Containers are commonly used to transport cargo by sea, railway, and other means. The cost, particularly for cross-border and long-distance cargo transport such as shipping from China to the USA, can be significant. Therefore, it is essential to understand container volumes and choose the appropriate size to minimize costs.
In this post, I will provide practical information on shipping containers, focusing on the following key aspects.
- Standard Container Dimensions (20GP, 40GP, 40HC)
- Useful Takeaways
- How Many Boxes Can Fit in a 20ft/40ft Container?
- Dimensions of Other Common Containers (20HC, 45HC)
- Dimensions of Less Common Containers (8GP, 10GP, 10HC, 48HC, 53HC)
- Four Important Factors to Consider When Deciding to Rent or Buy Shipping Containers
- What are the Main Markings for Containers?
Standard Container Dimensions (20GP, 40GP, 40HC)
There are currently 13 different container sizes within the ISO (global) standard. They all have a width of 2,438mm. The length varies between 12,192mm, 9,125mm, 6,058mm, and 2,991mm, while the height varies between 2,896mm, 2,591mm, and 2,438mm.
The largest shipping container size available is 45HC, which has a length of 45ft (13.72 m), a width of 8ft (2.44 m), and a height of 9.5ft (2.9m). The smallest standard container size is 20ft long and 8ft (2.44m) wide, with a height of 8.5ft (2.59m).
High Cube (also referred to as extra tall) containers are 9.5ft (2.9m) high. There are also smaller 8ft (2.44m) containers available, but they differ from the standard 20ft and 40ft containers in terms of shipping.
The following are the external dimensions of dry containers commonly used internationally:
- 20GP – 20ft x 8ft x 8.5ft
- 40GP – 40ft x 8ft x 8.5ft
- 40HC – 40ft x 8ft x 9.5ft
For your convenience, I have created size charts that show the dimensions and sizes of 20ft, 40ft, and high cube containers in feet and meters, as well as their weights and capacity in lbs, kg, and tons.
Charts of ISO Container (40ft, 20ft, 40HC) Dimensions & Sizes
Remark: The dimensions above are the basic sizing data of containers, with a bit of variation in different situations.
Useful Takeaways
When determining container dimensions, there are three key factors to consider: measurements (length, width, height), internal sizing (length, width, height), and weight (tare weight, gross weight, and payload).
Here are five key points to keep in mind when working with containers:
1. High Cube containers are more popular, with a height of 9.5ft.
2. Two eye-measurement tips to easily tell if a container is a high cube:
- A high cube container is 1 ft (about 0.3048 m) higher.
- It’s a high cube if you see black and yellow tape next to the corner castings.
3. Payload (or Net weight) = Gross Weight – Tare Weight.
This tells you the maximum cargo weight that a container can hold.
- The maximum gross weight is related to the bridge crane load and road weight limit.
- Since July 1, 2016, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has stipulated that containers without Verified Gross Mass (VGM) shall not be loaded. “NO VGM, NO LOAD” is the unified regulation of all major ports and shipping companies.
- The US line has very strict requirements on cargo weight, with the small container of 17.3 tons and the high container of 19.5 tons. Different weight limits apply to different ports.
4. Typically, container sides are corrugated and the corrugation is 1 inch (25mm) thick.
- The inside width is 2 inches (50mm) less than the external’s.
- Together with 2 inches (50mm) thick doors, the inside length is 3 inches (75mm) less than the external.
- The height is reduced by approximately 8 inches (200mm). Besides the 1-inch thick corrugation of the roof, the floor itself is 27mm (1.1 inches) thick, with an underside clearance of 6 inches (150mm).
5. The 20/40ft steel container is widely used in retail, restaurant, and construction industries.
How Many Boxes Can Fit in a 20ft/40ft Container?
In real business, 20GP is suitable to load heavy cargo, with a general weight limit of 21.5 tons and a general cubic capacity of 28 m³. That means you can put 100 household washing machines.
40GP is suitable to load light cargo, with a general weight limit of 26 tons and a general cubic capacity of 58 m³. 40HC is suitable for light-foamed cargo such as textiles and electronic products, with a general weight limit of 25.5 tons and a cubic capacity of 68 m³.
When considering how to maximize your cargo, keep in mind that there are no restrictions on whether packages are erected.
Step-by-step calculation via an example
Case Background: the box size is 85cm x 72cm x 103cm. How many boxes will fit in a 20ft container?
The container’s inner dimensions are L x W x H: 5.9m x 2.33m x 2.35 m; the maximum volume is 32 m³; with generally 28m³ fittable.
Step 1 – Determine which side of the box is appropriate to be the height.
- If the side of 85 cm is the height (2.35 / 0.85 = 2.76), 2 layers are fittable, with a loading gap of 0.76m.
- If the side of 72 cm is the height (2.35 / 0.72 = 3.26), 3 layers are fittable, with a loading gap of 0.26m.
- If the side of 103 cm is the height (2.35 / 1.03 = 2.28), 2 layers are fittable, with a loading gap of 0.28m.
- In this case, we choose the smallest loading gap side as the height, which is 72 cm.
Step 2 – Figure out which side of the box is appropriate to be the length.
- If the side of 85 cm is the length (5.9 / 0.85 = 6.94), 6 rows are fittable, with a loading gap of 0.94m.
- If the side of 103 cm is the height (5.9 / 1.03 = 5.73), 5 rows are fittable, with a loading gap of 0.73m.
- In this case, we choose the smallest loading gap side as the length, which is 103 cm.
Step 3 – The remaining side is the width.
With a width of 85 cm in this case (2.33 / 0.85 = 2.74), 2 rows are fittable, with a loading gap of 0.74m.
Step 4 – Calculate the Maximum Number of Boxes
To calculate this, we can multiply the height, length and width of the container, which gives us a total of 3 layers (height) * 5 rows (length) * 2 rows (width) = 30 boxes.
Ideally, we can fit 44 boxes by dividing the single packing box volume of 0.630 m³ into the fittable cubic meters of a 20 ft container, which is 28 m³. However, it is crucial to ensure that the size of the box is lower than the length, width, and height of the container.
What about a 40GP/40HC Container?
The calculating method is the same, and the capacity of a 40ft container is usually double compared to a 20ft container. In general, a 40ft container can accommodate 18 large pallets (220 cm high) or 36 small pallets (110 cm high).
With regards to a 40HC container, it is about 30 cm higher than a 40GP container, and it can load 68cbm of cargo in an ideal setting.
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Cost of a 20ft/40ft Container
According to data provided by ModuGo, the cost of renting or buying a steel container is as follows:
- Renting a 20ft steel container will cost you $75-$90, and the buying price ranges from $1,100 to $5,000.
- Renting a 40ft steel container will cost you $95-$120, and the buying price ranges from $1,350 to $9,800.
After conducting further research and communicating with industry professionals, I have summarized the following points to provide you with a general understanding of container costs for both renting and buying:
Standard 20ft and 40ft containers are cheaper to buy and rent, while custom sizes are generally pricier due to the cost of adjusting fabricating machines.
A brand new 40ft container costs roughly $3500-$5000, while a used one costs about $1600-$2600. Many people buy 40ft containers to build homes, as it is the right size for container homes.
New container pricing fluctuates every quarter due to changes in labor and material costs worldwide.
The degree of depreciation determines the price of used containers, and the price varies slightly from one manufacturer to another. It is important to ensure that the containers can be used normally, as most manufacturers recommend a lifespan of 10-12 years for containers in active shipping applications.
Dimensions of Other Common Containers (20HC, 45HC)
In addition to the standard 20ft and 40ft containers, 20HC and 45HC are also commonly seen sizes in the container market. The dimensions of these containers can vary based on national, regional, and company standards.
- National Standard – Governments formulate container standards that are applicable to specific national conditions. For instance, China implements GB1413-2008 nationwide as standards for external dimensions, limit deviation, and rated weight of different containers.
- Regional Standard – Regional organizations formulate container standards according to special conditions and are only applicable to that specific region, such as container standards set up by the International Union of Railways (UIC).
- Company Standard – Some large container shipping companies formulate their standards tailored to their specific corporate conditions. For example, Sealand has 35ft containers, while APL (American President Lines) has 45ft and 48ft containers.
- To provide you with an intuitive understanding of container sizes, I have made a size chart that includes the dimensions in feet and meters, lbs, kg and tons, cu ft, and CBM. Please see below.
Remark: The above dimensions describe the basic size of containers, with some variation in different situations.
Note
Ideally, a 45HC container can hold 86 cubic meters or 26 tons of cargo, but in practice, 75 cubic meters of cargo generally fit.
Remember to consider the weight limit when shipping to the US. For heavy cargo, the container weight cannot exceed 19.5 tons, even if there is extra space. If overweight, you will be fined based on the weight. It is recommended that you reserve a certain amount of space. If the container is square and not very large, without cardboard, you could reserve 2-4 cubic meters. It is best to reserve more space, especially when making a letter of credit.
Dimensions of Less Common Containers (8GP, 10GP, 10HC, 48HC, 53HC)
Apart from the aforementioned containers, there are other sizes available around the world to accommodate different types of cargo. Containers with non-standard length, width, and height are developed as more types of cargo need to be shipped. We can access 35ft/48ft/53ft long containers, 9ft/9.5ft high containers, and 8.2ft wide containers. However, it is not easy to find 8.2ft wide second-hand containers.
Notably, 48HC and 53HC are common North American containers that exceed the ISO (global) standard. 53HC is the biggest shipping container size available.
If you require other sizes, custom services are also popular. Commonly bespoke container lengths are 8ft, 12ft, 16ft, 24ft, and 32 ft.
Here is a size chart to explain the dimensions of 8GP, 10GP, 10HC, 48HC, and 53HC (in feet, meters, lbs, kg, tons, cu ft, and CBM).
Note: The dimensions listed above are the basic sizing data for containers, subject to some fluctuation in different situations.
Four Important Factors to Consider When Deciding to Rent or Buy Shipping Containers
Duration of Container Use
- While the purchasing price is higher than renting, buying may be more cost-effective if you plan to use it for a long time.
Enough Space for Effective Delivery of the Container
- Overweight cargo may result in extra fees, and, more seriously, the container may be consigned back, causing shipping delays. Some shipping companies may even ask you to tow your cargo and leave the port, and these fees are hard to control.
- If your cargo is overweight and cannot be divided, you can choose heavy container loading, which will incur extra costs.
- If your cargo is overweight within a certain range at the port, you can negotiate to pay a fine or unload (reload) cargo. If the crane at the destination port cannot load the containers, you may have to unload them at a nearby port or return by the same route.
Selecting a Suitable Shipping Container Supplier
- Most shipping containers (about 95%) are made in China, and you can find appropriate container suppliers at a good price.
- The world’s largest container manufacturers are located in China. CIMC (China International Marine Containers Co., Ltd), Singamas Group, Shanghai Universal Logistics Equipment Co., Ltd, and CXIC Group Containers Company Limited are the top four.
- In particular, CIMC supplies half of the world’s container manufacturing.
Choosing the Right Type of Container to Meet Your Needs
- The price of a used container is lower than that of a new one, so it depends on your actual demands.
- Choose a standard container size or custom size according to your cargo. There are differences among container sizes for tomatoes, plants, peppers, and other cargo types that you may import.
Choose Your Container Size Wisely
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FAQs
What Terminology is Involved in Shipping Container Sizes?
ISO – International Organization for Standardization
Many product and industry standards are created by ISO. ISO 668 and ISO 1496 are for shipping container sizes and dimensions. “ISO Shipping Containers” or “ISO Boxes” indicates that they conform to ISO requirements.
Intermodal
Intermodal refers to transport across different modes. Intermodal containers are widely used because of their high efficiency and security. From ship to rail to truck, there is no need for intermodal containers to unload or reload their cargo. You can identify intermodal containers by their unique ISO 6346 reporting mark.
General Purpose (GP)
GP stands for general-purpose containers, which are also called dry containers or flat containers. For example, 40GP refers to a 40 ft regular container.
High Cube (HQ)
A high cube container is 1 ft (about 0.3048 m) higher than a standard container.
TEU – Twenty Equivalent Unit
It’s the conversion unit for calculating the number of containers, also known as the 20 ft conversion unit and international standard container unit. Remember that a natural container is a “physical container” without conversion. Whether the container is 40ft, 30ft, 20ft, or 10ft, it’s counted as one.
The sale of shipping space is calculated according to the standard of TEU = 14 tons or 16 tons, with overweight units not allowed to board.
Tare (Empty) Weight
It means the empty weight of a container, without cargo inside.
Max Load Capacity (Net Weight/Payload)
It means the maximum loading weight of a container. We can obtain it by subtracting the maximum weight of the container itself from its tare weight. Container doors are directly marked with payload.
Maximum Gross Weight (MGW)
It equals the maximum total weight of a container that is fully loaded. We can obtain it by adding up the tare weight and payload.
What are the Main Markings for Containers?
Shipping containers have identifying words and symbols which include:
- Container ID (BIC Code + Check Digit)
- Size + Type
- ISO Code
- Max. Gross Weight
- Tare Weight
- Max. Payload
- Capacity in Volume
- Height Warning
- Manufacturer Details
- High Cube Warning
- Classification Society
- Owner Details
- Warning/Handling Instruction
- CSC Plate, ACEP, or other Certificates
How has the Shipping Container Market Developed Since COVID-19?
Data shows that the epidemic has greatly reduced shipping container transportation capacity. Many overseas countries have experienced dockworker shortages, port congestion, and suspension, leading to a decrease in ship turnover efficiency. For instance, Ports of Auckland is overstocked with empty containers, while major Asian ports are busy with transportation but often face “the lack of containers”. As such, container prices have soared, with some shipping routes rising nearly tenfold in 2021. Yet, you might face difficulties in container booking.
On the demand side, the recovery of global trade, the slowdown of container turnover, and the shortage of container ship capacity have driven up container prices. Before the US peak shopping season, retailers’ orders are increasing, putting pressure on the global supply chains. Shipping rates from China to the US have risen to a new high of $20,000+ per 40ft container.
From the manufacturing cost perspective, raw materials such as steel have risen in price. Data shows that stainless steel rose from 8,200 RMB per ton in 2020 to 14,000 RMB per ton in 2021, while iron plate rose from 4,200 RMB per ton in 2020 to 8,300 RMB per ton.
In the second half of 2021, the container market will be closely related to whether the epidemic can be effectively controlled and whether the supply chain and industrial chain will remain smooth. China’s export transportation market is expected to maintain a good situation.
Conclusion
At our company, we frequently offer “sea freight plus courier” options for small shipments, even if your cargo weighs between 50-100kg. Additionally, this combined shipping solution is quicker than traditional sea freight, and more affordable than commercial express or air freight.
