The #1 container size and type is the most popular container size used in international shipping. It is widely chosen because it provides a large storage capacity for transporting general cargo, including furniture, electronics, clothing, machinery, and packaged goods. Its standardized dimensions make it suitable for transportation by sea, road, and rail, making it an essential part of global logistics and supply chains.
For size, this category includes 20ft and 40ft, and their high cube sizes. Meanwhile, for the type, this category includes the general-purpose or dry container and the high cube container.
To know the detailed features, dimensions, and specifications, read this article until the end!
The Most Popular #1 Container Size
20 feet
A 20 feet container is the most popular #1 container size. The external dimensions of a standard 20 feet dry container are approximately 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet 6 inches high. These measurements include the container’s exterior structure.
The internal dimensions are slightly smaller because of the thickness of the walls, floor, and roof. The internal length is about 19 feet 4 inches, the internal width is about 7 feet 8 inches, and the internal height is about 7 feet 10 inches. These internal measurements determine the actual space available for loading cargo.
Dimensions:
| Dimensions | L 20’ x W 8’ x H 8.6’ |
| Volume | 1,171 cu ft |
| Tare weight | 4,585 lbs |
| Max payload | 62,615 lbs |
| Max cargo | 67,200 lbs |
20 feet High Cube
The external dimensions of a standard 20-foot high cube container are approximately 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9 feet 6 inches high. Compared with a standard 20-foot dry container, which is approximately 8 feet 6 inches high, the high cube version provides an additional 1 foot of external height.
The internal dimensions are approximately 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 8 inches wide, and 8 feet 10 inches high. These internal measurements represent the usable space inside the container, although the exact dimensions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and container model.
Dimensions:
| Dimensions | L 20’ x W 8’ x H 9.6’ |
| Volume | 1,320 cu ft |
| Tare weight | 4,740 lbs |
| Max payload | 62,460 lbs |
| Max cargo | 67,200 lbs |
40 feet
The external dimensions of a standard 40-foot container are approximately 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet 6 inches high. The internal dimensions are approximately 39 feet 5 inches long, 7 feet 8 inches wide, and 7 feet 10 inches high.
The internal measurements are smaller than the external measurements because of the thickness of the walls, floor, and roof. These dimensions determine the usable space available for loading cargo and should be considered when planning the arrangement of goods inside the container.
Dimensions:
| Dimensions | L 40’ x W 8’ x H 8.6’ |
| Volume | 2,386 cu ft |
| Tare weight | 7,540 lbs |
| Max payload | 59,660 lbs |
| Max cargo | 67,200 lbs |
40 feet High Cube
The external dimensions of a standard 40-foot high cube container are approximately 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9 feet 6 inches high. The internal dimensions are approximately 39 feet 5 inches long, 7 feet 8 inches wide, and 8 feet 10 inches high.
In terms of storage capacity, a 40-foot high cube container has an internal volume of approximately 2,694 cubic feet and a floor area of around 300 square feet. The additional height provides more room for stacking cartons, pallets, and other cargo, particularly goods that are bulky but relatively lightweight.
Dimensions:
| Dimensions | L 40’ x W 8’ x H 9.6’ |
| Volume | 2,694 cu ft |
| Tare weight | 7,760 lbs |
| Max payload | 59,440 lbs |
| Max cargo | 67,200 lbs |
The Most Popular #1 Container Type
General Purpose or Dry Container
A General Purpose (GP) container or a Dry Container is a standard shipping container designed to transport and store general cargo that does not require temperature control or special environmental conditions. It is the most commonly used container type in international shipping and logistics.
General Purpose or Dry Containers are commonly used to transport goods such as furniture, clothing, electronics, machinery, packaged food products, building materials, household goods, and other non-perishable items. They are suitable for cargo that can be transported under normal ambient conditions without refrigeration or specialized ventilation.
The main advantages of General Purpose or Dry Containers are their durability, versatility, ease of handling, and suitability for transporting a wide variety of goods. Their standardized dimensions allow them to be transferred efficiently between ships, trucks, and trains without unloading the cargo at every stage of the journey. This makes them an essential part of international trade and supply chain operations.
High Cube Container
A High Cube Container is a standard shipping container designed to transport and store general cargo while providing additional vertical space compared with a standard dry container.
The main difference between a standard dry container and a high cube container is the height. A standard dry container typically has an external height of 8 feet 6 inches, while a high cube container has an external height of approximately 9 feet 6 inches. The extra foot of height provides more internal volume, allowing cargo to be stacked higher and making better use of the available space.
This container is suitable for transporting bulky cargo that requires additional stacking height. For example, large cartons, lightweight furniture, or products that occupy considerable space but do not exceed the permitted weight limits.
Container Recommendation for the American Market
20 feet General Purpose Container
The 20ft dry shipping container is the most popular #1 container size and type, and the most common type of shipping container for sale. This container is suitable for both storage and freight, especially for dry cargo that doesn’t require temperature control.
It is manufactured according to ISO specifications, which makes it suitable for intermodal transport of freight. It is also equipped with a variety of features that guarantee the safe transport of your cargo. The container measures L 20’ x W 8’ x H 8’6”, providing ample space to achieve efficiency in cargo storage and transportation.
With their sturdy construction and security features, these containers are ideal for businesses requiring the intermodal transportation of goods in any weather conditions. Whether you require shipping containers for cargo transportation or storage, Tradecorp can provide a secure and standardized ISO container that meets all your needs.
40 feet General Purpose Container
The 40ft dry container is a durable storage and transport solution that provides a large capacity for your items and machinery. It is popular among businesses since it can carry more cargo to improve efficiency and meet the requirements for intermodal freight transport. Some of the dry goods that this container can carry include industrial equipment, raw materials, apparel, vehicles, and more.
One of the key features of this shipping container is the corner castings that enable safe stacking with other containers through twist lock mechanisms and secure attachment to trailers, trains, or ships. This guarantees that the containers can be stacked effortlessly, transported securely, and stay properly aligned and locked during transport. Additionally, the container also includes lashing rings to ensure that the cargo is secured in place and does not shift during transit.
20 feet High Cube Container
The 20ft high cube container has 1’ additional height and offers more space for higher cargo or equipment that doesn’t fit in a standard container. It can accommodate up to 62,460 lbs with a volume of 37,4 m³.
This container also has additional features like extra air vents, forklift pockets, lashing rings, locking bars, corner castings, and easy-open doors. It is highly practical for delivering a range of goods, such as industrial equipment, raw materials, apparel, and vehicles.
40 feet High Cube Container
Tradecorp’s 40’ High Cube Shipping Container has 40’ x 8’ x 9’6” dimensions, providing additional height and ample space for a wide range of goods and equipment. This is an excellent choice for individuals and businesses who require a sturdy, reliable, and spacious storage and transport solution.
Whether you need to store or transport consumer goods, household items, construction materials, or machinery, this container will offer the space you require. It comes with several standard shipping container features, including corner castings, air vents, lashing rings, a lockbox, locking bars, and forklift pockets, ready to provide you with secure and efficient storage or transport.
Conclusion
The #1 container size mentioned above are popular because of their functions, sturdiness, and flexibility that will benefit a lot of their users.
If you would like to buy shipping containers to ship your products, buy them from a trusted provider such as Tradecorp. Tradecorp is a reliable Conex box sales, purchase, rental, and modification service company. Tradecorp provides modification and custom Conex box services to residences by adding windows, doors, walls, and roof insulation.
Our experienced staff is ready to help you arrange the shipping of your Conex box to your requested location. Please fill out our quote form to buy or rent from us!