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!