Container Dimensions and Specifications

Data Sources: ISO 668:2020 standard, container type specification sheets from various shipping line official websites

I. Standard Dry Container Internal and External Dimensions Table

The following data adopts the ISO 668:2020 standard and represents internationally common parameters for maritime shipping.

Parameter	20GP	40GP	40HQ	45HQ
External Length (mm)	6,058	12,192	12,192	13,716
External Width (mm)	2,438	2,438	2,438	2,438
External Height (mm)	2,591	2,591	2,896	2,896
Internal Length (mm)	5,898	12,032	12,032	13,556
Internal Width (mm)	2,352	2,352	2,352	2,352
Internal Height (mm)	2,393	2,393	2,698	2,698
Door Width (mm)	2,340	2,340	2,340	2,340
Door Height (mm)	2,280	2,280	2,585	2,585
Volume (CBM)	33.1	67.5	76.0	86.0
Max Payload (kg)	28,200	28,800	28,620	27,800
Tare Weight (kg)	2,200	3,700	3,900	4,200
Max Gross Weight (kg)	30,480	32,500	32,500	32,000

Data Sources: ISO 668:2020 standard + container type specification sheets from Maersk/MSC/COSCO Shipping official websites. For detailed parameter comparisons and selection recommendations for each container type, see Encyclopedia of Container Types.

II. Key Dimension Comparison Points

2.1 20GP vs 40GP

Comparison	20GP	40GP	Difference
Length	Approx. 6m	Approx. 12m	40GP is exactly 2x the length of 20GP
Volume	33.1CBM	67.5CBM	40GP is not 2x the volume of 20GP (+104%)
Payload	28,200kg	28,800kg	Payload is nearly identical; 40GP has low payload utilization

Key Insight: The volume of 40GP is approximately 2x that of 20GP, but the payload is nearly the same. Therefore, heavy cargo is suitable for 20GP, while light/voluminous cargo is suitable for 40GP.

2.2 40GP vs 40HQ

Comparison	40GP	40HQ	Difference
Internal Height	2,393mm	2,698mm	305mm taller
Volume	67.5CBM	76.0CBM	8.5CBM more (+13%)
Freight Rate	Baseline	10%-15% higher	Price difference is far less than volume difference

Key Insight: 40HQ freight rate is only 10%-15% higher than 40GP, but usable volume is 13% more. In the vast majority of cases, 40HQ is more cost-effective than 40GP — unless the cargo height does not exceed 2.3m and the weight is near the limit.

2.3 40HQ vs 45HQ

Comparison	40HQ	45HQ	Difference
Internal Length	12,032mm	13,556mm	1.5m longer
Volume	76.0CBM	86.0CBM	10CBM more (+13%)
Applicable Routes	International standard routes	North America inland dedicated routes	45HQ primarily used on North America routes

Key Insight: 45HQ is not available on all routes; it is primarily used on North America, Northern Europe, and similar routes. Confirm with the shipping line whether this container type is available before booking.

III. Road Weight Limit Differences by Country

The maximum payload of a container is limited not only by the container structure itself but also by destination country road weight limits. This is the cost trap most easily overlooked by foreign trade enterprises.

Country/Region	Road Weight Limit (incl. container weight)	Recommended Max Cargo for 20GP	Recommended Max Cargo for 40GP	Notes
China	30,480kg (20GP) / 32,500kg (40GP)	≤28,000kg	≤28,500kg	Based on container nameplate
USA	Approx. 23,000-24,000kg (Federal highway limit)	≤20,000kg	≤20,000kg	🔴 Strictest weight limits
EU	Approx. 26,000-28,000kg (varies slightly by country)	≤23,000kg	≤23,000kg	Germany/France/Netherlands are stricter
UK	Approx. 26,000kg	≤23,000kg	≤23,000kg	—
Australia	Approx. 24,000-26,000kg	≤21,000kg	≤21,000kg	Limits vary by state
Southeast Asia	Approx. 26,000-30,000kg	≤24,000kg	≤24,000kg	Relatively lenient

Actual Loadable Amount Due to Weight Limits

Example using 20GP:
Container max payload: 28,200kg
USA road weight limit: ~23,000kg (including container weight)
Actual available payload: 23,000 - 2,200 (tare weight) = 20,800kg
Lost payload capacity: 28,200 - 20,800 = 7,400kg (26%)

Practical Advice:

IV. Quick Reference for Volume Calculation

4.1 Standard Pallet Loading Quantities

Container Type	Standard Pallet Quantity	Pallet Arrangement (1200×1000mm)
20GP	10 pallets	5 rows × 2 columns
40GP	21-22 pallets	10 rows × 2 columns + 1-2 at rear row
40HQ	24-26 pallets	11-12 rows × 2 columns (height advantage allows double stacking)
45HQ	26-28 pallets	12-13 rows × 2 columns

4.2 Quick Volume Estimation

Container Type	Theoretical Volume	Actual Usable Volume (incl. gaps)	Utilization Rate
20GP	33.1CBM	25-28CBM	75%-85%
40GP	67.5CBM	55-60CBM	80%-88%
40HQ	76.0CBM	63-68CBM	83%-90%
45HQ	86.0CBM	70-76CBM	82%-88%

Why is actual usable volume less than theoretical volume? Because corner casting protrusions inside the container, corrugated sidewalls, and securing gaps between cargo will occupy some space. When planning actual loading, it is recommended to budget based on 80%-85% of the theoretical volume. For selection decision-making for each container type, refer to the selection process in Encyclopedia of Container Types.

V. Weight Limit Checklist Before Container Loading

□ Confirm the maximum payload on the container CSC nameplate
□ Confirm the destination country road weight limit (especially for USA and EU)
□ Calculate the total weight of all cargo (including pallets and packaging materials)
□ Confirm that cargo weight + container weight does not exceed the road weight limit
□ Confirm that the weight of a single pallet does not exceed the container floor rated load (3-4 tonnes per axle)
□ If overweight: adjust loading plan or ship in batches

Data Note: The above weight limit data are industry-standard reference values. Policies of various countries/shipping lines may be adjusted at any time. It is recommended to confirm the latest weight limit policies with your freight forwarder before container loading.

Data as of July 2026.

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