Understanding shipping container dimensions is crucial for efficient transport, storage, and project planning. Whether you’re importing goods, setting up a container home, or sourcing space for your business, getting the right size container matters. In this guide, we’ll break down standard container specs in Australia, including 20ft and 40ft variations, internal and external dimensions, and capacity details—complete with a downloadable chart and FAQ section.
What Are the Standard Shipping Container Sizes?
Shipping containers come in a few key standardised sizes, based on ISO 668 international standards. The most commonly used sizes include:
20ft General Purpose (GP)
40ft General Purpose (GP)
40ft High Cube (HC)
These sizes are widely used across Australia for freight, construction, modular buildings, and portable storage. They are compatible with rail, road, and sea transport, making them incredibly versatile. Container manufacturers adhere strictly to ISO regulations to ensure all units can be handled uniformly with cranes, forklifts, and locking mechanisms. Whether you need to understand the internal dimensions of a shipping container or assess external height and payload, standardisation makes comparing and planning much easier.
What Are the Dimensions of a 20ft Container?
If you’re looking for 20ft shipping container specs, here’s what you need to know:
External Dimensions
The external measurements for a standard 20ft GP container are:
| Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6.06 metres | 2.44 metres | 2.59 metres |
These dimensions allow easy integration with shipping infrastructure, including stacking and locking mechanisms.
Internal Dimensions
| Length | Width | Height | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.90 metres | 2.35 metres | 2.39 metres | |||
| Tare Weight | Max Gross Weight | Payload |
|---|---|---|
| ~2,200 kg | ~30,480 kg | ~28,280 kg |
The tare weight refers to the container’s own weight, while payload refers to the maximum cargo weight it can safely carry.
Capacity (Cubic m³)
- Volume: ~33 m³
This volume is ideal for transporting around 10 standard pallets, depending on configuration.
What About 20ft High Cube Specs?
While less common than their 40ft counterparts, 20ft High Cube specs provide added height in a compact footprint.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| External Dimensions | |
| Length | 6.06 metres |
| Width | 2.44 metres |
| Height | 2.89 metres |
| Internal Dimensions | |
| Length | 5.90 metres |
| Width | 2.35 metres |
| Height | 2.69 metres |
| Weight & Volume | |
| Tare Weight | ~2,350 kg |
| Volume | ~37 m³ |
40ft Container Dimensions (Standard & High Cube)
The 40 ft container dimensions are ideal for transporting bulkier or more extensive cargo and are also commonly used in container homes and modified structures.
40ft General Purpose (GP)
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| External Dimensions | |
| Length | 12.19 metres |
| Width | 2.44 metres |
| Height | 2.59 metres |
| Internal Dimensions | |
| Length | 12.03 metres |
| Width | 2.35 metres |
| Height | 2.39 metres |
| Weight & Volume | |
| Tare Weight | ~3,700 kg |
| Max Gross Weight | ~30,480 kg |
| Payload | ~26,780 kg |
| Volume | ~67 m³ |
This type can hold up to 21 standard pallets and is excellent for long-distance freight across container dimensions Australia standards.
40ft High Cube Container Dimensions
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| External Dimensions | |
| Length | 12.19 metres |
| Width | 2.44 metres |
| Height | 2.89 metres |
| Internal Dimensions | |
| Length | 12.03 metres |
| Width | 2.35 metres |
| Height | 2.69 metres |
| Weight & Volume | |
| Tare Weight | ~3,900 kg |
| Volume | ~76 m³ |
The extra 30 cm of internal height is useful for transporting taller items or building modular homes. If you’re after more headspace, the height of a shipping container in the High Cube model delivers.
These are ideal for taller equipment, stacked pallets, or residential applications with ceiling height preferences.
How Much Does a Shipping Container Weigh?
The weight of a shipping container depends on its size and type:
| Container Size | Type | Tare Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 10ft | General Purpose | ~1,300 kg |
| 10ft | High Cube | ~1,450 kg |
| 20ft | General Purpose | ~2,200 kg |
| 20ft | High Cube | ~2,350 kg |
| 40ft | General Purpose | ~3,700 kg |
| 40ft | High Cube | ~3,900 kg |
| 45ft | General Purpose | ~4,600 kg |
| 45ft | High Cube | ~4,800 kg |
These are tare weights (unloaded). Always check the container’s CSC plate for the exact specs, especially for payload and maximum gross weight. Shipping container weight affects freight charges, so knowing exact figures is essential for budgeting.
Which Shipping Container Size Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick guide based on use case:
- 20ft Container: Ideal for small businesses, equipment storage, relocations, and sites with space constraints.
- 20ft High Cube: Great when you need extra vertical space but not a full 40ft footprint.
- 40ft GP Container: Suits bulk storage, long-haul transport, and building conversions.
- 40ft HC Container: Best for large volume cargo or projects requiring added height (e.g., modular buildings).
Consider the following when choosing a container:
- Site Access: Ensure space for delivery truck manoeuvrability.
- Height Restrictions: Consider bridges, overpasses, and site entry.
- Weight Limits: Check regional transport regulations for loaded container weights.
Still not sure? Check out our 20ft container and 40ft container pages for more details.
Shipping Container Dimensions Chart (Downloadable)
Download a complete ISO container size chart for logistics, freight, and storage planning. Includes both standard height and high cube options for all container lengths.
| Container Type | External (L×W×H mm) | Internal (L×W×H mm) | Max Gross (kg) | Tare (kg) | Max Payload (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10' Standard | 2,991 × 2,438 × 2,591 | 2,831 × 2,352 × 2,376 | 10,160 | 1,300 | 8,860 |
| 10' High Cube | 2,991 × 2,438 × 2,896 | 2,831 × 2,352 × 2,698 | 10,160 | 1,450 | 8,710 |
| 20' Standard | 6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 | 5,898 × 2,352 × 2,393 | 30,480 | 2,200 | 28,280 |
| 20' High Cube | 6,058 × 2,438 × 2,896 | 5,898 × 2,352 × 2,698 | 30,480 | 2,400 | 28,080 |
| 40' Standard | 12,192 × 2,438 × 2,591 | 12,032 × 2,352 × 2,393 | 30,480 | 3,800 | 26,680 |
| 40' High Cube | 12,192 × 2,438 × 2,896 | 12,032 × 2,352 × 2,698 | 30,480 | 4,200 | 26,280 |
| 45' Standard | 13,716 × 2,438 × 2,591 | 13,556 × 2,352 × 2,393 | 30,480 | 4,600 | 25,880 |
| 45' High Cube | 13,716 × 2,438 × 2,896 | 13,556 × 2,352 × 2,698 | 30,480 | 4,800 | 25,680 |
Additional Considerations: Doors, Flooring, and Ventilation
Door Dimensions
The standard container door opening is:
- Width: 2.34 m
- Height: 2.28 m (GP) / 2.57 m (HC)
This accommodates forklifts and pallet loading. Custom modifications can be made for wider or roller doors.
Flooring
Most containers feature marine-grade plywood flooring, roughly 28 mm thick. It is designed to be moisture resistant and suitable for heavy-duty use.
Ventilation
Standard containers include passive vents to help reduce condensation. Optional upgrades include louvered vents or whirlybirds for enhanced airflow.
Common Uses for Shipping Containers in Australia
Shipping containers are used far beyond shipping:
- Storage Units: Secure onsite or offsite storage for tools, machinery, or seasonal inventory.
- Site Offices: Construction sites commonly convert containers into portable offices.
- Tiny Homes & Granny Flats: Popular in off-grid and regional areas.
- Pop-up Retail: Cafes, shops, or kiosks using modified containers.
Check out our Expander Container Homes page for examples.
Regulatory Compliance and ISO Standards
All shipping containers must comply with:
- ISO 668: Governs dimensions, weight, and tolerance.
- CSC Certification: Required for international transport.
- Australian Codes: Especially for modified or habitable containers.
Make sure any container used for habitable or commercial use meets all local regulations.
Need a Custom Container Solution?
If our standard sizes don’t meet your needs, we offer custom container design and modification services. Options include:
- Partitioned storage units
- Temperature-controlled containers
- Extra doors, windows, and insulation
Visit our Container Modifications page or talk to our container experts today about your custom requirements.
External Links
- Learn more about ISO container standards on Wikipedia
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