Shipping Container Dimensions
Shipping container dimensions vary in length, width, and height. The most common container sizes in the United States are 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft long, each at around 8ft wide. The height of each shipping container varies between “standard” height (8ft 6in) and “high cube” (9ft 6in), which are often used to increase storage space or create better air circulation. Check out the table below for a breakdown of shipping container dimensions and specifications.
| 10ft Standard | 20ft Standard | 40ft Standard | 40ft High Cube | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| External | ||||
| Length | 10ft | 20ft | 40ft | 40ft |
| Width | 8ft | 8ft | 8ft | 8ft |
| Height | 8ft 6in | 8ft 6in | 8ft 6in | 9ft 6in |
| Internal | ||||
| Length | 9ft 4in | 19ft 4in | 39ft 4in | 39ft 4in |
| Width | 7ft 8.6in | 7ft 8in | 7ft 8in | 8ft 8in |
| Height | 7ft 10.2in | 7ft 9in | 7ft 9in | 8ft 9in |
| Door Opening | ||||
| Width | 7ft 8.5in | 7ft 8in | 7ft 8in | 7ft 8in |
| Height | 7ft 8.5in | 7ft 5in | 7ft 5in | 8ft 5in |
| Cubic | ||||
| Capacity | 561 cu ft | 1,172 cu ft | 2,350 cu ft | 2,694 cu ft |
| Weight & Payload | ||||
| Empty Weight (Estimate) | 2,850 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 8,000 lbs | 8,500 lbs |
| Maximum Gross Weight | 22,398 lbs | 44,000 lbs | 67,200 lbs | 71,650 lbs |
| Maximum Payload | 19,759 lbs | 55,127 lbs | 61,200 lbs | 62,975 lbs |
Customers often use the 10 ft containers as sheds, offices, job site boxes, she sheds, and man caves. These steel shipping containers are one of the more rare and unique shipping container sizes. When available, they can offer an excellent storage solution for spaces where the more common 20ft and 40ft options can’t fit or aren’t needed.
| Dimension Type | Measurements | Exterior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 10ft x 8ft x 8ft 6in |
|---|---|
| Interior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 9ft 4in x 7ft 8.6in x 7ft 10.2in |
| Door Opening (W x H) | 7ft 8.5in x 7ft 8.5in |
| Cubic Capacity | 561 cu ft |
| Tare weight (on average) | 2,850 lbs |
| Dimension Type | Measurements | Exterior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 19ft 11in x 8ft x 8ft 6in |
|---|---|
| Interior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 19ft 4in x 7ft 9in x 7ft 8in |
| Door Opening (W x H) | 7ft 5in x 7ft 8in |
| Cubic Capacity | 1,165 cu ft |
| Tare weight (on average) | 4,853 lbs |
| Dimension Type | Measurements | Exterior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 40ft x 8ft x 8ft 6in |
|---|---|
| Interior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 39ft 4in x 7ft 9in x 7ft 8in |
| Door Opening (W x H) | 7ft 8in x 7ft 5in |
| Cubic Capacity | 2,390 cu ft |
| Tare weight (on average) | 7,800 lbs |
| Dimension Type | Measurements | Exterior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 40ft x 8ft x 9ft 6in |
|---|---|
| Interior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 39ft 4in x 7ft 9in x 8ft 10in |
| Door Opening (W x H) | 7ft 8in x 8ft 6in |
| Cubic Capacity | 2,700 cu ft |
| Tare weight (on average) | 8,160 lbs |
| Dimension Type | Measurements | Exterior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 20ft x 8ft x 8ft 6in |
|---|---|
| Interior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 19ft 4in x 7ft 8in x 7ft 9in |
| Door Opening (W x H) | 7ft 8in x 7ft 5in |
| Cubic Capacity | 1,172 cu ft |
| Tare weight (on average) | 5,071.5 lbs |
| Dimension Type | Measurements | Exterior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 40ft x 8ft x 8ft 6in |
|---|---|
| Interior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 39ft 4in x 7ft 9in x 7ft 10in |
| Door Opening (W x H) | 7ft 8in x 7ft 6in |
| Cubic Capacity | 2,377 cu ft |
| Tare weight (on average) | 8,160 lbs |
| Dimension Type | Measurements | Exterior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 20ft x 8ft x 8ft 6in |
|---|---|
| Interior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 19ft 4in x 7ft 8in x 7ft 9in |
| Door Opening (W x H) | 7ft 8in x 7ft 5in |
| Cubic Capacity | 1,172 cu ft |
| Tare weight (on average) | 5,071.5 lbs |
| Dimension Type | Measurements | Exterior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 40ft x 8ft x 9ft 6in |
|---|---|
| Interior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 39ft 4in x 7ft 9in x 8ft 10in |
| Door Opening (W x H) | 7ft 8in x 8ft 6in |
| Cubic Capacity | 2,700 cu ft |
| Tare weight (on average) | 8,160 lbs |
| Dimension Type | Measurements | Exterior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 40ft x 8ft x 9ft 6in |
|---|---|
| Interior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 39ft 4in x 7ft 9in x 8ft 10in |
| Door Opening (W x H) | 7ft 8in x 8ft 6in |
| Cubic Capacity | 2,700 cu ft |
| Tare weight (on average) | 8,160 lbs |
20 ft.
| Dimension Type | Measurements | Exterior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 20ft x 8ft x 8ft 6in |
|---|---|
| Interior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 19in 4in x 7ft 8in x 7ft 9in |
| Door Opening (W x H) | 7ft 8in x 7ft 5in |
| Cubic Capacity | 1,172 cu ft |
| Tare weight (on average) | 5,071.5 lbs |
40 ft.
| Dimension Type | Measurements | Exterior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 40ft x 8ft x 8ft 6in |
|---|---|
| Interior Dimensions (L x W x H) | 39ft 4in x 7ft 9in x 7ft 8in |
| Door Opening (W x H) | 7ft 5in x 7ft 8in |
| Cubic Capacity | 2,330.8 cu ft |
| Tare weight (on average) | 9,039 lbs |
From Our Blog
Why Are 20 ft. Standard Shipping Containers So Popular?
Compared to other sizes and types, the 20 ft. container is typically more affordable, highly versatile, and easy to transport. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller loads or locations with limited delivery space, making it an excellent choice for a variety of applications.
How to Choose the Right Shipping Container Size for Your Project
20ft vs. 40ft Container
It is important to consider the cost as a 20ft. shipping container is less money than a 40ft shipping container.
Confirm How Much Space You Need For Storage
Each container is built to carry a specific amount of cargo. Take the time to research square footage capacity to ensure your container will hold all your items.
Do you Need Height?
Standard height containers are 8ft 6in high and High Cube Containers are 9ft 6in high. To accommodate bigger or taller items, you may choose a High Cube container.
Do You Have The Required Delivery Space?
Typically, a 20ft container needs 50-75ft of straight-line space, and a 40ft container needs 120ft of straight-line space to safely deliver the shipping container on the ground.
At Container Sales Group, our main goal is to help our customers solve their storage, building & ocean export needs. We are proud to be a Women-Owned Company, with experience selling New and Used Shipping Containers since 1998. Container Sales Group buys shipping containers direct from the steamship lines to offer our customers the highest quality container at the most competitive prices.
We work with F500 Companies, Nationwide Construction Firms, Universities/Schools, Builders, Individual Homeowners, and International Freight Forwarders- helping them with their shipping container needs. Let us know if we can help you, call Container Sales Group at (708) 722-5995.
From Our Blog
Standard vs High Cube Shipping Containers – Comparison
Shipping containers come in a variety of sizes, types, and features, making them versatile for different applications. One of the most notable distinctions is between Standard (Dry) containers and High Cube (HC or High Capacity) containers, primarily defined by their height.
