20ft standard container
A compact format widely used for dense cargo, industrial goods, crates, cartons and pallets. Nominal internal capacity is about 33 m³.
Shipping containers: types, dimensions and uses
Understand the differences between 20ft, 40ft, 40ft High Cube, reefer, open-top and flat-rack containers and choose the right equipment for international sea freight.
Definition
What is a shipping container?
A shipping container is a standardised transport unit designed to move goods between several modes without unloading and repacking them at each stage. The same unit can travel by truck, rail and vessel: this is the basis of modern intermodal transport.
The most common formats are 20ft and 40ft dry containers, but sea freight also uses High Cube, refrigerated reefer, Open Top and Flat Rack units. The right choice depends on dimensions, weight, loading method, temperature requirements and whether the cargo is standard or out of gauge.
Drivet Transport International reviews the whole shipment: inland access, stuffing, port of loading, ocean service, customs formalities and final delivery must remain consistent.
Main formats
Which shipping container should you choose?
Dimensions, weight, volume, cargo and loading method determine the appropriate equipment.
Dimensions, tare and payload are indicative. They must always be checked on the equipment actually released by the shipping line.
40ft standard container
Nearly twice the internal volume of a 20ft container, around 68 m³. Suitable for larger consignments and bulky standard cargo.
40ft High Cube container
Higher than a standard 40ft unit, with about 2.70 m internal height and 76 m³ nominal capacity. Useful for bulky, relatively light cargo.
Reefer container
Insulated and fitted with a refrigeration unit for cargo requiring controlled temperature. Internal dimensions are smaller than in a dry container.
Open Top container
Without a fixed rigid roof, it allows top loading for heavy or bulky cargo that cannot pass through standard rear doors.
Flat Rack container
Designed for heavy, over-height or over-width machinery and project cargo. Dimensions, weight and securing are reviewed for each shipment.
Technical guide
20ft, 40ft and 40ft High Cube: indicative dimensions
These figures are representative values from current carrier fleets. Tare, payload and exact measurements can vary from one unit to another.
20ft Dry
Internal dimensions
5,90 × 2,35 × 2,39 m
≈ 33,2 m³up to ≈ 28.2 t
A compact unit with a high payload-to-volume ratio, often relevant for dense cargo.
40ft Dry
Internal dimensions
12,03 × 2,35 × 2,40 m
≈ 67,8 m³≈ 26.7–28.8 t depending on unit
The standard large-volume container for pallets, crates, cartons and industrial cargo.
40ft High Cube
Internal dimensions
12,03 × 2,35 × 2,70 m
≈ 76,4 m³approximately 26.5–28.8 t
Additional internal height provides more capacity for bulky or relatively light cargo.
Important: container dimensions and payloads are not universal contractual values. Before stuffing, check the actual CSC plate, tare, maximum gross mass and carrier specifications.
FCL & LCL
One container, two different sea-freight organisations
Full container: In FCL (Full Container Load), the container is reserved for one shipper’s cargo for the shipment concerned. Sea-freight consolidation: In LCL (Less than Container Load), several shippers share the same container through consolidation and deconsolidation.
The right choice depends on volume, weight, sensitivity, handling, transit time and total cost. Our sea-freight page explains how we review FCL and LCL solutions.
Loading and safety
Stuffing, securing and VGM: preparing the container before sailing
Load distribution
Cargo must be distributed consistently, taking account of the centre of gravity, fragile areas and maximum permitted masses.
Blocking and securing
Pallets, crates, machinery and packages must be blocked and secured against movement during transport and handling.
VGM · SOLAS
The verified gross mass is required before loading on board. The shipper provides VGM using an authorised weighing method.
Customs documents and import or export requirements must be prepared in parallel. We can coordinate the flow with customs representatives where required.
Special equipment
When a standard dry container is not enough
Reefer
For temperature-sensitive goods, reefer containers maintain a controlled environment during the ocean leg. Product requirements are confirmed before booking.
Temperature-controlled transportOpen Top
Useful when cargo must be loaded vertically by crane. Final height, lifting method and tarpaulin closure must be reviewed in advance.
Flat Rack
For heavy or out-of-gauge machinery and structures. The shipment may require specific inland handling before or after the port.
Abnormal-load transportDrivet Transport International
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a 20ft and a 40ft container?+
A 20ft dry container offers about 33 m³, while a 40ft dry container is around 68 m³. The final choice depends on volume, weight distribution, cargo dimensions and cost.
What is a 40ft High Cube container?+
It has similar length and width to a standard 40ft unit but is about one foot higher, with around 2.70 m internal height and 76 m³ nominal capacity.
Which container should I choose for sea freight?+
The choice depends on dimensions, total weight, packaging, loading method, sensitivity, temperature control and any out-of-gauge dimensions.
When should a reefer container be used?+
A reefer is designed for goods that require a controlled-temperature environment. Set point, packaging and product instructions must be confirmed before booking.
What is an Open Top container used for?+
It allows top loading for heavy or bulky cargo that cannot pass through standard rear doors.
What is a Flat Rack container used for?+
It is designed for heavy, over-height or over-width cargo. Dimensions, weight and securing are checked for each shipment.
Is container gross weight checked before vessel loading?+
Yes. SOLAS VGM requirements state that the verified gross mass of a packed container must be available before vessel loading.
Can you organise pre-carriage and final delivery?+
Yes. Depending on the shipment, we coordinate road or rail pre-carriage, sea booking, customs and final delivery.
Related services
Other solutions to discover
International
Sea freight
FCL, LCL and international sea-freight solutions through to final delivery.
Learn more
Import / Export
Customs
Coordination of formalities with specialised customs representatives.
Learn more
Temperature control
Refrigerated transport
Solutions for goods requiring a defined temperature range.
Learn more
Intermodal
Rail freight
Rail and road-rail solutions for containers and long-distance flows.
Learn more
Oversized freight
Abnormal-load transport
Solutions for heavy, bulky and specific equipment.
Learn more
Tailored organisation
Freight forwarding
A flexible solution for partial loads, full loads and specific flows.
Learn moreTransport request
Need a transport quote?
Send us the origin, destination, goods, package count, dimensions, total weight and loading constraints. We will review the most suitable container and sea-freight organisation.