Shipping Container Dimensions & Specifications
Container Sizes
Shipping and storage containers are available in a range of sizes to meet various residential, commercial, and industrial requirements. The most common container lengths are 20ft and 40ft, both featuring a standard external width of 8ft.
Standard containers have an external height of 8ft 6in, while High Cube containers offer an additional foot of vertical space, providing an external height of 9ft 6in. We also offer compact and custom-built containers that are ideal for locations with restricted access, limited space, or unique storage requirements.
Container Weight Information
Understanding container weight specifications is essential for safe transportation, loading, and storage. The three primary weight measurements are:
Tare Weight
The weight of the empty container without any cargo or contents.
Gross Weight
The maximum allowable weight of the container, including both the container itself and its cargo.
Payload Capacity
The maximum weight of cargo that the container can safely carry.
These weight ratings are typically displayed on the container doors and are important for ensuring compliance with transportation and safety regulations.
Internal Dimensions
Most shipping containers are constructed from corrugated steel panels, which provide exceptional strength and durability. Due to the corrugated design, internal dimensions are slightly smaller than the external measurements.
The sidewall corrugations generally reduce the internal width by approximately 2 inches (50mm), while the container doors reduce the internal length by approximately 3 inches (75mm). Internal dimensions may vary slightly depending on the container's age, manufacturer, and construction method.
Container flooring is typically around 1.1 inches (27mm) thick, with an underfloor clearance of approximately 6 inches (150mm). Additionally, the steel top rail, which is a vital structural component, reduces the door opening height compared to the overall external height.
As a result, the internal width of a standard shipping container is generally around 7ft 10in (2.39m), while door heights and internal heights may vary slightly between units.
Industry Expertise You Can Trust
With extensive experience across every aspect of the shipping container industry—including container sales, transportation, modifications, conversions, repairs, and storage solutions—our team is committed to delivering exceptional products and outstanding customer service.
Whether you require a single storage container, a custom conversion project, or a fleet of shipping containers for commercial use, we have the expertise and resources to help you find the right solution.
Important Notice
The dimensions and specifications provided above are intended as general guidelines only. Actual measurements, weights, and capacities may vary between manufacturers, container types, and custom-built units.
Specifications for modified, cut-down, or custom containers may differ from standard industry measurements. These dimensions do not apply to container homes or specially engineered container structures.