Official Foresmart emails end in @foresmart.com
About Foresmart
Contact
Get a Freight Quote
Sea Freight

Shipping Container Dimensions

Share this guide LinkedIn Facebook X
Foresmart Steel Dry Shipping Container Dimensions
AUTHORBrian DaiFounder & General Manager
LAST UPDATED / CHECKEDJanuary 2, 2025Operational details should be reconfirmed before booking.
Article contents

https://youtu.be/3_eVy2-3Ni8?si=CwNXTwxpVai1QPPv

Sea freight shipments (whether they are FCL or LCL shipments) are all transported in containers (except project cargo or bulky cargo). Shipping containers come in various sizes and types, each tailored to accommodate specific types of cargo, whether it’s consumer electronics, raw materials, perishable goods, or heavy machinery.

Choosing the appropriate size of shipping container based on the type and dimensions of your cargo is crucial. This means that you can maximize the utilization of the container’s space and avoid delays caused by improper sizing and packing failures.

So how big is a shipping container? Here are the specifications of dry container, open-top container, and flat rack container.

Standard Shipping Container Size

Only for Reference

What Is Net and Gross Volume on a Container?

Shipping containers exterior and interior dimensions

As the tables and pictures showed, there are interior shipping container dimensions and exterior dimensions. The interior shipping container length is different from the exterior length. Net volume refers to the usable space inside the container. You should pay close attention to the interior container sizes to ensure your cargo does not exceed them. While gross volume refers to the overall volume of this container.

To learn more about shipping containers, check this article:

What Is Containerization?

Shipping Container Notes

  • Suppose the size or weight of your cargo exceeds the shipping container sizes listed above. In that case, we suggest you inquire separately with your freight forwarder or the shipping company how can you transport your cargo and whether there will be a surcharge.

  • If you need to use specialized containers such as open-top or flat rack containers, this will incur additional fees.

  • Moreover, different routes and shipping companies may set different limits on shipping container weight, so if your cargo exceeds the recommended payload mentioned above, you need to confirm with your freight forwarder like Foresmart

Besides the shipping container moving service, Foresmart also provides a wide range of high-quality brand-new shipping containers and used shipping containers for sale, all at a reasonable price. Our primary focus is on dry containers, which include a range of sizes such as 20GP, 40GP, 40HC, and 45HC. Our team of experts will work closely with you to understand your requirements and recommend the most suitable container option.

By partnering with us, you’ll not only benefit from our extensive industry knowledge but also enjoy a smooth procurement process.

Track My Container

Brian Dai, Founder and General Manager of Foresmart
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brian Dai

Founder & General Manager

Founder and General Manager of Foresmart Forwarding Ltd.; Foresmart’s published author biography states he has worked in freight forwarding since 2007.

Author profile LinkedIn
Share LinkedIn Facebook X
KEEP READING
NEED A SHIPMENT REVIEW?

Apply the guidance to your cargo.

Share the origin, destination, cargo and timing for a shipment-specific review.

Contact Foresmart
WhatsApp Email us
WhatsApp