Dimensions and measurements of containers: Most ocean cargo is shipped inside a container. There are many sizes of containers but the most commonly used sizes are 20', 40' or 40' high cube. Following is the information, sizes and volume for each container size.

Ocean Container Dimensions:

STANDARD 20' Inside Length 19'4" 5.89 m Inside Width 7'8" 2.33 m Inside Height 7'10" 2.38 m Door Width 7'8" 2.33 m Door Height 7'6" 2.28 m Capacity 1,172 ft³ 33.18 m³ Tare Weight 4,916 lb 2,229 kg Max Cargo 47,999 lb 21,727 kg

STANDARD 40' Inside Length 39' 5" 12.01m Inside Width 7'8" 2.33 m Inside Height 7'10" 2.38 m Door Width 7'8" 2.33 m Door Height 7'6" 2.28 m Capacity 2,390 ft³ 67.67 m³ Tare Weight 8,160 lb 3,701 kg Max Cargo 58,600 lb 26,580 kg

High Cube 40' Inside Length 39' 5" 12.01m Inside Width 7'8" 2.33 m Inside Height 8'10" 2.69 m Door Width 7'8" 2.33 m Door Height 8'5" 2.56 m Capacity 2,694 ft³ 76.28 m³ Tare Weight 8,750 lb 3,968 kg Max Cargo 58,050 lb 26,330 kg

Word of caution: In almost all cases, a containers capacity can not entirely be used. The reason for this is that most goods are packaged to fit the products inside them and the packaging requirements of the importer, and the chances are it will not fill the inside of a container perfectly. Any unfilled air space left on top or by the doors will reduce the effective capacity of the container. In most cases, this would mean a reduction of about 5 m3 for a 20' container, and about 9 m3 for a 40' container.