The quick answer
Standard dry containers are commonly sold in 20ft and 40ft lengths. Standard height is about 8ft 6in; a high cube is about 9ft 6in. Interior space, door clearance and weight vary by unit. Use these tables to compare sizes, then measure the container you’re buying when you need a precise fit.
Outside dimensions: plan the footprint
External dimensions tell you how much space the container itself takes up. Marking that footprint on the ground is a useful start. You’ll also need room for the delivery vehicle, unloading, turns along the approach and space to open the doors.
| Container type | Length × width × height (mm) | Nominal US size |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | 6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 | 20ft class × 8ft × 8ft 6in |
| 40ft standard | 12,192 × 2,438 × 2,591 | 40ft × 8ft × 8ft 6in |
| 40ft high cube | 12,192 × 2,438 × 2,896 | 40ft × 8ft × 9ft 6in |
Source: Hapag-Lloyd Container Specification, printed page 5. The 20ft label is nominal: 6,058 mm is approximately 19ft 10½in, rather than exactly 20ft. Check the container’s measurements and any attached fittings.
Interior dimensions: plan the contents
The interior is smaller than the outside dimensions. Leave room for shelving, aisles and handling equipment before working out how much you can store. Cubic capacity describes the enclosed volume; it doesn’t account for gaps between your belongings or the space you need to reach them.
| Container type | Interior L × W × H (mm) | Approximate US interior L × W × H | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | 5,900 × 2,352 × 2,395 | 19ft 4¼in × 7ft 8⅝in × 7ft 10¼in | 33.2 m³ / 1,172 ft³ |
| 40ft standard | 12,032 × 2,352 × 2,395 | 39ft 5⅝in × 7ft 8⅝in × 7ft 10¼in | 67.7 m³ / 2,390 ft³ |
| 40ft high cube | 12,032 × 2,350 × 2,700 | 39ft 5⅝in × 7ft 8½in × 8ft 10¼in | 76.3 m³ / 2,694 ft³ |
These figures are examples from a carrier’s fleet. Manufacturer, construction, repairs and added work can change usable space, so check the container you’re considering. The 40ft high-cube width follows the carrier’s written table.
Door openings: check the narrowest part of the route
An item can fit inside and still be too tall or wide to get through the doors. Measure it with its packaging, wheels and lifting attachments. Allow for the approach, threshold and any turns as you plan how to move it inside. A diagonal measurement alone isn’t enough.
| Container type | Door opening (mm) | Approximate US opening |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | 2,340 × 2,292 | 7ft 8⅛in × 7ft 6¼in |
| 40ft standard | 2,340 × 2,292 | 7ft 8⅛in × 7ft 6¼in |
| 40ft high cube | 2,340 × 2,597 | 7ft 8⅛in × 8ft 6¼in |
Door opening is clear entry space, not the door leaf size or interior height. Ask for measurements of the actual opening if your equipment will be a close fit.
Tare, payload and maximum gross weight
Tare is the empty container’s weight. Payload is its rated load allowance. Maximum gross weight is the permitted total of the container and its load. Added fittings and packing materials use some of that allowance. The rated payload also doesn’t establish the permitted load for every truck or route.
| Container type | Tare | Maximum payload | Maximum gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | 2,350 kg / 5,181 lb | 28,130 kg / 62,016 lb | 30,480 kg / 67,197 lb |
| 40ft standard | 3,750 kg / 8,267 lb | 28,750 kg / 63,383 lb | 32,500 kg / 71,650 lb |
| 40ft high cube | 3,900 kg / 8,598 lb | 28,600 kg / 63,052 lb | 32,500 kg / 71,650 lb |
These Hapag-Lloyd example ratings use its published rounded US units. They don’t assess site support or Florida road-load allowances.
Confirm fit before accepting the quote
Once you’ve chosen a size, ask for photos and measurements of the container in your quote. Share what you’ll load and its weight, and work through any differences from this reference before arranging delivery.
- Measure your largest item and work out how you’ll load it.
- Have the quote state standard height or high cube.
- Ask for interior and door measurements if space will be tight.
- Describe heavy point loads and the equipment you’ll use for loading.
- Send your delivery ZIP code and site photos so access can be reviewed.
Related questions
Does a 40ft container carry twice the weight of a 20ft container?
No. You get more space, but the example payload ratings are relatively close. Check the container’s actual payload and the floor-loading requirements as well as how much room your contents need.
Which measurements should I use for a tight equipment fit?
Measure the clear opening and usable interior of the container you’re buying, and consider how you’ll load the equipment. The reference dimensions are a starting point for comparing sizes.
Does a high cube have a larger footprint?
A standard-width 40ft high cube has the same nominal length and width as a 40ft standard container. The extra room comes from its additional height.
Sources & reference notes
These specifications are examples unless they identify a particular container. Follow the sources for more detail, and check your container’s measurements and ratings before making a decision.