CONTAINERS
The following data are informative, there may be differences depending on the carrier.
History of the container
Where do the measurements of a container come from? Why do they have standard measurements?
The idea of standardizing container dimensions arises to facilitate their handling in trucks, trains, ships and ports around the world.
The standardization of dimensions had a massive impact on world trade as manufacturers were able to offer an unimaginable variety of products globally and at low cost by loading the goods in their factories and shipping them directly to stores and warehouses around the world.
Types of containers
Standar Container
The standard container differs from other container models mainly in that it is hermetically sealed and has no cooling or ventilation systems, as is the case with refrigerated or ventilated containers.
Container dimensions (20 feet) |
Width | High | Length |
| Container opening in feet | 7' 8 ⅛" | 7' 6 ¼" | |
| Container opening in meters | 2.34 m | 2.29 m | |
| Inner dimensions in feet | 7' 8 ⅝" | 7' 6 ¼" | 19' 4 ¼" |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.34 m | 2.29 m | 5.9 m |
Container weight |
Max. gross weight | Tara | Max. payload |
| Weight in lbs | 52,831 lbs | 4,914 lbs | 47,899 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 23,956 kg | 2,229 kg | 21,727 kg |
| Container volume | In CFT | In CBM | |
| Loading capacity | 1,172 CFT | 33.2 CBM |
Open Top Container
It is normally used in maritime transport to transport goods that do not fit because of their height or are very heavy.
Container dimensions (20 feet) |
Ancho | Alto | Largo |
| Door opening in feet | 7' 8 ⅛" | 7' 6 ¼" | |
| Door opening in meters | 2.34 m | 2.29 m | |
| Inner dimensions in feet | 7' 8 ⅝" | 7' 10 ¼" | 19' 4 ¼" |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.352 m | 2.395 m | 5.9 m |
Container weight |
Max. gross weight | Tara | Max. payload |
| Weight in lbs | 52,897 lbs | 5,297 lbs | 47,619 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 23,994 kg | 2,394 kg | 21,600 kg |
| Container volume | In CFT | In CBM | |
| Loading capacity | 1,172 CFT | 33.2 CBM |
Tank Container
Tank containers or isotanks are containers specially designed for the transport of liquids or gases.
Container dimensions (20 feet) |
Width | Height | Length |
| Outside dimensions in feet | 8' | 8' 6" | 20" |
| External dimensions in meters | 2.43 m | 2.59 m | 6.09 m |
| Container volume | In U.S. Gallons | In Liters | |
| Loading capacity | 6,450 gl | 26,001 lt |
Platform Container
This type of container has no sides. They are used for shipments of goods with large dimensions and with difficulties in loading.
Container dimensions (20 feet) |
Width | High | Long |
| Internal size in meters | 2,39 mt | 5,90 mt | |
Container weight |
Volume | Tara | Load |
| Weigth in kg | 2,200 Kgs | 27,800 Kg |
Refrigerated Container
Container equipped with a cooling engine, which allows the transport of perishable or temperature-sensitive goods.
Container dimensions (20 feet) |
Width | High | Long |
| Container opening in feet | 7' 8 ⅛" | 7' 6 ¼" | |
| Container opening in meters | 2.34 m | 2.29 m | |
| Inner dimensions in feet | 7'6" | 7' 4 ⅞" | 17' 11 ⅝" |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.28 m | 2.33 m | 5.45 m |
Container weight |
Max. gross weight | Tara | Max. payload |
| Weight in lbs | 67,200 lbs | 6,970 lbs | 60,230 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 30,480 kg | 3,160 kg | 27,320 kg |
Flat Rack
Suitable for the transport of heavy cargo, as well as goods that require special loading due to their dimensions, such as pipes and machinery.
Container dimensions (20 feet) |
Width | Heigh | Length |
| Inner dimensions in piest | 8' | 7' 3 ⅞" | 19' 9 ¾" |
| Interior dimensions in meters | 2.438 m | 2.233 m | 5.638 m |
Container weight |
Max. gross weight | Tara | Max. payload |
| Weight in lbs | 99,200 lbs | 6,400 lbs | 92,800 lbs |
| Weight in kg | 45,000 kg | 2,900 kg | 42,100 kg |
| Loading capacity | 1,154.3 CFT | 32.7 CBM |