The length of a shipping container may be different for each type. It is an important aspect when choosing the right container for safe planning, efficient use, and proper modification. Misjudging length can lead to wasted space or loading issues.
A shipping container is a container used to store or transport large amounts of cargo. Whether you’re shipping cargo, designing a container building, or planning storage, the container’s length directly affects what fits, how it fits, and how the container functions.
Shipping and storage containers can be any size. Typically, a container will be 8.6’ tall. A high cube container will be 1 foot taller than a standard 9.6’ container. To know the various length of a shipping container, find out in this article!
Contents
Why You Should Acknowledge the Length of a Shipping Container
Acknowledging the length of a shipping container is important for several practical and logistical reasons, they are:
1. Space Planning and Logistics
Acknowledging the length of a shipping container will make it easier for space planning and logistics. This helps ensure you have enough room to store it at a facility, port, or on private property.
Moreover, this is also good for the transport compatibility since trucks, trains, and ships are designed to handle specific container lengths (e.g., 20’ and 40’ are industry standards).
2. Cost Estimation
Freight charges often vary based on container size. Some countries impose fees based on container dimensions, affecting your total import/export costs. For example, A 40’ container length costs more than a 20’ one to ship.
3. Capacity and Cargo Management
Length directly affects how much cargo can be packed. For example, a 20’ container holds 1,171 cubic feet while a 40’ container holds 2,386 cubic feet. Exceeding container capacity can damage goods or violate safety regulations.
4. Compliance with Regulations
Pay attention to your local regulations before choosing container length. Some jurisdictions restrict the movement of containers longer than a certain size without special permits. Longer containers may require different axle configurations to remain road-legal.
5. Construction and Repurposing Uses
Builders who work on container modification projects must know container dimensions to design effective layouts and foundations. This includes container homes, offices, retail shops, cafes, etc. Misjudging container size can lead to structural problems or wasted space.
Tradecorp Container Length
A container’s length is measured according to ISO standards, ranging from 10 feet, 20 feet, 40 feet, and 45 feet. There is a difference in length between the outer and inner parts of the container, which typically have a double layer to protect the cargo.
10’ Container Length
A 10-foot container is a small container option and offers the best storage option. This more compact container is often used for secure storage of furniture, machinery, spare parts, and accessories. The unit is often large enough to store the belongings of a one-bedroom apartment.
However, the 10’ container is not always accepted for international shipping. For transport logistics, it may need special arrangements, as many transport systems are optimized for 20’ and 40’ containers. The specific length of a 10’ shipping container is:
| Specification | Feet | Meters |
| External Length | 10’ | 3.05 m |
| Internal Length | 9.3’ | 2.35 m |
| Volume Capacity | 560 cu.ft | 15.9 cu.m |
20’ container length
The 20’ container length is one of the most popular sizes in the logistics sector. With a length of 20’, a width of 8‘, and a height of 8.6’, this unit is ideal for storing and shipping small quantities of goods.
As an illustration, a 20’ container can hold approximately:
- 48,000 bananas
- 50-60 refrigerators
- 100 washing machines
- 400 LCD TVs
- 200 full-sized mattresses
This length offers a balance between capacity, portability, and cost, making it a standard unit in containerized transport. Moreover, it is accepted worldwide for intermodal transport (ship, rail, truck). The specific length of a 20’ shipping container is:
| Specification | Feet | Meters |
| External Length | 20’ | 6.1 m |
| Internal Length | 19.4’ | 5.9 m |
| Volume Capacity | 1,170 cu.ft | 33.1 cu.m |
40’ Container length
For those of you who need more spacious container capacity, a 40’ container is the right option. This unit provides a substantial amount of storage space. It’s realistic to expect the belongings and contents of a four-bedroom family home to fit inside a 40’ container, given the limitations and dimensions mentioned above.
The contents of the rooms and larger household items such as bathroom fixtures, suitcases, washing machines, pianos, extra mattresses, etc., can be easily accommodated in the container.
Moreover, a 40’ shipping container is one of the most widely used container sizes in global logistics and trade, especially for cargo that needs more volume rather than weight capacity. It provides twice the length of a 20’ container but not double the weight capacity, which makes it ideal for lighter, bulkier goods.
The specific length of a 40’ shipping container is:
| Specification | Feet | Meters |
| External Length | 40’ | 12.2 m |
| Internal Length | 39.6’ | 12.03 m |
| Volume Capacity | 2,390 cu.ft | 67.7 cu.m |
45′ High Cube Container Length
Container sizes can be customized to suit your needs, and some unusual dimensions are also included. One of the many examples is the 45’ container size.
This unit is guaranteed to have a longer and higher capacity for optimal storage and shipping of goods and cargo. Although rarely used, the 45’ container can easily accommodate oversized items (furniture, machinery, raw materials), and even five cars.
A 45’ high cube container is a specialized shipping container that provides extra length and height for transporting or storing larger, bulkier, or taller cargo. It is primarily used in international shipping and logistics when the standard 40-foot container isn’t enough.
The specific length of a 40’ shipping container is:
| Specification | Feet | Meters |
| External Length | 45’ | 13.7 m |
| Internal Length | 44.4’ | 13.56 m |
| Volume Capacity | 3,122 cu.ft | 88.4 cu.m |
Conclusion
The length of a shipping container comes in a variety of sizes because each container has different usage requirements. However, the most typical container lengths (externally) are 20’ and 40’ containers, with an average width of 8’.
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!