Question 1

What are the dimensions of a standard shipping container?

Accepted Answer

Standard ISO shipping containers are 8ft wide and 8ft 6in high, most commonly 20ft or 40ft long. A 20ft standard container measures 20' x 8' x 8'6" externally and about 19'4" x 7'8" x 7'10" internally.

Question 2

What is the difference between standard and high cube containers?

Accepted Answer

A high cube container is 1ft taller — 9ft 6in external height instead of 8ft 6in — giving about 8ft 10in of internal ceiling height. High cubes are the standard choice for container homes, offices and workshops.

Question 3

How much does a shipping container weigh?

Accepted Answer

Empty tare weights run from about 2,850 lbs for a 10ft container to 10,700 lbs for a 53ft high cube. A standard 20ft weighs about 5,070 lbs and a 40ft about 8,160 lbs.

Question 4

How wide is the door opening on a shipping container?

Accepted Answer

Standard ISO containers have a door opening of about 7ft 8in wide and 7ft 5in high (8ft 5in high on high cubes). The 53ft domestic container has a wider 8ft 2in opening.

Question 5

How much space do I need for delivery?

Accepted Answer

Allow roughly 60ft of straight clearance for a 20ft tilt-bed delivery and 100ft for a 40ft, with 12ft of width and 14ft of overhead clearance, on a level firm pad.

Shipping Container Dimensions & Sizes