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What is the Capacity of a Shipping Container?

Container Dimensions and Size

How Much Cargo Fits In a Container?

What is the Cargo Capacity of Different Container Sizes?

Below is a table outlining the general container capacity in cubic meters (cbm), along with their dimensions and door height:

  Container Size

  Capacity

 (cbm)

  Length 

 (meters/feet)

  Width 

 (meters/feet)

  Height 

 (meters/feet)

  Door Height 

 (meters/feet)

  20'  28 (Extend to 29)  5.92 m \ 19' 5"  2.34 m \ 7' 8"  2.38 m \ 7' 9.5"  2.28 m \ 7' 5.5"
  40'  58 (Extend to 59)     12.05 m \ 39' 6.5"  2.34 m \ 7' 8"  2.38 m \ 7' 9.5"  2.28 m \ 7' 5.5"
  40'HC (High  Cube)   65 (Extend to 68)  12.06 m \ 39' 6.5"  2.35 m \ 7' 8.25"  2.68 m \ 8' 5.5"  2.59 m \ 8' 5.75"
  45'HC (High  Cube)   75 (Extend to 80)  13.72 m \ 45'  2.44 m \ 8'  2.90 m \ 9' 6"  2.59 m \ 8' 5.75"

 

It's worth noting that the capacity will depend on factors such as the size and packing of cartons by the supplier, as well as whether the cargo is palletized. The 'extend to' figure applies specifically to small boxes. 

Regarding weight limits, these can vary based on the carrier, mode of transportation, and region. It's essential to consider not only the weight limit set by sea carriers but also those for inland transportation (such as trains and trucks). In some cases, special equipment like a tri-axle chassis or an overweight permit may be required to meet these limits.

 

What is the Maxumum Weight Limits for Various Container Sizes?

  Container Size

 Cargo Capacity

 kg \ Ibs

 

 Tare Weight 

 kg \ Ibs

 

  20'

 21,640 kg \ 47,716 Ibs

 2,360 kg \ 5,204 Ibs
  40'  26,500 kg \ 58,433 Ibs  3,980 kg \ 8,776 Ibs
  40'HC (High  Cube)   26,330 kg \ 58,058 Ibs  4,150 kg \ 9,150 Ibs
  45'HC (High  Cube)   27,600 kg \ 60,848 Ibs  4,800 kg \ 10,582 Ibs

 

The tare weight of a container refers to its weight when it is empty and devoid of any cargo. This weight includes the container itself, as well as any fixtures or fittings. It is essential to consider the tare weight when calculating the total weight of cargo that can be loaded into a container, as it affects the payload capacity.

Container weight, on the other hand, refers to the combined weight of the container and its contents. It is crucial for determining the maximum load that can be safely transported by various modes of transportation, such as ships, trains, or trucks. Understanding both the tare weight and the container weight is essential for efficient and safe cargo transportation operations.

 

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