CartonMath

Shipping container sizes

Typical internal dimensions of the four most-booked dry containers: a 20GP is about 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m (33.2 m³), a 40GP 12.03 m long (67.7 m³), a 40HQ 30 cm taller (76.4 m³) and a 45HQ 13.56 m long (86 m³). Sizes vary by line, so treat them as typical.

Typical values; check your carrier's equipment specification.Updated

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Side by side, to scale

Internal side elevations drawn to the same scale, with the floor area each one gives you.

Side elevations, internal dimensionsSame scale

All dimensions and pallet counts

Pallet counts are single stack, by floor geometry with a two-block pattern. Real loads may come out one or two lower.

Typical container sizes and pallets per container
ContainerInside L × W × H, mmm³Payload, kgEUR palletsUK palletsUS pallets
20GP 20 ft standard5,898 × 2,352 × 2,39333.228,0001199
40GP 40 ft standard12,032 × 2,352 × 2,39367.726,700252220
40HQ 40 ft high cube12,032 × 2,352 × 2,69876.426,500252220
45HQ 45 ft high cube13,556 × 2,352 × 2,6988625,600272424

Next steps

Common questions

What are the inside dimensions of a 20ft container?

Typically 5,898 × 2,352 × 2,393 mm (L × W × H), about 33.2 m³. Exact figures vary by shipping line and box.

What is the difference between a 40GP and a 40HQ?

Height. A 40HQ (high cube) is typically 305 mm taller inside, which adds about 8.6 m³, while the length and width are the same.

How much weight can a 20ft container carry?

Typical maximum payload is about 28,000 kg for a 20GP, but road weight limits often allow less, and the payload on the container's CSC plate is the real limit.

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