2.39M
Max Payload
~28,800 kg

40ft High Cube

Internal LxWxH:
12.03M x 2.35M x 2.69M
Max Payload
~28,600 kg

45ft High Cube

Internal LxWxH:
13.55M x 2.35M x 2.69M
Max Payload
~27,700 kg

Payload figures vary slightly by container operator and age of unit – always confirm with your carrier before finalising a booking

Industry Insight

A 40ft High Cube offers roughly 76% more volume than a 20ft standard, but check road/rail height restrictions at destination - High Cube units don't clear every route

Payload capacity is often the real constraint, not volume - dense cargo can max out weight limits well before the container looks full

Container availability and pricing vary by trade lane and season; the "standard" 20ft/40ft split isn't always evenly available everywhere

Need Help Choosing?

Not sure whether your cargo needs FCL or LCL, or which container size fits your load?
Our team can run the numbers for you.

Get a Container Recommendation

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