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Types and Sizes of Shipping Containers

The importance of containers in shipping, their basic types, and sizes:

Containers are a vital component of the global supply chain, significantly contributing to the protection and facilitation of goods transport across borders. They play a crucial role in improving shipping efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing security. This article will explore various types of containers and their diverse uses, highlighting the unique characteristics each possesses to meet specific shipping needs. From standard containers to specialized containers, we will examine how these types can help maximize the efficiency of shipping and distribution operations.​

TypeBasic Information
container standard (20')Dry container with a volume of 33.2 m³, length of 5.898 meters, width of 2.352 meters, height of 2.393 meters.
container standard (40')Dry container with a volume of 67.7 m³, length of 12.032 meters, width of 2.352 meters, height of 2.393 meters.
refrigerated container (20')Refrigerated container with a volume of 31.5 m³, length of 5.870 meters, width of 2.316 meters, height of 2.316 meters.
Refrigerated container (40')Refrigerated container with a volume of 61.4 m³, length of 11.976 meters, width of 2.316 meters, height of 2.316 meters.
Open-top container (20')Top-opening container with a volume of 33.2 m³, length of 5.898 meters, width of 2.352 meters, height of 2.393 meters.
Open-top container (40')A top-opening container with a volume of 67.7 m³, a length of 12.032 meters, a width of 2.352 meters, and a height of 2.393 meters.
Liquid container (20')A container designed for liquids with a volume of 31.4 m³, a length of 5.898 meters, a width of 2.352 meters, and a height of 2.337 meters.
40' trailer containerTrailer container with a volume of 73.1 m³, length of 12.032 meters, width of 2.438 meters, height of 2.621 meters.

This table provides an overview of the different types of containers and basic information about them.


Types of containers and their sizes:

1. Dry Containers

Dry containers are the most common in international shipping, and they are primarily designed for transporting dry goods that do not require special storage conditions. These containers feature a sturdy structure and a lockable roof, providing good protection against weather elements such as rain and wind. They are used for shipments that include items like clothing, furniture, and electronic devices. Dry containers come in various sizes, making them suitable for a wide range of needs.

20' Standard Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)7.69 × 7.77Container weight (empty) (lbs)5,070 lbs
Door openings (mtr)2.35 × 2.37Maximum total weight (lbs)62,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)19.4 × 7.7 × 7.9Container weight (empty) (kg)2,300 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)5.898 × 2.352 × 2.393Maximum total weight (kg)28,200 kg
Maximum load (lbs)56,930 lbsContainer size (³ feet)1,172 ft³
Maximum load (kg)25,500 kgContainer volume (m³)33.2 m³

40' Standard Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)7.69 × 8.00Container weight (empty) (lbs)8,700 lbs
Door openings (mtr)2.35 × 2.44Maximum total weight (lbs)67,200 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)39.5 × 7.7 × 7.9Container weight (empty) (kg)3,950 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39Maximum total weight (kg)30,500 kg
Maximum load (lbs)60,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)2,385 ft³
Maximum load (kg)27,200 kgContainer volume (m³)67.4 m³

40' High Cube Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)7.69 × 8.00Container weight (empty) (lbs)8,800 lbs
Door openings (mtr)2.35 × 2.44Maximum total weight (lbs)67,200 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)39.5 × 7.7 × 8.5Container weight (empty) (kg)3,990 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)12.03 × 2.35 × 2.59Maximum total weight (kg)30,500 kg
Maximum load (lbs)60,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)2,700 ft³
Maximum load (kg)27,200 kgContainer volume (m³)76.5 m³

45' High Cube Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)7.69 × 8.00Container weight (empty) (lbs)9,800 lbs
Door openings (mtr)2.35 × 2.44Maximum total weight (lbs)67,200 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)44.4 × 7.7 × 8.5Container weight (empty) (kg)4,450 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)13.53 × 2.35 × 2.59Maximum total weight (kg)30,500 kg
Maximum load (lbs)60,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)3,040 ft³
Maximum load (kg)27,200 kgContainer volume (m³)86.0 m³

2. Refrigerated Containers

Refrigerated containers are used to preserve goods that require low temperatures, such as fresh food and pharmaceuticals. These containers are equipped with an integrated cooling system that can precisely control the temperature, ensuring the quality and safety of the products throughout the shipping process. Refrigerated containers are essential for international shipments that require specific storage conditions.


20' Refrigerated Container (Reefer)

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)7.69 × 7.77Container weight (empty) (lbs)8,000 lbs
Door openings (mtr)2.35 × 2.37Maximum total weight (lbs)66,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)19.4 × 7.7 × 7.9Container weight (empty) (kg)23,600 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)5.898 × 2.352 × 2.393Maximum total weight (kg)30,000 kg
Maximum load (lbs)56,930 lbsContainer size (³ feet)1,172 ft³
Maximum load (kg)25,500 kgContainer volume (m³)33.2 m³

40' Refrigerated Container (Reefer)

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)7.69 × 8.00Container weight (empty) (lbs)10,600 lbs
Door openings (mtr)2.35 × 2.44Maximum total weight (lbs)68,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)39.5 × 7.7 × 7.9Container weight (empty) (kg)4,750 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39Maximum total weight (kg)3,800 kg
Maximum load (lbs)60,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)2,350 ft³
Maximum load (kg)27,200 kgContainer volume (m³)66.5 m³

40' High Cube Refrigerated Container (Reefer)

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)7.69 × 8.00Container weight (empty) (lbs)11,000 lbs
Door openings (mtr)2.35 × 2.44Maximum total weight (lbs)68,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)39.5 × 7.7 × 8.5Container weight (empty) (kg)5,000 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)12.03 × 2.35 × 2.59Maximum total weight (kg)30,800 kg
Maximum load (lbs)60,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)2,700 ft³
Maximum load (kg)27,200 kgContainer volume (m³)76.5 m³

45' High Cube Refrigerated Container (Reefer)

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)7.69 × 8.00Container weight (empty) (lbs)12,000 lbs
Door openings (mtr)2.35 × 2.44Maximum total weight (lbs)68,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)44.4 × 7.7 × 8.5Container weight (empty) (kg)5,500 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)13.53 × 2.35 × 2.59Maximum total weight (kg)3,800 kg
Maximum load (lbs)60,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)3,040 ft³
Maximum load (kg)27,200 kgContainer volume (m³)86.0 m³

3. (Tank Containers)

Tank containers are used to transport liquid materials such as chemicals and oils. These containers provide effective protection for liquid materials and help prevent leaks or accidents during transport. They have a sealed internal tank, ensuring the safe and efficient transport of liquids.



20' Tank Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)-Container weight (empty) (lbs)6,600 lbs
Door openings (mtr)-Maximum total weight (lbs)65,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)19.4 × 7.7 × 7.9Container weight (empty) (kg)36,000 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)5.898 × 2.352 × 2.393Maximum total weight (kg)29,500 kg
Maximum load (lbs)56,930 lbsContainer size (³ feet)1,172 ft³
Maximum load (kg)25,500 kgContainer volume (m³)33.2 m³

40' Tank Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)-Container weight (empty) (lbs)12,000 lbs
Door openings (mtr)-Maximum total weight (lbs)67,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)39.5 × 7.7 × 8.5Container weight (empty) (kg)5,500 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)12.03 × 2.35 × 2.59Maximum total weight (kg)30,500 kg
Maximum load (lbs)60,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)2,700 ft³
Maximum load (kg)27,200 kgContainer volume (m³)76.5 m³

40' High Cube Tank Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)-Container weight (empty) (lbs)13,000 lbs
Door openings (mtr)-Maximum total weight (lbs)70,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)39.5 × 7.7 × 8.5Container weight (empty) (kg)5,900 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)12.03 × 2.35 × 2.59Maximum total weight (kg)31,500 kg
Maximum load (lbs)60,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)2,700 ft³
Maximum load (kg)27,200 kgContainer volume (m³)76.5 m³

45' Tank Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)-Container weight (empty) (lbs)14,000 lbs
Door openings (mtr)-Maximum total weight (lbs)7,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)44.4 × 7.7 × 8.5Container weight (empty) (kg)26,400 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)13.53 × 2.35 × 2.59Maximum total weight (kg)32,000 kg
Maximum load (lbs)60,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)3,040 ft³
Maximum load (kg)27,200 kgContainer volume (m³)86.0 m³

4.Flat Rack Containers

They are used to transport large and heavy goods, such as machinery and equipment, and they feature flat and sturdy platforms to support excess weight, making them ideal for cargo that does not fit traditional containers.

20' Flat Rack Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)-Container weight (empty) (lbs)6,000 lbs
Door openings (mtr)-Maximum total weight (lbs)48,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)19.4 × 7.7 × 7.9Container weight (empty) (kg)2,700 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)5.898 × 2.352 × 2.393Maximum total weight (kg)21,800 kg
Maximum load (lbs)48,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)-
Maximum load (kg)21,800 kgContainer volume (m³)-

40' Flat Rack Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)-Container weight (empty) (lbs)10,000 lbs
Door openings (mtr)-Maximum total weight (lbs)60,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)39.5 × 7.7 × 7.9Container weight (empty) (kg)4,500 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39Maximum total weight (kg)27,200 kg
Maximum load (lbs)60,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)-
Maximum load (kg)27,200 kgContainer volume (m³)-

40' High Cube Flat Rack Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)-Container weight (empty) (lbs)11,000 lbs
Door openings (mtr)-Maximum total weight (lbs)66,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)39.5 × 7.7 × 8.5Container weight (empty) (kg)5,000 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)12.03 × 2.35 × 2.59Maximum total weight (kg)30,000 kg
Maximum load (lbs)66,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)-
Maximum load (kg)30,000 kgContainer volume (m³)-

45' Flat Rack Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)-Container weight (empty) (lbs)12,000 lbs
Door openings (mtr)-Maximum total weight (lbs)70,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)44.4 × 7.7 × 8.5Container weight (empty) (kg)5,500 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)13.53 × 2.35 × 2.59Maximum total weight (kg)31,500 kg
Maximum load (lbs)70,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)-
Maximum load (kg)31,500 kgContainer volume (m³)-

5. Ventilated Containers

They are used for goods that require good ventilation, such as agricultural products. They provide a continuous flow of air to maintain the quality of the goods.

20' Ventilated Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)7.69 × 7.77Container weight (empty) (lbs)4,800 lbs
Door openings (mtr)2.35 × 2.37Maximum total weight (lbs)50,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)19.4 × 7.7 × 7.9Container weight (empty) (kg)2,200 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)5.898 × 2.352 × 2.393Maximum total weight (kg)22,700 kg
Maximum load (lbs)45,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)1,172 ft³
Maximum load (kg)20,400 kgContainer volume (m³)33.2 m³

40' Ventilated Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)7.69 × 8.00Container weight (empty) (lbs)9,500 lbs
Door openings (mtr)2.35 × 2.44Maximum total weight (lbs)60,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)39.5 × 7.7 × 7.9Container weight (empty) (kg)4,300 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39Maximum total weight (kg)27,200 kg
Maximum load (lbs)55,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)2,350 ft³
Maximum load (kg)24,900 kgContainer volume (m³)66.5 m³

40' High Cube Ventilated Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)7.69 × 8.00Container weight (empty) (lbs)10,000 lbs
Door openings (mtr)2.35 × 2.44Maximum total weight (lbs)65,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)39.5 × 7.7 × 8.5Container weight (empty) (kg)4,500 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)12.03 × 2.35 × 2.59Maximum total weight (kg)29,500 kg
Maximum load (lbs)60,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)2,700 ft³
Maximum load (kg)27,200 kgContainer volume (m³)76.5 m³

45' Ventilated Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)7.69 × 8.00Container weight (empty) (lbs)11,500 lbs
Door openings (mtr)2.35 × 2.44Maximum total weight (lbs)70,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)44.4 × 7.7 × 8.5Container weight (empty) (kg)5,000 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)13.53 × 2.35 × 2.59Maximum total weight (kg)31,500 kg
Maximum load (lbs)65,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)3,040 ft³
Maximum load (kg)29,500 kgContainer volume (m³)86.0 m³

6. Open Top Containers

It is used to transport goods of non-standard sizes that cannot be entered through regular doors. It features a removable cover to facilitate the loading and unloading of large goods.

20' Open Top Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)7.69 × 7.77Container weight (empty) (lbs)4,500 lbs
Door openings (mtr)2.35 × 2.37Maximum total weight (lbs)55,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)19.4 × 7.7 × 7.9Container weight (empty) (kg)2,000 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)5.898 × 2.352 × 2.393Maximum total weight (kg)25,000 kg
Maximum load (lbs)50,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)1,172 ft³
Maximum load (kg)22,700 kgContainer volume (m³)33.2 m³

40' Open Top Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)7.69 × 8.00Container weight (empty) (lbs)8,500 lbs
Door openings (mtr)2.35 × 2.44Maximum total weight (lbs)65,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)39.5 × 7.7 × 7.9Container weight (empty) (kg)3,850 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39Maximum total weight (kg)29,500 kg
Maximum load (lbs)60,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)2,350 ft³
Maximum load (kg)27,200 kgContainer volume (m³)66.5 m³

40' High Cube Open Top Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)7.69 × 8.00Container weight (empty) (lbs)9,000 lbs
Door openings (mtr)2.35 × 2.44Maximum total weight (lbs)68,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)39.5 × 7.7 × 8.5Container weight (empty) (kg)4,100 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)12.03 × 2.35 × 2.59Maximum total weight (kg)3,800 kg
Maximum load (lbs)65,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)2,700 ft³
Maximum load (kg)29,500 kgContainer volume (m³)76.5 m³

45' Open Top Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)7.69 × 8.00Container weight (empty) (lbs)10,000 lbs
Door openings (mtr)2.35 × 2.44Maximum total weight (lbs)70,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)44.4 × 7.7 × 8.5Container weight (empty) (kg)4,500 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)13.53 × 2.35 × 2.59Maximum total weight (kg)31,500 kg
Maximum load (lbs)65,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)3,040 ft³
Maximum load (kg)29,500 kgContainer volume (m³)86.0 m³

7.Semi-Trailers

Trailer containers are used for transporting goods on roads and are considered a flexible option for land shipping. These containers are detached from the trucks upon arrival at the destination, making it easier to load and unload the goods.


20' Semi-Trailer

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)-Container weight (empty) (lbs)6,000 lbs
Door openings (mtr)-Maximum total weight (lbs)48,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)19.4 × 8.0 × 8.0Container weight (empty) (kg)2,700 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)5.898 × 2.438 × 2.438Maximum total weight (kg)21,800 kg
Maximum load (lbs)50,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)1,500 ft³
Maximum load (kg)22,700 kgContainer volume (m³)42.5 m³

40' Semi-Trailer

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)-Container weight (empty) (lbs)8,500 lbs
Door openings (mtr)-Maximum total weight (lbs)60,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)39.5 × 8.0 × 8.9Container weight (empty) (kg)3,850 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)12.03 × 2.438 × 2.438Maximum total weight (kg)27,200 kg
Maximum load (lbs)55,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)2,600 ft³
Maximum load (kg)24,900 kgContainer volume (m³)73.7 m³

40' High Cube Semi-Trailer

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)-Container weight (empty) (lbs)9,000 lbs
Door openings (mtr)-Maximum total weight (lbs)65,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)39.5 × 8.0 × 9.0Container weight (empty) (kg)4,100 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)12.03 × 2.438 × 2.743Maximum total weight (kg)29,500 kg
Maximum load (lbs)60,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)2,900 ft³
Maximum load (kg)27,200 kgContainer volume (m³)82.0 m³

45' Semi-Trailer

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)-Container weight (empty) (lbs)10,600 lbs
Door openings (mtr)-Maximum total weight (lbs)70,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)44.4 × 8.0 × 8.0Container weight (empty) (kg)4,800 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)13.53 × 2.438 × 2.438Maximum total weight (kg)31,500 kg
Maximum load (lbs)65,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)3,400 ft³
Maximum load (kg)29,500 kgContainer volume (m³)96.0 m³

8.  Open Side Containers

Removable cover containers feature fully opening sides, making it easier to load and unload non-standard sized goods.


 أو التي تحتاج إلى وصول سهل من الجوان.


20' Open Side Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)7.69 × 7.77Container weight (empty) (lbs)5,100 lbs
Door openings (mtr)2.35 × 2.37Maximum total weight (lbs)50,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)19.4 × 8.0 × 8.0Container weight (empty) (kg)2,300 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)5.898 × 2.438 × 2.438Maximum total weight (kg)22,700 kg
Maximum load (lbs)45,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)1,550 ft³
Maximum load (kg)20,400 kgContainer volume (m³)43.9 m³

40' Open Side Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)7.69 × 8.00Container weight (empty) (lbs)9,200 lbs
Door openings (mtr)2.35 × 2.44Maximum total weight (lbs)60,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)39.5 × 8.0 × 8.9Container weight (empty) (kg)4,200 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)12.03 × 2.438 × 2.438Maximum total weight (kg)27,200 kg
Maximum load (lbs)55,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)2,600 ft³
Maximum load (kg)24,900 kgContainer volume (m³)73.7 m³

40' High Cube Open Side Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Door openings (feet)7.69 × 8.00Container weight (empty) (lbs)9,700 lbs
Door openings (mtr)2.35 × 2.44Maximum total weight (lbs)65,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)39.5 × 8.0 × 9.0Container weight (empty) (kg)4,400 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)12.03 × 2.438 × 2.743Maximum total weight (kg)29,500 kg
Maximum load (lbs)60,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)2,900 ft³
Maximum load (kg)27,200 kgContainer volume (m³)82.0 m³

45' Open Side Container

StandardvalueStandardvalue
Container volume (m³)7.69 × 8.05Container weight (empty) (lbs)11,000 lbs
Door openings (meters)2.35 × 2.46Maximum total weight (lbs)70,000 lbs
Internal dimensions (feet)44.4 × 8.0 × 8.0Container weight (empty) (kg)5,000 kg
Internal dimensions (meters)13.53 × 2.438 × 2.438Maximum total weight (kg)31,500 kg
Maximum load (lbs)65,000 lbsContainer size (³ feet)3,400 ft³
Maximum load (kg)29,500 kgContainer volume (m³)96.0 m³

Conclusion

Containers are a fundamental tool in the world of shipping and transportation, available in various types to meet diverse needs in this field. From traditional containers to specialized ones, each is designed to provide flexible and secure solutions for efficient cargo transport. For more articles and information about shipping, or to inquire about detailed shipping services, you can visit the website Cargo.sa, which offers a wide range of accurate and useful information

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