Container Info
Container Dimensions By Type
Storage and shipping containers come in a variety of sizes. The most common external lengths are 20 and 40 feet, with a standard width of 8 feet. The typical height of a container is 8 feet 6 inches, while high cube containers offer an additional foot, standing at 9 feet 6 inches. For those with limited space, our range of compact new-build containers is ideal for tight corners and small areas.
Container Weight
There are three key weights to consider: tare weight, gross weight, and payload. These weights are typically painted on the container’s exterior, especially when the doors are in use or before the container is repainted for another purpose. The tare weight refers to the weight of the container itself, without any cargo or contents. The gross weight is the combined weight of the container and its maximum payload, representing the total allowable weight. The payload, or net weight, is the weight of the cargo or contents that the container can carry.
Internal Dimension
Most container sides are constructed from corrugated material, with the corrugation typically extending to a depth of 1 inch (25 mm). This results in a reduction of the external width by 2 inches (50 mm)—1 inch on each side. The doors, which are about 2 inches (50 mm) thick and have a corrugated back panel, reduce the internal length by approximately 3 inches (75 mm). The most significant reduction in dimensions from external to internal is observed in height. A standard container floor is about 27 mm (1.1 inches) thick, with an under-floor clearance of approximately 6 inches (150 mm).
With extensive experience in all aspects of the shipping container business—ranging from sales and transportation to conversions, repairs, and more—our team of highly skilled professionals is committed to delivering the best customer service available.
During the corrugation process, an additional 1 inch (25 mm) is lost, leading to an internal dimension that is roughly 8 inches smaller than the external measurement, resulting in an internal width of about 7 feet 10 inches (2.39 meters). However, these dimensions can vary depending on the floor thickness and construction techniques used. The steel top rail, a structural component of the container, further reduces the door height. Typically measuring 4 inches (100 mm), this brings the entrance height down to 7 feet 6 inches (2.28 meters), though variations can occur.
Please note that the above measurements are provided as a general guide to the sizes of different shipping and storage containers. Actual container sizes may vary from unit to unit, particularly with cut-down containers, where the construction method can impact both size and weight. These measurements do not apply to Container House units.