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Shipping Container Dimensions

Everything you need to know about shipping container dimensions and weight capacities

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!

How Big Is A Shipping Container?

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.

What sizes do shipping containers come in?

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.

Table of contents

What do the different container weights mean?

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.

TareTare weight is the weight of the shipping container without anything inside.
PayloadPayload 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

6ft Mini Cube Shipping Container Dimensions

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 Shipping Container

6ft Mini Cube Shipping Container Dimensions

InternalExternal
Length (mm)1,6701,825
Width (mm)1,8451,875
Height (mm)1,7301,920

6ft Mini Cube Shipping Container Weight Specifications

Tare (kg)600
Payload (kg)-
MGW (kg)-

8ft Mini Cube Shipping Container Dimensions

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

8ft Mini Cube Shipping Container Dimensions

InternalExternal
Length (mm)2,2902,440
Width (mm)2,1102,260
Height (mm)2,0602,260

8ft Mini Cube Shipping Container Weight Specifications

Tare (kg)950
Payload (kg)5,050
MGW (kg)6,000

10ft Shipping Container Dimensions

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

10ft Shipping Container Dimensions

InternalExternal
Length (mm)2,8312,991
Width (mm)2,3502,438
Height (mm)2,3902,591

10ft Shipping Container Weight Specifications

Tare (kg)1,300
Payload (kg)8,860
MGW (kg)10,160

20ft Shipping Container Dimensions

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

20ft Shipping Container Dimensions

InternalExternal
Length (mm)5,8986,058
Width (mm)2,3522,438
Height (mm)2,3902,591

20ft Shipping Container Weight Specifications

Tare (kg)2,120
Payload (kg)28,360
MGW (kg)30,480

40ft Shipping Container Dimensions

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

40ft Shipping Container Dimensions

InternalExternal
Length (mm)12,03212,192
Width (mm)2,3522,438
Height (mm)2,3932,591

40ft Shipping Container Weight Specifications

Tare (kg)3,490
Payload (kg)26,990
MGW (kg)30,480

10ft High Cube Shipping Container Dimensions

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

10ft High Cube Shipping Container Dimensions

InternalExternal
Length (mm)2,8402,991
Width (mm)2,3502,348
Height (mm)2,6982,896

10ft High Cube Shipping Container Weight Specifications

Tare (kg)1,350
Payload (kg)10,000
MGW (kg)11,350

20ft High Cube Shipping Container Dimensions

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

20ft High Cube Shipping Container Dimensions

InternalExternal
Length (mm)5,8986,058
Width (mm)2,3522,438
Height (mm)2,7002,896

20ft High Cube Shipping Container Weight Specifications

Tare (kg)2,315
Payload (kg)28,165
MGW (kg)30,480

40ft High Cube Shipping Container Dimensions

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

40ft High Cube Shipping Container Dimensions

InternalExternal
Length (mm)12,03212,192
Width (mm)2,3502,438
Height (mm)2,6952,896

40ft High Cube Shipping Container Weight Specifications

Tare (kg)4,670
Payload (kg)29,330
MGW (kg)34,000

10ft Dangerous Goods Shipping Container Dimensions

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

10ft Dangerous Goods Shipping Container Dimensions

InternalExternal
Length (mm)2,8402,991
Width (mm)2,3702,438
Height (mm)2,5862,896

10ft Dangerous Goods Shipping Container Weight Specifications

Tare (kg)1,800
Payload (kg)8,360
MGW (kg)10,160

20ft Dangerous Goods Shipping Container Dimensions

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

20ft Dangerous Goods Shipping Container Dimensions

InternalExternal
Length (mm)5,8986,058
Width (mm)2,3092,450
Height (mm)2,5862,896

20ft Dangerous Goods Shipping Container Weight Specifications

Tare (kg)4,000
Payload (kg)16,000
MGW (kg)20,000






Frequently asked questions






Frequently asked questions