When undertaking a project involving a shipping container, or even getting a shipping container for storage or transport, it is important to know what the dimensions are before you buy a shipping container. Unfortunately, there is a lot to know about when it comes to shipping container dimensions, but don't worry! We've got you covered. This article will explain the ins and outs (literally) of shipping container dimensions and their weight capacities so keep reading!
There are many types of shipping containers, however the most common container, the 20ft shipping container measures 6,058 mm in length, 2,438 mm in width and 2,591 mm in height on the outside and can safely hold up to 28,360 kg of weight inside it.
Shipping containers come in 5 main sizes, those sizes being 6ft, 8ft, 10ft, 20ft and 40ft. 6ft, 8ft and 10ft containers are much more rare than 20ft and 40ft containers are and they are highly sought after which generally makes these shipping containers more expensive.
Throughout this guide, you will find that there are multiple different weights for each container. These different weights just describe the weights for the container itself, the cargo weight capacity and the combination of the container weight and the cargo weight.
Tare | Tare weight is the weight of the shipping container without anything inside. |
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Payload | Payload is the weight of the goods inside of the container. This is not including the weight of the container. |
Maximum Gross Weight (MGW) | Maximum Gross Weight is the weight of the container in addition to the weight of the payload. MGW = Tare + Payload |
At ABC Containers, 6ft containers are classified as Mini Cubes. These are the smallest containers we have to offer, and are suitable for small storage solutions, such as garden sheds. These containers may be hard to find due to their difficulty to source.
6ft Mini Cube Shipping Container Dimensions | ||
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Internal | External | |
Length (mm) | 1,670 | 1,825 |
Width (mm) | 1,845 | 1,875 |
Height (mm) | 1,730 | 1,920 | 6ft Mini Cube Shipping Container Weight Specifications |
Tare (kg) | 600 | |
Payload (kg) | - | |
MGW (kg) | - |
Our 8ft shipping containers are also classified as mini cubes. These containers are very similar to the 6ft containers, but are slightly larger. These containers can also be hard to source.
8ft Mini Cube Shipping Container Dimensions | ||
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Internal | External | |
Length (mm) | 2,290 | 2,440 |
Width (mm) | 2,110 | 2,260 |
Height (mm) | 2,060 | 2,260 | 8ft Mini Cube Shipping Container Weight Specifications |
Tare (kg) | 950 | |
Payload (kg) | 5,050 | |
MGW (kg) | 6,000 |
10ft shipping containers are a popular option due to their compact size. People generally love to get these containers with a roller door and use them as a garden shed. While it may seem like 10ft containers will be cheaper than 20ft containers, this is not always the case because most of the time 10ft containers are built by cutting a 20ft container in half and LOTS of time and work goes into this process which increases labour costs significantly.
10ft Shipping Container Dimensions | ||
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Internal | External | |
Length (mm) | 2,831 | 2,991 |
Width (mm) | 2,350 | 2,438 |
Height (mm) | 2,390 | 2,591 | 10ft Shipping Container Weight Specifications |
Tare (kg) | 1,300 | |
Payload (kg) | 8,860 | |
MGW (kg) | 10,160 |
20ft containers are the most popular option, and for good reason. These containers can be used for everything from modified container homes to shipping goods across the world. 20ft containers are also generally the most cost effective option when it comes to shipping containers.
20ft Shipping Container Dimensions | ||
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Internal | External | |
Length (mm) | 5,898 | 6,058 |
Width (mm) | 2,352 | 2,438 |
Height (mm) | 2,390 | 2,591 | 20ft Shipping Container Weight Specifications |
Tare (kg) | 2,120 | |
Payload (kg) | 28,360 | |
MGW (kg) | 30,480 |
40ft containers are our longest size, and are suitable for large removals or commercial storage. They are also a good option for container conversions, such as offices, workshops, and pop-up shops.
40ft Shipping Container Dimensions | ||
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Internal | External | |
Length (mm) | 12,032 | 12,192 |
Width (mm) | 2,352 | 2,438 |
Height (mm) | 2,393 | 2,591 | 40ft Shipping Container Weight Specifications |
Tare (kg) | 3,490 | |
Payload (kg) | 26,990 | |
MGW (kg) | 30,480 |
10ft high cubes are slightly taller than the standard 10ft containers, and are a good option for storage or container conversions. These are especially great if you need a little more space above your head for hanging lights or other fixtures.
10ft High Cube Shipping Container Dimensions | ||
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Internal | External | |
Length (mm) | 2,840 | 2,991 |
Width (mm) | 2,350 | 2,348 |
Height (mm) | 2,698 | 2,896 | 10ft High Cube Shipping Container Weight Specifications |
Tare (kg) | 1,350 | |
Payload (kg) | 10,000 | |
MGW (kg) | 11,350 |
20ft high cubes are slightly taller than the standard 20ft containers. These guys have a little more headroom, and are a great option for storage, office conversions or tiny house conversions.
20ft High Cube Shipping Container Dimensions | ||
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Internal | External | |
Length (mm) | 5,898 | 6,058 |
Width (mm) | 2,352 | 2,438 |
Height (mm) | 2,700 | 2,896 | 20ft High Cube Shipping Container Weight Specifications |
Tare (kg) | 2,315 | |
Payload (kg) | 28,165 | |
MGW (kg) | 30,480 |
The high cube version of the 40ft container is super common and a great option for getting extra space for storage or transport. 40ft high cubes are slightly taller than the standard 40ft containers meaning they feel less claustrophobic and are a great option for container conversions.
40ft High Cube Shipping Container Dimensions | ||
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Internal | External | |
Length (mm) | 12,032 | 12,192 |
Width (mm) | 2,350 | 2,438 |
Height (mm) | 2,695 | 2,896 | 40ft High Cube Shipping Container Weight Specifications |
Tare (kg) | 4,670 | |
Payload (kg) | 29,330 | |
MGW (kg) | 34,000 |
These containers are a very similar size to the generic 10ft containers and to built to strict standards in order to be safe to use with dangerous goods.
10ft Dangerous Goods Shipping Container Dimensions | ||
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Internal | External | |
Length (mm) | 2,840 | 2,991 |
Width (mm) | 2,370 | 2,438 |
Height (mm) | 2,586 | 2,896 | 10ft Dangerous Goods Shipping Container Weight Specifications |
Tare (kg) | 1,800 | |
Payload (kg) | 8,360 | |
MGW (kg) | 10,160 |
These containers are build to strict Australian standards in order to be 100% safe to use with dangerous goods. They are a very similar size to the generic 20ft containers.
20ft Dangerous Goods Shipping Container Dimensions | ||
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Internal | External | |
Length (mm) | 5,898 | 6,058 |
Width (mm) | 2,309 | 2,450 |
Height (mm) | 2,586 | 2,896 | 20ft Dangerous Goods Shipping Container Weight Specifications |
Tare (kg) | 4,000 | |
Payload (kg) | 16,000 | |
MGW (kg) | 20,000 |