Freight reference
Container Dimensions
This chart compares nominal exterior dimensions with published internal dimensions, door openings, tare, payload, and cubic capacity. Load planning uses the smallest applicable opening and interior envelope, then compares cargo weight with payload. Source-record dates and fleet links are listed below.
This container dimensions reference compares nominal exterior size with published fleet examples for internal dimensions, door openings, tare, payload, maximum gross weight, and cubic capacity. It covers 20ft and 40ft dry containers, 40ft and 45ft high cube equipment, reefers, and open tops. Use it for early planning, then confirm the container supplied for the booking.
Metric container dimensions and weights
External dimensions below are nominal ISO size envelopes represented by the carrier's type groups. Internal dimensions, door openings, weights, and capacities are Hapag-Lloyd fleet examples checked on August 12, 2026. Dimensions are shown length by width by height; door openings are width by height.
| Type | External mm | Internal mm | Door mm | Tare kg | Payload kg | Max gross kg | Capacity CBM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' dry | 6058 x 2438 x 2591 | 5900 x 2352 x 2395 | 2340 x 2292 | 2,350 | 28,130 | 30,480 | 33.2 |
| 40' dry | 12192 x 2438 x 2591 | 12032 x 2352 x 2395 | 2340 x 2292 | 3,750 | 28,750 | 32,500 | 67.7 |
| 40' high cube | 12192 x 2438 x 2896 | 12032 x 2350 x 2700 | 2340 x 2597 | 3,900 | 28,600 | 32,500 | 76.3 |
| 45' high cube | 13716 x 2438 x 2896 | 13556 x 2352 x 2700 | 2340 x 2597 | 4,800 | 27,700 | 32,500 | 86.0 |
| 20' reefer | 6058 x 2438 x 2591 | 5450 x 2280 x 2159 | 2290 x 2264 | 2,860 | 29,140 | 32,000 | 28.1 |
| 40' reefer high cube | 12192 x 2438 x 2896 | 11599 x 2290 x 2425 | 2290 x 2557 | 4,420 | 29,580 | 34,000 | 67.7 |
| 20' open top | 6058 x 2438 x 2591 | 5895 x 2350 x 2340 | 2338 x 2280 | 2,450 | 30,050 | 32,500 | 32.5 |
| 40' open top | 12192 x 2438 x 2591 | 12029 x 2350 x 2344 | 2340 x 2276 | 4,050 | 28,450 | 32,500 | 66.8 |
Imperial container dimensions and weights
| Type | External | Internal | Door | Tare lb | Payload lb | Max gross lb | Capacity cu ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' dry | 20' x 8' x 8'6" | 19'4 1/4" x 7'8 5/8" x 7'10 1/4" | 7'8 1/8" x 7'6 1/4" | 5,181 | 62,016 | 67,197 | 1,172 |
| 40' dry | 40' x 8' x 8'6" | 39'5 5/8" x 7'8 5/8" x 7'10 1/4" | 7'8 1/8" x 7'6 1/4" | 8,267 | 63,383 | 71,650 | 2,390 |
| 40' high cube | 40' x 8' x 9'6" | 39'5 5/8" x 7'8 1/2" x 8'10 1/4" | 7'8 1/8" x 8'6 1/4" | 8,598 | 63,052 | 71,650 | 2,694 |
| 45' high cube | 45' x 8' x 9'6" | 44'5 5/8" x 7'8 5/8" x 8'10 1/4" | 7'8 1/8" x 8'6 1/4" | 10,552 | 61,067 | 71,650 | 3,037 |
| 20' reefer | 20' x 8' x 8'6" | 17'10 1/2" x 7'5 3/4" x 7'1" | 7'6 1/8" x 7'5 1/8" | 6,305 | 64,242 | 70,547 | 1,006 |
| 40' reefer high cube | 40' x 8' x 9'6" | 38'0 1/4" x 7'6 1/8" x 7'11 1/2" | 7'6 1/8" x 8'4 5/8" | 9,744 | 65,212 | 74,956 | 2,387 |
| 20' open top | 20' x 8' x 8'6" | 19'4 1/8" x 7'8 1/2" x 7'8 1/8" | 7'8" x 7'5 3/4" | 5,402 | 66,248 | 71,650 | 1,149 |
| 40' open top | 40' x 8' x 8'6" | 39'5 1/2" x 7'8 1/2" x 7'7 1/4" | 7'8 1/8" x 7'5 3/4" | 8,929 | 62,721 | 71,650 | 2,359 |
Dry, high cube, reefer, and open top differences
A standard dry container is the baseline enclosed box for general cargo. A high cube adds one nominal foot of exterior height and more internal height, which helps with light or voluminous cargo. It does not automatically provide more payload because tare and maximum gross limits still control.
A reefer sacrifices internal length, width, and height to insulation and temperature-control equipment. The published cubic capacity is not the same as the usable cargo envelope because airflow must be maintained and cargo cannot block the unit's distribution points. A 40 foot reefer high cube can therefore have similar published cubic capacity to a 40 foot dry container while requiring different stowage practice.
An open top supports top loading and overheight cargo with a removable covering and door header. Door and roof openings are separate constraints. The cited 20 foot open top roof opening is 2230 by 5338 millimeters; the cited 40 foot example is 2230 by 11552 millimeters. Overheight or out-of-gauge cargo requires carrier approval, special handling, and an appropriate securement plan.
Using the table for load planning
Start with the smallest internal dimension and door opening relevant to the cargo orientation. Compare gross cargo weight with payload, not maximum gross container weight. Maximum gross includes the container tare. For palletized or crated cargo, use the complete outside envelope and include dunnage or loading clearance separately.
Cubic capacity is a geometric specification, not a promise that the stated volume can be packed. Mixed sizes, pallets, voids, bracing, lashing, weight distribution, floor point loads, dangerous-goods segregation, and loading sequence reduce usable capacity. Enter the published internal dimensions in the container loading calculator for an initial rectangular fit, then replace them with booked-equipment measurements when provided.
Use and limitations
These are example fleet specifications, not guaranteed dimensions for every unit. The table does not establish cargo acceptance, temperature suitability, floor loading, axle compliance, dangerous-goods compatibility, overheight approval, or securement. Confirm the actual container and booking terms with the carrier. External metric values are nominal size envelopes; internal and weight values come from the cited carrier pages.
Frequently asked questions
What are the inside dimensions of a 40ft container?
The cited Hapag-Lloyd 40 foot dry example is 12032 by 2352 by 2395 millimeters internally, or 39 feet 5 5/8 inches by 7 feet 8 5/8 inches by 7 feet 10 1/4 inches.
How much larger is a 40ft high cube container?
The nominal exterior height increases from 8 feet 6 inches to 9 feet 6 inches. In the cited examples, internal height increases from 2395 to 2700 millimeters and capacity from 67.7 to 76.3 CBM.
Why is reefer internal capacity lower?
Insulation, machinery, airflow channels, and the required cargo airflow envelope reduce reefer internal dimensions and usable volume compared with a dry container of similar exterior size.
Are shipping container dimensions exact?
No. The carrier states that its specifications are examples and containers vary by manufacturer. Confirm the actual booked equipment when clearance, payload, or volume is critical.
Sources
The newest source record below was captured 2026-08-12. This date identifies the stored record, not currentness; follow the link before purchasing, rating, or loading.