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End-to-end ocean-freight solutions combining optimized routing, carrier partnerships and proactive documentation — so your shipment sails on time and arrives with confidence.

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Technical Reference

Guide To Ocean Freight

Container vessel at sea carrying ocean freight Dimensions

Dimensions of Ocean Freight Containers

ISO standards

Technical specifications reflect manufacturer suggested maximum weight and cube — always confirm legal and carrier limits before loading.

  • Nominal dimensions for general-purpose ocean containers
  • Figures may not reflect legal or recommended weight limits
  • Special permits may be required at maximum load
  • Check with your account representative for state and carrier rules
Ocean freight container types including FCL, LCL and breakbulk Introduction

Guide to Container Specifications

Worldwide

Container specifications listed here are virtually standardized globally, though individual lines and manufacturers may differ slightly.

  • ISO-aligned specs used across major trade lanes
  • Standard and specialized equipment types covered below
  • Dimensions can vary by manufacturer and shipping line
  • Confirm precise specifications when arranging a shipment

Values / Details

All values listed in the tables are given in metric. Ft and lbs values are for easy reference only. All details listed are nominal figures. Apart from the tolerances given on internal dimensions below the tare weight can vary 2%.

General Information

External and Minimum Internal Dimensions

The following table gives the overall external dimensions as standardized in ISO and the minimum internal dimensions and door openings for General Purpose Containers as standardized in ISO.

  Length Width Height
Dimensions 20'
6,058 mm		 40'
12,192 mm		 8'
2,438 mm		 8'6"
2,438 mm		 8'6"
2,438 mm		 9'6"
2,896 mm
Minimum
Internal Dimensions		 5,867 mm
19'3"		 11,998 mm
39' 4 3/8"		 2,330 mm
7'7 3/4"		 2,197 mm
7'2 1/2"		 2,350 mm
7'8 1/2"		 2,655 mm
8'8 1/2"
Minimum
Door Opening Dimensions		 - - 2,286 mm
7'6"		 2,134 mm
7'		 2,261 mm
7'5"		 2,566 mm
8'5"

Internal Dimensions

The internal dimensions and door openings of most containers exceed the above given dimensions. However, the dimensions mentioned on the following pages are nominal figures. Because of production tolerances a difference in measurements is possible.

Tolerances Length Width Height
  10 mm 10 mm 10 mm
Maximum Difference 3/8" 3/8" 3/8"

Weight & Load Limits

Maximum Gross Weights

  • 20' containers: 24,000 kg (52,910 lbs) according to the latest issue of ISO 668
  • 20' containers: 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs) valid for most 20' containers; exceeds ISO minimum standards
  • 40' containers: 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs)

Floor Loads

  • Container floors can carry a fork-lift truck with a maximum axle load of 5,460 kg (12,040 lbs)
  • Contact area per wheel must be at least 142 cm2 (22 sq.in)
  • Per ISO 1496/I

Concentrated Loads

When stowing heavy cargo in containers other than flats or platforms due care has to be taken that concentrated loads will not exceed the strength of the bottom construction of the container.

The maximum spread load should not exceed

  • for 20' containers: 4 tons per running meter in length (3' 3.5")
  • for 40' containers: 3 tons per running meter in length

Container Specifications

Detailed inside dimensions, door openings, cubic capacity, tare weight and maximum payload by equipment type.

  Inside Length Inside Width Inside Height Door Width Door Height Cubic Capacity Tare Weight Maximum Payload
20' Standard 19'4
5.900 m		 7'8
2.350 m		 7'10
2.393 m		 7'8"
2.342 m		 7'6"
2.280 m		 1,172 cft
33.2 cbm		 4,916 lbs
2,230 kg		 47,900 lbs
21,770 kg
40' Standard 39'5"
12.036 m		 7'8"
2.350 m		 7'10"
2.392 m		 7'8"
2.340 m		 7'6"
2.280 m		 2,390 cft
67.7 cbm		 8,160 lbs
3,700 kg		 59,040 lbs
26,780 kg
40' H.C. (High Cube) 39'5"
12.036 m		 7'8"
2.350 m		 8'10"
2.697 m		 7'8"
2.338 m		 8'5"
2.585 m		 2,694 cft
76.3 cbm		 8,750 lbs
3,970 kg		 58,450 lbs
26,510 kg
20' Reefer 17'8"
5.425 m		 7'5"
2.275 m		 7'5"
2.260 m		 7'5"
2.258 m		 7'3"
2.216 m		 1,000 cft
28.3 cbm		 7,040 lbs
3,200 kg		 45,760 lbs
20,800 kg
40' H.C. Reefer 37'11"
11.557 m		 7'6"
2.294 m		 8'2"
2.500 m		 7'6"
2.294 m		 8'0"
2.440 m		 2,344 cft
66.6 cbm		 9,900 lbs
4,500 kg		 57,561 lbs
25,980 kg
20' Open Top 19'4"
5.894 m		 7'7"
2.311 m		 7'8"
2.354 m		 7'6"
2.286 m		 7'2"
2.184 m		 1,136 cft
32.2 cbm		 5,280 lbs
2,400 kg		 47,620 lbs
21,600 kg
40' Open Top 39'5"
12.038 m		 7'8"
2.350 m		 7'8"
2.345 m		 7'8"
2.341 m		 7'5"
2.274 m		 2,350 cft
65.5 cbm		 8,490 lbs
3,850 kg		 58,710 lbs
26,630 kg
20' Flat Rack 18'5"
5.620 m		 7'3"
2.200 m		 7'4"
2.233 m		 -
-		 -
-		 -
-		 5,578 lbs
2,530 kg		 47,333 lbs
21,470 kg
40' Flat Rack 39'7"
12.08		 6'10"
2.438 m		 6'5"
2.103 m		 -
-		 -
-		 -
-		 12,081 lbs
5,800 kg		 85,800 lbs
39,000 kg

Additional Notes

Gooseneck Tunnel on 40' Containers

All 40' containers are fitted with a Gooseneck tunnel to enable the transport on Gooseneck chassis.

Timber Treatment

Exposed timber is treated according to Australian requirements (exceptions: 40' flats and platforms).

Electric Plugs

The following are electric plug configurations for refrigerated containers.

  • Depending on power sources refrigerated containers are equipped with 1 or 2 plugs
    380V/50Hz to 460V/60Hz (32 A),
    200V/50Hz to 220V/60Hz (60A).
  • There are fixed cables with a length of 15 m (49 ft).
  • Couplings for adapters are available.
  • Adapters are subject to corresponding safety regulations.

380/460 V plugs

380/460 V refrigerated container plug
  • 4 poles according to CEE.
  • According to ISO 1496-2 annex M.
  • Earth contact in 3rd position according to socket.

200/220 V plugs

200/220 V refrigerated container plug
  • 4 poles
  • According to ISO 1496-2 annex O.
  • Position of earth contact according to illustration.

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