Freight Basics- Shipping Container Specifications

With concern to sea freight where are two options of container shipping services that you use. One is less than container load (LCL) which is ideal for smaller shipments that would not be able to fit a smaller container. The other would be when you fill up an entire container (be it a 20ft or 40ft shipping container), which is referred to as full container load (FCL) shipping. Knowing the shipping container specifications ahead of time, will allow you to understand some of the sea freight basics being how much cargo do you need to fill a container.

To figure out what type of container to use for your next business shipment via sea freight, you should know that there are many different types and sizes of shipping containers to choose from that will suit your business requirement. If you know the shipping container specifications for the options available to you, it will allow for good business decisions moving forward.  Based on the shipping container specifications, such as the dimensions and the maximum weight allowed, it can have an impact on the type of equipment you are able to ship. The following shipping container specifications are meant to act as guides for you as you choose your freight container for shipping.

 

Container Type Internal Dimensions Door Opening Cubic Capacity Cargo Weight
20FT General L – 5.89M

W – 2.35M

H – 2.36M

W – 2.33M

H – 2.26M

33 CBM 21700KG
20FT High Cube L – 5.89M

W – 2.35M

H – 2.69M

W – 2.33M

H – 2.59M

37 CBM 21700KG
 40FT General L – 12.05M

W – 2.35M

H – 2.36M

W – 2.33M

H – 2.26M

66 CBM  26500KGS
 40FT High Cube L – 12.05M

W – 2.35M

H – 2.69M

 W – 2.33M

H – 2.59M

 76 CBM  26500KGS

 

It should be noted that heavy rated (that supports heavier loads) as well as food grade shipping container are also available, but may incur an additional charge. The high cube variety is only available for certain origin/destinations and should inquired if needed and carry an additional charge.

Apart from the above shipping containers, flat rack shipping containers are also available.

 

Container Type Internal Dimensions Door Opening Cubic Capacity Cargo Weight
20FT Flat Rack

with sides

L – 5.89M

W – 2.35M

H – 2.23M

Side Opening

W – 2.59M

30 CBM 26500KG
20FT Flat Rack

without sides

L – 6.00M

W – 2.35M

H – 0.23M

33 CBM

(Max Height 2.36M)

23500KG
 40FT Flat Rack

with sides

L – 12.05M

W – 2.35M

H – 2.23M

Side Opening

W – 11.66M

63 CBM  36000KGS
 40FT Flat Rack

without sides

L – 12.20M

W – 2.35M

H – 0.65M

67 CBM

(Max Height 2.36M)

 3000KGS

 

These type of container are ideal when shipping cargo that bypass dimensions of a traditional shipping container as it is available with or without sides. They do incur an additional charge and are often subject to availability.

 

Container Type Internal Dimensions Door Opening Cubic Capacity Cargo Weight
20FT Open Top L – 5.89M

W – 2.35M

H – 2.36M

W – 2.33M

H – 2.29M

32 CBM 21700KG
40FT Open Top L – 12.05M

W – 2.35M

H – 2.36M

 W – 2.33M

H – 2.29M

66 CBM 26500KG

 

The above open top type of shipping containers, allow you to ship cargo that surpasses the height restrictions of a standard shipping container.

 

Container Type Internal Dimensions Door Opening Cubic Capacity Cargo Weight
20FT Reefer L – 5.44M

W – 2.26M

H – 2.24M

W – 2.26M

H – 2.20M

27 CBM 21700KG
40FT Reefer L – 11.55M

W – 2.26M

H – 2.24M

 W – 2.26M

H – 2.20M

58 CBM 25000KG

 

Reefer containers are refrigerated and set at a specific temperature for the journey commonly used for dairy and food cargo.  Due to their thick walls, the dimensions of these containers are smaller.

Get in touch with Transco Cargo to find out how we can serve your business freight needs. Drop us a quick inquiry!