Container Types & Specs
A plain-language guide to every shipping container we trade — dimensions, capacity, payload and what each one is best for. Figures are approximate and vary by manufacturer.
20ft Standard Dry
The compact workhorse — a general-purpose steel dry box for storage and export.
Best for
Heavy, dense cargo, on-site storage and tight yards where a shorter footprint fits best. Easy to road-haul and reposition.
- External (L×W×H)
- 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m
- Internal (L×W×H)
- ~5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m
- Capacity
- ~33 CBM
- Tare weight
- ~2,300 kg
- Max payload
- ~28,200 kg
40ft Standard Dry
Double the length — the global default for volume freight and conversions.
Best for
High-volume but lighter cargo, long-haul export and roomy storage. The most widely traded box worldwide.
- External (L×W×H)
- 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m
- Internal (L×W×H)
- ~12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m
- Capacity
- ~67 CBM
- Tare weight
- ~3,750 kg
- Max payload
- ~28,750 kg
40ft High Cube
A standard 40ft with an extra foot of internal height for bulky loads.
Best for
Tall or light, voluminous cargo and premium conversions (offices, homes) where headroom matters.
- External (L×W×H)
- 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.90 m
- Internal (L×W×H)
- ~12.03 × 2.35 × 2.70 m
- Capacity
- ~76 CBM
- Tare weight
- ~3,900 kg
- Extra height
- ~0.30 m vs standard
Reefer (Refrigerated)
An insulated container with an integrated refrigeration unit for cold-chain cargo.
Best for
Temperature-controlled storage and transport — food, pharma and other perishables. Available in 20ft and 40ft.
- Internal (20ft, L×W×H)
- ~5.45 × 2.29 × 2.27 m
- Capacity (20ft)
- ~28 CBM
- Temperature range
- ~ -30 °C to +30 °C
- Power
- 3-phase / genset
- Max payload (20ft)
- ~27,400 kg
Open Top
A removable tarpaulin/bow roof for loading oversized cargo from above.
Best for
Tall machinery, pipes and project cargo that can't fit through end doors and must be crane-loaded from the top.
- External (40ft, L×W×H)
- 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m
- Roof
- Removable tarpaulin / bows
- Loading
- Top + end doors
- Capacity (40ft)
- ~65 CBM
- Max payload (40ft)
- ~26,500 kg
Flat Rack
Collapsible ends and an open platform for heavy, wide and irregular loads.
Best for
Out-of-gauge, heavy or wide breakbulk — vehicles, machinery, boats, pipes and beams that exceed standard dimensions.
- External (40ft, L×W)
- 12.19 × 2.44 m
- Ends
- Fixed or collapsible
- Loading
- Top, side & end (open)
- Deck
- Reinforced for heavy loads
- Max payload (40ft)
- ~39,000 kg
Understanding grades
Condition grade matters as much as size. Here is what each grade means when you buy or lease.
New (One-Trip)
Manufactured recently and shipped once from the factory. Near-new condition, cleanest appearance — ideal for conversions and premium storage.
Cargo-Worthy (CWO)
Structurally sound and certified suitable for international shipping. Used but inspected for floors, seals and integrity.
Wind & Water Tight (WWT)
Keeps out wind and water but not certified for ocean export. A reliable, economical choice for on-site storage.
As-Is
Sold in current condition without guarantees. Lowest cost — best for buyers who can inspect and accept minor faults.
IICL
Meets Institute of International Container Lessors standards — the strictest used grade, common in the leasing fleet.
Found your box?
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