Seeing the volume of goods brought by shippers and freight forwarders, container shipping industry had to come up with different types and sizes of shipping containers. Not everyone feels compatible with LCL shipment mode. Not every time a large volume of goods can be adjusted in a single container. Addressing all this, there was a great urge to bring different dimensions of shipping containers – small and large both.

The shipping and maritime sectors are under transformation to make the shipment more efficient. Today, several dimensions of containers are being used by the shipping industry to fulfil the requirement at large.

Reading through the blog you’ll come across 10 different dimensions of shipping containers.

8ft

8ft shipping container is one of the smallest size containers. These are mostly used for personal usage or small business storage. From shifting home, small industrial equipment to carrying campaigning essentials for the whole family – 8ft boxes represent the best choice for shipping smaller volume goods within the country or overseas.

Internal dimension– 7ft x 6ft x 6ft

10ft

The 10ft shipping containers are the smallest of standard shipping containers sizes. These are fewer in circulation than 20ft or 40ft and there are fewer suppliers who deal with this dimension. 10ft boxes are used mostly for the portable storage of business units which can be stored and secured and can be transported whenever required. It is considered ideal for industrial equipment shelters and mobile machinery storage. Since these containers are very small in size, they can fit any vehicles with other goods. It can sit on a warehouse dock with no site prep while only taking up 80 square feet of space.

Internal dimension– 9’3 x 7’8 x 7’10

20ft

20ft shipping containers are one of the most used ones. They offer 1169 cubic feet of space which are roughly equivalent to the storage capacity of a car garage. Due to their dimension and sturdiness, they are being extensively used for the transportation of a large variety of goods, as storage units, and building purpose. All 20ft boxes have the same exterior dimension except a few like insulated boxes and reefers due to the modification done on internal walls.

Internal dimension– 19’4 x 7’8 x 7’10

20ft high cube

20ft high cubes are one of the preferred choices when it comes to the transportation of heighted goods. As it allows for more space than a standard container, the heighted goods can be easily stowed without touching the ceiling of the box. These are 30cm higher than standard ones. These boxes allow for maximum ease for building houses and restaurants as they can be modified easily.

Internal dimension– 19’4 x 7’8 x 8’10

40ft

40 ft container dimension offer double the volume as compared to a 20 ft container, and are just 15-25% costlier than the later. It can accommodate a good volume of goods to be shipped over long distances. These containers are built from high-quality steel to bear the load of heavy cargoes and withstand the extreme climate.

Internal dimension– 39’5 x 7’8 x 7’10

40ft high cube

The 40ft High Cube Container is about 1 foot taller than regular 40ft boxes. It offers a better option for heighted goods ensuring that goods protruding the height of 40ft can easily be stowed in them and set for shipment. Their extra foot of height results in 2,660 cubic feet of storage space. For these boxes, attention must be paid to any height restrictions such as a bridge or tunnel coming on the way.

Internal dimension– 39’5 x 7’8 x 8’10

45ft high cube

The specialty of 45ft high cube containers is that they offer the huge storage space. Heavy and bulky goods can be easily transported in them. They are made sturdy & durable enough to withstand harsh weather. Besides, these are highly preferred for building purposes as well. In various cities, the trend of building with shipping containers is on the surge. Cargotecture companies find 45ft containers as one the best type because it can be modified and given any shape. These are hugely being used for constructing bridges, shopping malls, homes, swimming pool.

Internal dimension– 44’5 x 7’11 x 8’10

48ft

These are also high cube containers which are 9’6” tall on the exterior. In comparison to ISO containers, these are 6 inches wider. Their size was first time introduced by the shipping company APL (American President Line) in 1986. Since then, the box started to be used on road and rail and also deck later on. These large size boxes are perfect for just about any ‘on-site’ storage requirement you may have.

Internal dimension– 47’5 x 8’11 x 8’2

53ft

The 53ft container was first introduced in the United States in 1989. It is larger inside and offers a volume of 4280 cubic feet. They are 53ft in length, 9ft in height, and 8ft in width. It offers a floor space of 424 square ft which is enough for the stowage of large volume of goods. It is used mainly for domestic road and rail transport. Its height and length make it even more accommodable for building purposes. It is one of the favorite choices of cargotecture companies for building a large house like a villa. Several 53ft boxes can be combined to make a large residential. Even a small house can be easily made out of it. It provides enough space for a toilet, shower room while giving you the other 40ft space for your living arrangements.

60ft

The first-ever 60ft shipping container was deployed by Canadian Tire and Canadian Pacific Railway in North America. It is the largest of all types of containers. It accommodates a large volume of goods at one time. It allowed Canadian Tire to ship 13% more volume of goods per box.

Container acquisition might feel daunting. But once you are familiar with the related terminologies of the shipping industry, container types, and dimensions, it will no longer be a nightmare. Instead, you will be able to make better purchasing and renting decision.

At LOTUS Containers, we offer top quality shipping containers built to adhere to the highest standards of safety and durability. You are 24/7 welcome to check out our product page and select the type, size, and quality.