Sea Freight Guide
Container Types and Sizes
Understanding the right container type for your cargo is key to cost-effective, safe freight forwarding. Here’s a complete guide to the most common container types used in international trade.
Standard and High Cube Containers
The most widely used container types in global shipping — suitable for general dry cargo.
20ft Standard (1 TEU)
The industry standard container. Ideal for dense, heavy cargo — metals, machinery, chemicals, and bulk goods.
| Dimensions and capacity | |
|---|---|
| External length | 6.096 m (20 ft) |
| External width | 2.438 m (8 ft) |
| External height | 2.591 m (8 ft 6 in) |
| Internal volume | ~33.2 m³ |
| Max payload | ~28,200 kg |
40ft Standard (2 TEU)
Double the capacity of a 20ft. The most common container worldwide — used for all types of general dry cargo.
| Dimensions and capacity | |
|---|---|
| External length | 12.192 m (40 ft) |
| External width | 2.438 m (8 ft) |
| External height | 2.591 m (8 ft 6 in) |
| Internal volume | ~67.6 m³ |
| Max payload | ~26,700 kg |
40ft High Cube (HC)
30 cm taller than the standard 40ft, offering extra vertical space. Ideal for lightweight, voluminous cargo.
| Dimensions and capacity | |
|---|---|
| External length | 12.192 m (40 ft) |
| External width | 2.438 m (8 ft) |
| External height | 2.896 m (9 ft 6 in) |
| Internal volume | ~76.4 m³ |
| Max payload | ~26,500 kg |
20ft High Cube (HC)
Same footprint as the 20ft standard but 30 cm taller. Used when height clearance is needed in a shorter container.
| Dimensions and capacity | |
|---|---|
| External length | 6.096 m (20 ft) |
| External width | 2.438 m (8 ft) |
| External height | 2.896 m (9 ft 6 in) |
| Internal volume | ~37.5 m³ |
| Max payload | ~28,000 kg |
Open-Top Containers
No fixed roof — cargo is loaded from the top using a crane. Covered by removable tarpaulin.
20ft Open Top
Ideal for cargo that exceeds standard container height or must be loaded by crane from above. The roof is replaced by a removable tarpaulin.
| Dimensions and capacity | |
|---|---|
| External length | 6.096 m (20 ft) |
| External width | 2.438 m (8 ft) |
| External height | 2.591 m (8 ft 6 in) |
| Internal volume | ~32.6 m³ |
| Max payload | ~28,000 kg |
40ft Open Top
Larger version for out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo. Suitable for heavy equipment, industrial machinery, and oversized goods loaded from the top.
| Dimensions and capacity | |
|---|---|
| External length | 12.192 m (40 ft) |
| External width | 2.438 m (8 ft) |
| External height | 2.591 m (8 ft 6 in) |
| Internal volume | ~66.7 m³ |
| Max payload | ~26,000 kg |
Flatrack Containers and Platforms
No walls or roof — designed for oversized, heavy, and irregularly shaped cargo.
20ft Flatrack
Has a flat base and two collapsible end walls but no roof or side walls. Used for cargo that cannot fit inside a closed container.
| Dimensions and capacity | |
|---|---|
| External length | 6.096 m (20 ft) |
| Usable width | ~2.35 m |
| Floor height | ~1.96 m (to top of wall) |
| Max payload | ~30,480 kg |
40ft Flatrack
Larger flatrack for heavier and longer out-of-gauge cargo. End walls fold flat for easy stacking when empty.
| Dimensions and capacity | |
|---|---|
| External length | 12.192 m (40 ft) |
| Usable width | ~2.38 m |
| Floor height | ~2.03 m (to top of wall) |
| Max payload | ~45,000 kg |
Platform Container (Flat)
A flat base with no walls or ends whatsoever. Maximum flexibility for extremely large, heavy, or unconventional cargo loaded from any side.
| Dimensions and capacity | |
|---|---|
| Available in | 20ft and 40ft |
| Usable width | ~2.40 m |
| Floor thickness | ~300 mm |
| Max payload | Up to ~45,000 kg |
Refrigerated and Tank Containers
Specialised containers for temperature-sensitive and liquid cargo.
20ft Refrigerated (Reefer)
Built-in refrigeration unit maintains precise temperature control throughout the voyage. Suitable for perishable and temperature-sensitive goods.
| Dimensions and capacity | |
|---|---|
| External length | 6.096 m (20 ft) |
| Temperature range | -30°C to +30°C |
| Internal volume | ~28.3 m³ |
| Max payload | ~27,400 kg |
40ft Reefer High Cube
The most commonly used reefer size — extra height provides more storage volume for high-value perishable cargo. Powers on-shore via reefer plug.
| Dimensions and capacity | |
|---|---|
| External length | 12.192 m (40 ft) |
| External height | 2.896 m (9 ft 6 in) |
| Temperature range | -30°C to +30°C |
| Internal volume | ~67.6 m³ |
| Max payload | ~29,000 kg |
Tank Container (ISO Tank)
A cylindrical stainless steel tank inside an ISO frame. Used for bulk liquid cargo — chemicals, food-grade liquids, and hazardous materials.
| Dimensions and capacity | |
|---|---|
| Frame size | 20ft ISO standard |
| Tank capacity | 17,500 – 26,000 L |
| Working pressure | Up to 4 bar (T14) |
| Max gross weight | 36,000 kg |
Need help choosing the right container?
PEA Express Agencies handles FCL and LCL bookings across all container types — contact us for a tailored freight solution.
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