Available Shipping Container Dimensions
Curious about shipping container dimensions and weight? At Simple Box, we offer a wide of container sizes, with 20 foot and 40 foot shipping containers being the most popular. These sizes provide the best value per square foot and are ideal for storage, moving, or job sites.
Typical Shipping Container Dimensions & Weights
ISO shipping containers used in North America follow standard ISO container dimensions: 8’ wide, 8’6” high, and either 20’ or 40’ long. These are the most common and versatile container sizes in use today.
40 foot containers are a common shipping container size for people who want to buy a container. Many times when you see a stack of Containers on cargo ships in port, container depots, or being transported on a semi-truck chassis, it is a 40 footer.
20 foot containers are the most popular for renting. A 20 foot Shipping Container is most popular because it is easy to deliver and fits in a wide variety of locations
Custom shipping container sizes range from 8’ to 45’, 48’, and even 53’ in length. High-cube containers offer extra vertical space, standing 9’6” tall.
Shipping Container Size Chart & Specifications
Here is a handy chart that shows the standard weights and dimensions of shipping containers. Because there are a variety of shipping container sizes and manufacturers around the world, keep in mind that the exact dimensions of your container may vary from this list. Visit us at any one of our Simple Box locations and we can get more precise measurements for the container you choose.
| SHIPPING CONTAINER SIZES AND DIMENSIONS | ||||||||
| DIMENSIONS | 10 foot Standard Container | 20 foot Standard Container | 20 foot Double-Door Container | 20 foot High Cube Container | 40 foot Standard Container | 40 foot Double-Door Container | 40 foot High Cube Container | 45 foot High Cube Container |
| External Length | 10′ | 20′ | 20′ | 20′ | 40′ | 40′ | 40′ | 45′ |
| External Width | 8’ | 8’ | 8’ | 8’ | 8’ | 8’ | 8’ | 8’ |
| External Height | 8’-6” | 8’-6” | 8’-6” | 9’-6” | 8’-6” | 8’-6” | 9’-6” | 9’-6” |
| Door Opening Width | 7’-7” | 7’-7” | 7’-7” | 7’-7” | 7’-7” | 7’-7” | 7’-7” | 7’-7” |
| Door Opening Height | 7’-4” | 7’-4” | 7’-4” | 8’-4” | 7’-4” | 7’-4” | 8’-4” | 8’-4” |
| Interior Length | 19’-5” | 19’-5” | 19’-5” | 19’-5” | 39’-5” | 39’-5” | 39’-5” | 44’-5” |
| Interior Width | 7’-8” | 7’-8” | 7’-8” | 7’-8” | 7’-8” | 7’-8” | 7’-8” | 7’-8” |
| Interior Height | 7’-10” | 7’-10” | 7’-10” | 8’-10” | 7’-10” | 7’-10” | 8’-10” | 8’-10” |
| Weight | 2,900 lbs. | 4,900 lbs. | 5,200 lbs. | 5,300 lbs. | 8,200 lbs. | 8,500 lbs. | 8,750 lbs. | 10,500 lbs. |
| *Container Dimensions and Weights may vary depending on several factors such as age, manufacturer, and components used. Check CSC plate to confirm exact details. | ||||||||
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What are Shipping Containers Made of?
Shipping containers feature Corten steel construction, corrugated walls, solid floors, cargo doors, corner castings, and a CSC plate— built for strength, safety, and durability.
Steel Construction
Steel ConstructionShipping containers are built with Corten steel, a weathering steel alloy that resists corrosion and rust. This makes containers highly durable and able to withstand harsh marine environments. The steel frame forms the container’s skeleton, ensuring structural integrity during stacking, loading, and long-distance transport.
Corregated Walls
Corregated WallsThe walls of shipping containers are made with corrugated steel panels. Corrugation adds strength without adding extra weight, allowing the walls to resist dents, wind pressure, and heavy loads. This design also makes containers stackable, which is essential for shipping efficiency.
Solid Floors
Solid FloorsMost containers feature marine-grade plywood floors (usually around 1.1–1.2 inches thick), treated to resist pests, mold, and rot. Some containers may also use bamboo flooring, which is eco-friendly and just as strong. The flooring is secured to the steel cross-members, making it capable of supporting heavy equipment, vehicles, or dense cargo.
Cargo Doors & Door Seal
Cargo Doors & Door SealThe cargo doors are made of double-hinged steel panels, reinforced with locking bars for security. Each door includes rubber door seals to keep out water, dust, and pests, ensuring the contents stay dry and protected. High-quality seals are especially important for containers used in rainy or humid climates.
CSC Plate
CSC PlateEvery shipping container is fitted with a CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) plate, which certifies that the container meets international safety standards. The plate shows details such as the container’s manufacturer, date of production, maximum gross weight, and stacking capabilities. This plate is required for containers used in international transport.
Certification & Surveying
Certification & SurveyingBefore being put into service, containers undergo certification and surveying to confirm they meet ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards. Surveys may be required throughout a container’s lifespan for continued use in shipping. Certified containers are labeled as cargo-worthy, while others may be reclassified for storage-only purposes.
MGW or Max Gross Weight
MGW or Max Gross WeightThe Max Gross Weight (MGW) is the maximum total weight a container can safely carry, including its own empty weight plus cargo. For example, a standard 20ft container typically has an MGW of about 67,200 lbs (30,480 kg). This rating ensures containers are not overloaded, which could compromise safety during transport or stacking.
What Condition or Grades of Shipping
Containers are there?
What are the Differences between Shipping
Containers?
HC / HIGH-CUBE / HI-CUBE Container
This container has either a hard plastic or softer tarp covering the roof of the container. >>
DV / Dry Van Containers
Often simply called Dry Van, but should not be confused with a van body or cargo trailer with wheels. >>
FR or F/R or Flat Rack Container
A Flat Rack is designed with no roof or side walls and a collapsible end wall. >>
OT or O/T or Open Top Container
This container has either a hard plastic or softer tarp covering the roof of the container, making it more like a dump-truck body.>>
OS or Open Side Shipping Container
Some containers are available with curtains instead of steel side walls, while others are sold with doors along the side.>>
All ABout Container Conditions
Container condition is just as important as size when choosing the right shipping container. Whether you need a brand-new one-trip container for maximum lifespan, a wind and water tight unit for secure storage, or a cost-effective used container, knowing the available condition options helps you match the right container dimensions to your budget and project.
20ft Container Dimensions
20-foot Shipping Container is our most popular size. Perfect for moving, renovation, or job site storage. Our Loaded Moves use 20ft Containers, 33% larger than typical Moving Containers.
40ft Container Dimensions
The 40 foot shipping container offers secure, weatherproof storage for businesses, job sites, and personal use. Built to withstand harsh conditions, it’s a durable storage solution.
10ft Container Dimensions
Looking for a small shipping container that still provides excellent security and convenience? A 10 foot shipping container might be the perfect option for you.
Understanding Container Dimensions: FAQs
Knowing the right storage container dimensions is key to choosing the perfect fit for your home, business, or job site. Whether you’re comparing 10ft, 20ft, or 40ft shipping containers, understanding container sizes and capacities ensures your belongings stay secure and accessible. Below, we answer common questions about storage container dimensions, helping you make an informed choice for any project or storage need.