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Understanding Cargo Container Sizes: A Comprehensive Guide

Fiberr Labs

Mar 17, 2023

Everything that you need to know about cargo containers and their sizes

Cargo containers, often referred to as shipping containers, play a vital role in global trade and logistics. These standardized metal boxes are used to transport goods across oceans and continents. Understanding the various cargo container sizes is crucial for businesses and individuals involved in international shipping. In this blog, we will delve into the four most common container sizes: 20 feet, 20 feet High Cube, 40 feet, and 40 feet High Cube, including their dimensions and door specifications.


  1. 20-Foot Standard Container (20' Container):

    • External Dimensions:

      • Length: 20 feet (6.06 meters)

      • Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)

      • Height: 8.6 feet (2.59 meters)

    • Internal Dimensions:

      • Length: 19.4 feet (5.89 meters)

      • Width: 7.7 feet (2.35 meters)

      • Height: 7.9 feet (2.39 meters)

    • Door Dimensions:

      • Width: 7.6 feet (2.29 meters)

      • Height: 7.6 feet (2.29 meters)


The 20-foot standard container is one of the most common sizes and is suitable for transporting a variety of goods. It's compact and easy to handle, making it ideal for smaller shipments.


  1. 20-Foot High Cube Container (20' HC Container):

    • External Dimensions:

      • Length: 20 feet (6.06 meters)

      • Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)

      • Height: 9.6 feet (2.89 meters)

    • Internal Dimensions:

      • Length: 19.4 feet (5.89 meters)

      • Width: 7.7 feet (2.35 meters)

      • Height: 8.9 feet (2.69 meters)

    • Door Dimensions:

      • Width: 7.6 feet (2.29 meters)

      • Height: 8.5 feet (2.59 meters)


The 20-foot High Cube container offers an additional foot of vertical space compared to the standard 20-foot container. This makes it suitable for taller cargo or when extra space is needed.


  1. 40-Foot Standard Container (40' Container):

    • External Dimensions:

      • Length: 40 feet (12.19 meters)

      • Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)

      • Height: 8.6 feet (2.59 meters)

    • Internal Dimensions:

      • Length: 39.4 feet (12.03 meters)

      • Width: 7.7 feet (2.35 meters)

      • Height: 7.9 feet (2.39 meters)

    • Door Dimensions:

      • Width: 7.6 feet (2.29 meters)

      • Height: 7.6 feet (2.29 meters)


The 40-foot standard container is twice the length of the 20-foot container and is commonly used for larger shipments. It provides ample space for various cargo types.


  1. 40-Foot High Cube Container (40' HC Container):

    • External Dimensions:

      • Length: 40 feet (12.19 meters)

      • Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)

      • Height: 9.6 feet (2.89 meters)

    • Internal Dimensions:

      • Length: 39.4 feet (12.03 meters)

      • Width: 7.7 feet (2.35 meters)

      • Height: 8.9 feet (2.69 meters)

    • Door Dimensions:

      • Width: 7.6 feet (2.29 meters)

      • Height: 8.5 feet (2.59 meters)


The 40-foot High Cube container, like its 20-foot counterpart, offers extra height, making it ideal for larger cargo that requires additional vertical clearance.

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