Shipping Container Dimensions – Complete Size Guide

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.

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

These internal dimensions of a shipping container provide approximately 33 cubic metres of usable space, making it suitable for small-scale storage and transport. Always verify the internal space if using pallets, as these affect layout and load.

Weight

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Download Full Container Dimensions Chart (PDF)

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.

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.

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.

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