Dimensions
When it comes to shipping containers, there are several different sizes and types available, with varying dimensions.
Each type of container is designed to meet different needs, and it's important to choose the right size and type for your particular purpose or shipment. Below is a comprehensive overview of the various shipping container sizes, dimensions, and weights that are available for standard and high cube containers. If you require further information on our specialised shipping containers here at Cleveland Containers, please visit the product page or ask the sales team for more details.
What Are Standard Shipping Container Dimensions?
Shipping container dimensions are standardised globally under ISO regulations, meaning containers follow consistent sizing across the UK and worldwide. This allows containers to be easily transported by road, rail, and sea. Container dimensions are typically measured in two ways:
- External dimensions – the overall size of the container
- Internal dimensions – the usable storage space inside
Understanding these measurements helps ensure the container suits your space, access, and storage requirements.
External dimensions of shipping containers
| 6ft | 8ft | 10ft | 20ft | 30ft | 40ft | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 6ft 6ins (1980mm) | 8ft (2438mm) | 10ft (2991mm) | 20ft (6058mm) | 29ft 10ins (9100mm) | 40ft (12192mm) |
| Width | 6ft 6ins (1970mm) | 7ft 3ins (2200mm) | 8ft (2438mm) | 8ft (2438mm) | 8ft (2438mm) | 8ft (2438mm) |
| Standard Height | 6ft 3ins (1910mm) | 7ft 5ins (2260mm) | 8ft 6ins (2591mm) | 8ft 6ins (2591mm) | 8ft 6ins (2591mm) | 8ft 6ins (2591mm) |
| High Cube Height | N/A | N/A | N/A | 9ft 6ins (2896mm) | 9ft 6ins (2896mm) | 9ft 6ins (2896mm) |
| Standard Tare Weight | 450kg | 900kg | 1250kg | 2185kg | 2902kg | 3620kg |
| High Cube Tare Weight | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2340kg | 2902kg | 3700kg |
Internal dimensions of shipping containers
| 6ft | 8ft | 10ft | 20ft | 30ft | 40ft | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 5ft 11ins (1800mm) | 7ft 6ins (2287mm) | 9ft 4ins (2841mm) | 19ft 4ins (5898mm) | 29ft 4ins (8940mm) | 39ft 6ins (12032mm) |
| Width | 6ft 1ins (1860mm) | 6ft 11ins (2112mm) | 7ft 9ins (2352mm) | 7ft 9ins (2352mm) | 7ft 9ins (2352mm) | 7ft 9ins (2352mm) |
| Standard Height | 5ft 8ins (1730mm) | 6ft 9ins (2062mm) | 7ft 10ins (2393mm) | 7ft 10ins (2393mm) | 7ft 10ins (2393mm) | 7ft 10ins (2393mm) |
| High Cube Height | N/A | N/A | N/A | 8ft 10ins (2698mm) | 8ft 10ins (2698mm) | 8ft 10ins (2698mm) |
| Floor Area | 3.3m2 35.5ft2 |
4.8m2 52ft2 |
6.7m2 72ft2 |
13.9m2 148.3ft2 |
21m2 226.3ft2 |
28.3m2 304.6ft2 |
| Standard Cubic Capacity | 6.66m3 235.2ft3 |
10m3 351.7ft3 |
16m3 564.7ft3 |
33.2m3 1172.3ft3 |
50.3m3 1777ft3 |
67.7m3 2391.5ft3 |
| High Cube Cubic Capacity | N/A | N/A | N/A | 37.4m3 1321.7ft3 |
56.7m3 2003.4ft3 |
76.4m3 2696.4ft3 |
Approximate dimensions & weight. Specification may vary. 30ft shipping containers may vary as they are cut down from larger units.
What Is the Difference Between Internal and External Container Dimensions?
External dimensions refer to the total size of the container, which is important for delivery access, transport, and positioning. Internal dimensions represent the usable space inside the container and are slightly smaller due to the thickness of the walls. These measurements are the most important when calculating storage capacity, as they determine what can physically fit inside the container.
Standard Shipping Container Dimensions
The most common type of shipping container is the standard container, also known as a dry container. These containers come in two main sizes:
- 20-foot container dimensions: 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet 6 inches tall. It has a volume of 1,172 cubic feet and can hold up to 10 standard pallets.
- 40-foot container dimensions: 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet 6 inches tall. It has a volume of 2,391 cubic feet and can hold up to 20 standard pallets.
High Cube Container Dimensions
In addition to standard storage units, there are also high cube containers, which offer an additional foot of height.
This can be useful for shipments that require extra space for bulky or oversized items. High cube containers come in the following sizes:
- 20-foot high cube container dimensions: 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9 feet 6 inches tall. It has a volume of 1,321 cubic feet and can hold up to 10 standard pallets.
- 40-foot high cube container dimensions: 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9 feet 6 inches tall. It has a volume of 2,696 cubic feet and can hold up to 20 standard pallets.
Choosing the Right Shipping Container
When choosing a shipping container, it's important to consider the size and type of your cargo, as well as any special requirements you may have.
By understanding the different shipping container dimensions, sizes, measurements and available options, you can choose the right container for your shipment and ensure that it arrives at its destination safely and securely.
So, how big, long and wide are our shipping containers? At Cleveland Containers, we offer a wide range of shipping container options to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our container options and how we can help you with your next shipment.
What Size Shipping Container Do I Need?
Choosing the right container depends on your intended use.
- 10ft containers – ideal for small storage needs
- 20ft containers – the most popular size, suitable for general storage and business use
- 40ft containers – best for large-scale storage or commercial operations
If you are unsure, a 20ft container is typically the most versatile option.
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FAQ
A 20ft container can typically hold the contents of a 2–3 bedroom home, while a 40ft container can accommodate contents from a 4–5 bedroom home.
For business use, containers are often used to store pallets, equipment, machinery, and construction materials. Maximising space usually involves stacking, palletising, and planning the layout carefully.
New 20ft shipping containers can last up to 50 years when used for static storage and properly maintained. Containers used for active shipping typically have a working life of around 10–15 years due to exposure to harsh environments, after which they can often be repurposed for a further 10–15 years in storage applications.
The most widely used shipping container sizes in the UK are 20ft and 40ft units. These sizes are considered industry standards and are most commonly used for both domestic storage and large-scale commercial transport across a wide range of applications.
While most containers follow standard dimensions, slight variations can occur depending on the manufacturer or modifications. For example, 30ft containers are often created by cutting down larger units, so sizes may differ slightly.