Container Dimensions and Specifications

Dry cargo containers, bulk containers, and refrigerated containers are the three major container types commonly seen in ocean shipping. The table below summarizes their external dimensions, internal dimensions, volume, and payload under different materials, for quick comparison and container loading calculation. For the selection and loading of mainstream dry containers, see Dry Container (20GP/40GP/40HQ) Guide; for temperature-controlled cargo, see Refrigerated Container Guide; for bulk and ventilated cargo, see Ventilated/Bulk Containers; for liquid-specific containers, see Tank Container (ISO Tank).

1. Quick Reference Table of Main Parameters for the Three Container Types

		Dry Cargo Containers								Bulk Containers			Reefer Containers
		20 ft			40 ft					20 ft			20 ft			40 ft
		Steel	Steel High Cube	Aluminum	Steel	Steel High Cube	GRP	Aluminum	Aluminum High Cube	Steel	Steel High Cube	GRP	Aluminum	Aluminum High Cube	GRP	Aluminum
External Dimensions	Length (mm)	6058	6058	6058	12192	12192	12192	12192	12192	6058	6058	6058	6058	6058	6058	12192
	Width (mm)	2438	2438	2438	2438	2438	2438	2438	2438	2438	2438	2438	2438	2438	2438	2438
	Height (mm)	2438	2591	2591	2591	2896	2591	2591	2896	2438	2591	2438	2438	2591	2591	2591
Internal Dimensions	Length (mm)	5917	5902	5925	12050	12034	11977	12045	12060	5887	5824	5892	5477	5360	5085	11398
	Width (mm)	2336	2338	2344	2343	2345	2273	2350	2343	2330	2335	2333	2251	2242	2236	2256
	Height (mm)	2249	2376	2391	2386	2677	2300	2377	2690	2159	2375	2202	2099	2148	2220	2113
Internal Volume (m³)		31.0	32.84	33.1	67.4	75.9	61.3	67.4	76.0	29.6	32.3	30.3	25.9	25.51	25.1	52.04
Max Gross Weight (kg)		24000	22396	21372	30480	30480	30480	30373	30480	20320	24386	20320	20320	21241	24384	30848
Tare Weight (kg)		1860	2275	1794	3100	4080	4763	2981	3000	2530	2351	2450	2520	3004	3372	4519
Payload (kg)		22140	20121	19578	27380	26400	25717	27392	27480	17790	22035	17870	17800	18237	21012	26329
Note: (1) Dry cargo containers, also known as general purpose containers, are used for loading general cargo excluding liquid goods and goods requiring temperature control. (2) Bulk containers are a type of enclosed container used for loading bulk cargo such as malt, chemicals, and grains. (3) Reefer containers are specially designed for transporting frozen or chilled cargo that requires maintaining a constant temperature, such as fish, meat, fresh fruit, and vegetables.

Data Notes: Container specifications may vary slightly by production period and manufacturer. For container stuffing, please refer to the container type table provided by the shipping line and the actual measurement of the container.

📖 Further Reading: Container Dimensions and Specifications: 20GP/40GP/40HQ/45HQ Internal/External Dimensions and Weight Limits — A detailed guide to main dry cargo container dimensions and road weight limits in various countries; Container Type Encyclopedia — Comparison of common container type parameters and selection guide.

Need container selection advice? Send us the cargo type, dimensions, total weight, and number of containers, and Bofeng Logistics will help you quickly match the right container type.

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FAQ for Parameter Table Use

Q: Why do different shipping lines give slightly different internal volumes for the same container type?

A: The actual dimensions of containers have manufacturing tolerances. Different shipping lines or leasing companies have different container sources, so the stated parameters may vary slightly. When calculating container loading, it is recommended to use the shipping line's parameters and leave a 3%–5% margin.

Q: Aside from dimensions, what else should be confirmed before loading?

A: In addition to internal dimensions and volume, you should also verify the maximum payload and road weight limits, the cargo center of gravity and localized load-bearing capacity, and whether pallets or securing/lashing are required. Overweight or imbalanced loading can directly affect transport safety and costs.

Disclaimer: This article was compiled and written by the Bofeng Logistics team, and the content was verified in September 2026. Container specifications may be adjusted due to changes in shipping lines, container sources, and market conditions. Please refer to the information confirmed at the time of booking.