Shipping container interior dimensions vary by size and type, each designed for different cargo and uses. Understanding this is crucial for businesses involved in international trade.
In this article, we will discuss the sizes of the four most commonly used container types: 10’, 20’, 40’, and 45’ containers.
Learn about the different interior dimensions of shipping containers in this article to choose the best ones that suit your shipping needs and budget.
Contents
Container Dimension Function
Containers are crucial in the logistics and international trade industries. They are used to transport a wide variety of goods, from light to heavy and bulky.
Containers are made according to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards. Standard ISO dimensions ensure containers can be stacked on ships, trains, or trucks and fit onto handling equipment (cranes, chassis, forklifts).
Interior dimensions are the usable measurements inside the container, that is important for calculating storage, equipment fitting, or modifications. In mathematics, dimensions are measurable quantities of an area, region, or space. This can involve measuring the length, width, and height of an object.
Standard Shipping Container Interior Dimensions
These are the sizes of the four most commonly used container types: 10’, 20’, 40’, and 45’ containers.
10’ Mini Container Dimensions
The 10’ mini container is an ideal choice for tight spaces. You can equip this container with various features similar to a standard container. It is commonly used for residential storage, pop-up booths, kiosks, tool sheds, or compact offices.
The internal dimension of a standard 10′ container is:
Length: 9.3’
Width: 7.8’
Height: 7.10’
Volume: 560 ft³
20’ Container Dimensions
The 20’ general-purpose container is one of the most popular container options. Many use this size for storage, transport, a small shop, a cafe, and a workshop. Sometimes it is referred to as a “20′ mini” in comparison to larger units like 40′ or 45′.
This container has ideal external dimensions of 20’ long, 8’ wide, and 8.6’ high. Its internal height and width are slightly less than the external due to the wall thickness:
Length: 19.4’
Width: 7.8’
Height: 7.10’
Volume: 1,170 ft³
40’ Container Dimensions
The 40’ container is a large-capacity container option. This is an ISO standard container, suitable for international shipping, storage, and modular construction.
Its external dimensions are 40’ long, 8’ wide, and 8.6’ high. However, its internal dimensions are slightly smaller due to the wall thickness, they are:
Length: 39.5’
Width: 7.8’
Height: 7.10’
Volume: 2,389 ft³
45’ High Cube Container Dimensions
A 45′ high cube container is 45’ long, 8’ wide, and 9.6’ high. This container size is one of the larger options in the high cube category.
It is ideal for high-volume cargo, long modular buildings, and interior builds requiring ceiling insulation or loft space. Its internal dimensions are:
Length: 44.6’
Width: 7.8’
Height: 8.10’
Volume: 3,36 ft³
Why Interior Dimensions Matter
Accurate Space Planning for Cargo
Knowing shipping container interior dimensions helps determine how many items you can load. This is crucial for stacking pallets, crates, or machinery to prevent problems with cargo not fitting due to width, height, or length limits.
Container Conversions (Homes, Offices, Shops)
Shipping container interior dimensions guide layout for insulation, framing, walls, and floors. This ensures you can fit furniture, appliances, plumbing, etc, important for designing doorways, hallways, and ceiling height, especially in high cube containers.
A standard container’s interior height is ~7’10”. With insulation and flooring you may need for the home, office, and shop conversion, you might lose 6-8 inches.
Modular Construction and Stackability
Interior space affects the use of shipping containers in modular builds. Precise dimensions are critical when stacking units or aligning doorways, windows, or stairs.
Door Opening Size vs. Interior Size
Interior dimensions help you account for the slightly smaller door opening. A 20’ container door height is 7’6”, while internal height is 7’10”. This is crucial when loading tall equipment or pallets.
Customization and Retrofits
Installing HVAC, lighting, cabinetry, or racks requires accurate interior dimensions. Knowing space lost to insulation, flooring, wall framing, etc., helps maintain comfort and functionality.
Conclusion
When you need a large container or box to distribute a large amount of cargo, a container is the perfect solution. You can choose the shipping container internal dimensions based on your needs. This, of course, must match the number of items you’re about to load.
Buy or rent shipping containers from Tradecorp, a reliable container sales, purchase, rental, and modification service company. Tradecorp provides modification and custom shipping container services by adding windows, doors, walls, and roof insulation.
Our experienced staff is ready to help you arrange the shipping of your container to your requested location. Fill out our quote form to buy or rent from us!