Choosing the right shipping container for your storage or transport needs is crucial. Whether you’re storing goods, materials, or equipment, understanding the range of sizes and dimensions available will help you make an informed decision. At Cheap Secure Storage, we offer a wide range of container sizes, with the most popular being the 20ft container. However, we also provide options ranging from 40ft down to 10ft, catering to various storage requirements.
In this guide, we’ll detail the dimensions, capacities, and features of the most common shipping container sizes.
Shipping Container Sizes
Shipping containers are typically measured by their length in feet. While the width remains relatively standard across different lengths, the height varies between general-purpose containers (8’6″ or 2.59m) and high cube containers (9’6″ or 2.89m).
Common Shipping Container Sizes:
- 40ft (12.19m)
- 20ft (6.06m)
- 10ft (2.99m)
Key Container Measurements:
- Tare Weight: Weight of the empty container.
- Payload: The maximum cargo weight the container can hold.
- Maximum Gross Weight (MGW): The sum of tare weight and payload.
The sections below detail the dimensions and features of various container sizes to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Standard Shipping Container Dimensions
40ft Shipping Container
| Dimension | Internal (mm) | External (mm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 12,032 | 12,192 | Tare: 3,490 |
| Width | 2,352 | 2,438 | Payload: 26,990 |
| Height | 2,393 | 2,591 | MGW: 30,480 |
The 40ft container is a popular choice for businesses needing large storage or shipping solutions. It offers double the space of a 20ft container, making it highly suitable for large-scale storage needs.
40ft High Cube Container
| Dimension | Internal (mm) | External (mm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 12,032 | 12,192 | Tare: 4,670 |
| Width | 2,350 | 2,438 | Payload: 29,330 |
| Height | 2,695 | 2,896 | MGW: 34,000 |
The 40ft high cube container provides an additional foot of height, making it perfect for storing large, tall items or bulky goods. It is the preferred choice when vertical space is essential for your storage or transport requirements.
20ft Shipping Container
| Dimension | Internal (mm) | External (mm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 5,898 | 6,058 | Tare: 2,120 |
| Width | 2,352 | 2,438 | Payload: 28,360 |
| Height | 2,390 | 2,591 | MGW: 30,480 |
The 20ft container is the industry standard and is widely used for a range of purposes, from personal storage to business needs. Its durability and storage capacity make it the go-to container for most storage applications.
20ft High Cube Container
| Dimension | Internal (mm) | External (mm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 5,898 | 6,058 | Tare: 2,315 |
| Width | 2,352 | 2,438 | Payload: 28,165 |
| Height | 2,700 | 2,896 | MGW: 30,480 |
The 20ft high cube container offers extra headroom, making it perfect for businesses that need additional vertical storage space. It’s commonly used in industries requiring tall or bulky goods storage.
10ft Shipping Container
| Dimension | Internal (mm) | External (mm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 2,831 | 2,991 | Tare: 1,300 |
| Width | 2,350 | 2,438 | Payload: 8,860 |
| Height | 2,390 | 2,591 | MGW: 10,160 |
The 10ft container is ideal for smaller storage needs. It provides ample space for onsite storage, especially where space is limited, making it a versatile option for both businesses and personal storage.
What Do Container Weights Mean?
Understanding the different weight measurements of shipping containers is essential to ensuring you choose the right container for your needs. Here are the key terms:
- Tare Weight: The weight of an empty shipping container.
- Payload: The total weight of cargo that the container can carry.
- Maximum Gross Weight (MGW): The total maximum weight of the container, including both the tare and payload.
For example, a 20ft shipping container weighs approximately 2,120kg when empty and can carry a payload of over 28,000kg, resulting in a maximum gross weight of 30,480kg.
General Purpose vs High Cube Containers
One of the most important decisions when selecting a container is choosing between a general-purpose container and a high cube container.
| Feature | General Purpose | High Cube |
|---|---|---|
| External Height | 8’6″ (2.59m) | 9’6″ (2.89m) |
| Internal Height | ~2.39m | ~2.69m |
| Best For | Standard storage | Large, tall items or bulky goods |
High cube containers are especially useful when additional vertical space is required. Originally designed for the furniture industry, these containers are now widely used for various applications where more headroom is needed.
Get in Touch
At Cheap Secure Storage, we provide a wide range of shipping container sizes to suit your storage and transport needs. Whether you need a compact 10ft container or the extra space of a 40ft high cube, we have the right container for you.
Understanding the dimensions and capacities of these containers will help you make the best choice for your storage requirements. For more information or to reserve your container, get in touch with us today!