In this article, we will delve into the standards of shipping containers, especially the dimensions of shipping containers. Additionally, we have provided a handy manual as a PDF file, which you can download at the end of the article.
What Is Shipping Container?
A shipping container is a large standardized metal box designed for the efficient transportation and storage of goods. These containers are used in intermodal shipping, meaning they can be easily transferred between different modes of transportation such as ships, trains, and trucks without the need to unload and reload the contents.
As mentioned, shipping containers are standardized, so they are produced under some international rules. For example, a 40ft shipping container commonly has a specific height all around the world. One reason for that is businesses need to use common units for transportation when dealing internationally.
Dimensions of Shipping Containers
Here are some technical specifications for three common shipping containers: 20ft, 40ft, and High Cube 40ft:
20ft Shipping Container
Interior: 5.9m × 2.35m × 2.39m (Length, Width, Height)
Max Gross Weight: 24,000 Kg
Tare Weight: 2,000 Kg
40ft Shipping Container
Interior: 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.39m (Length, Width, Height)
Max Gross Weight: 24,000 Kg
Tare Weight: 3,470 Kg
High Cube 40ft Shipping Container
Interior: 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.69m (Length, Width, Height)
Max Gross Weight: 24,000 Kg
Tare Weight: 3,860 Kg
What Is Max Gross Weight?
The maximum gross weight of a shipping container refers to the total weight that the container can safely carry, including the weight of the container itself and the cargo it holds. This weight limit is crucial for transportation and handling purposes to ensure the safety of the container, the cargo, and the transport vehicle.
It’s crucial to note that while it is possible to load more than the maximum gross weight of a shipping container, it is not safe at all.
What Is Tare Weight?
The tare weight of a shipping container is the weight of the empty container without any cargo, packaging, or additional equipment. Essentially, it is the weight of the container itself. When you add the tare weight to the weight of the cargo, you get the gross weight of the loaded container.
Download the Shipping Containers Manual
As mentioned earlier, we’ve prepared a useful manual about the technical specifications of shipping containers in a PDF format. You can access and download it by clicking on the following link.