Container dimensions: 20 ft and 40 ft container table
Inside and door dimensions, volume, maximum payload and pallet capacity of 20 ft, 40 ft and 40 ft high cube containers; choosing the right container and loading tips.
Alper AzakoğluForeign trade consultant
3 min read
Updated:
Container types
The three containers used most in sea freight are the 20 ft standard (20’ DC), the 40 ft standard (40’ DC) and the 40 ft high cube (40’ HC). External dimensions follow the ISO 668 standard; internal size and payload differ slightly by manufacturer.
Dimensions table
| Type | Inside (L × W × H) | Door (W × H) | Volume | Max payload | Pallets (one level) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20’ DC (standard) | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | 2.34 × 2.28 m | ≈ 33 m³ | ≈ 28,000 kg | 11 Euro / 10 standard |
| 40’ DC (standard) | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | 2.34 × 2.28 m | ≈ 67 m³ | ≈ 26,500 kg | 23–24 Euro / 20–21 standard |
| 40’ HC (high cube) | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m | 2.34 × 2.58 m | ≈ 76 m³ | ≈ 26,500 kg | 23–24 Euro / 20–21 standard |
Watch out
What a container can carry and what may legally travel on the road are different things. Inland transport to the port or to the buyer is subject to each country’s vehicle weight limits. Ask your forwarder before loading heavy cargo.
Which container to choose
- Heavy, dense cargo (stone, metal, liquids, cement): You reach the weight limit before the volume limit; a 20’ DC is usually enough.
- Light, bulky cargo (furniture, textiles, packaging): A 40’ HC gives about 9 m³ more than a 40’ DC, often for little extra freight.
- Small quantities: A shared container (LCL) can be cheaper than a full one: how freight is charged.
Special containers
| Type | Use |
|---|---|
| Reefer | Temperature-controlled cargo such as food and medicines. Insulation makes the inside smaller than a dry container. |
| Open top | Tall cargo loaded from above by crane; covered with a tarpaulin. |
| Flat rack | No sides or roof; machinery, vehicles and other out-of-gauge cargo. |
Loading tips
- Make a loading plan. Do not guess how many cartons or pallets fit; even a simple layout drawing prevents surprises.
- Spread the weight. Put heavy cargo on the floor and in the middle; cargo piled on one side is a risk in transit.
- Fill gaps and secure the load. Use air bags, blocks or straps to stop the cargo moving.
- Verify the gross mass. Report the VGM on time after loading, or the container will not be loaded on the vessel.
Plan the shipment for your buyer
We coordinate container type, delivery term and shipping documents with your forwarder and customs broker.
Frequently asked questions
How many pallets fit in a 20 ft container?
On one level, about 11 Euro pallets (120 × 80 cm) or 10 standard pallets (120 × 100 cm). If pallets can be stacked and height allows, double that.
Does a 40 ft container take twice the load of a 20 ft?
It has about twice the volume, but almost the same maximum payload. For heavy cargo such as stone, metal or liquids, two 20 ft containers may be better than one 40 ft.
What is VGM?
Verified Gross Mass. Under the SOLAS convention, since 1 July 2016 the shipper must verify a container’s gross weight and report it to the carrier before loading; a container without it is not loaded.
Why do sources give different dimensions?
The international standard sets the external dimensions; internal size, door size and tare weight vary by a few centimetres and a few hundred kilograms by manufacturer. Check your carrier’s container specifications for exact values.
Sources
- ISO 668, Series 1 freight containers: classification, dimensions and ratings: iso.org
- International Maritime Organization (IMO), SOLAS verified gross mass rules: imo.org
Author
Alper Azakoğlu
For 30 years he has worked as foreign trade consultant and foreign trade manager for manufacturers in industrial zones across Türkiye. He writes these guides from his own work in the field.