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Overview of the different container types and sizes

When it comes to the transport of goods, container shipping is the most economical way.

Kuehne+Nagel provides you access to the wide range of standard and special container types of all cooperating carriers.

Containers vary in dimension, weight and design features. Here you will find an overview of the different types of containers to help you identify the right container for your goods.

What is the standard size of a shipping container?

20-foot and 40-foot containers are the most common container sizes (outer dimension).

What are the different types of containers?

Please note: There might be differences, e.g. in dimension and weight, depending on the chosen carrier, as containers vary based on their manufacturer. Please contact us should you have special equipment-related requirements for your shipment.

General purpose / Standard container

3 sizes (in feet): 20' / 40' / 40' High Cube

These standard containers are suitable for any general cargo, mostly packed in euro pallets or in boxes, such as toys or technical devices

They have various lashing devices on the top and bottom longitudinal rails and corner post

Kuehne+Nagel container sketch with the things inside of a container; for example, electronics, foodstuff and beverages — What´s in the container?

Container specifications

Standard container 20'

Inside length	Inside width	Inside height	Door width	Door height	Capacity	Tare weight	Maxi cargo
19'4”	7'8”	7'10”	7'8”	7'6”	1,172 Cft	4,916 Lbs	47,900 Lbs
5.900 m	2.350 m	2.393 m	2.342 m	2.280 m	33.2 m³	2,230 Kgs	21,770 Kgs

Standard container 40'

Inside length	Inside width	Inside height	Door width	Door height	Capacity	Tare weight	Maxi cargo
39'5”	7'8”	7'10”	7'8”	7'6”	2,390 Cft	8,160 Lbs	59,040 Lbs
12.036 m	2.350 m	2.392 m	2.340 m	2.280 m	67.7 m³	3,700 Kgs	26,780 Kgs

Standard container 40' HC (High cube)

Inside length	Inside width	Inside height	Door width	Door height	Capacity	Tare weight	Maxi cargo
39'5”	7'8”	8'10”	7'8”	8'5”	2,694 Cft	8,750 Lbs	58,450 Lbs
12.010 m	2.330 m	2.690 m	2.330 m	2.560 m	76.28 m³	3,968 Kgs	26,512 Kgs

Open top container

2 sizes (in feet): 20' / 40'

Open top containers have a removable tarpaulin, making them the best option for overheight cargo
Loading is possible either from top side or door side

Container specifications

Open top 20'

Inside length	Inside width	Inside height	Door width	Door height	Capacity	Tare weight	Maxi cargo
19'4”	7'7”	7'8”	7'6”	7'2”	1,136 Cft	5,280 Lbs	47,620 Lbs
5.894 m	2.311 m	2.354 m	2.286 m	2.184 m	33.23 m³	2,400 Kgs	21,600 Kgs

Open top 40'

Inside length	Inside width	Inside height	Door width	Door height	Capacity	Tare weight	Maxi cargo
39'5”	7'8”	7'8”	7'8”	7'5”	2,350 Cft	8,490 Lbs	58,710 Lbs
12.028 m	2.350 m	2.315 m	2.341 m	2.274 m	55.5 m³	3,850 Kgs	26,680 Kgs

Flat rack container

2 sizes (in feet): 20' / 40'

Especially suitable for heavy loads and oversized cargo that do not fit into a standard container, such as construction equipment or heavy machinery

Container specifications

Flat rack 20'

Inside length	Inside width	Inside height	Door width	Door height	Capacity	Tare weight	Maxi cargo
18'5”	7'3”	7'4”	-	-	-	5,578 Lbs	47,333 Lbs
5.620 m	2.200 m	2.233 m	-	-	-	2,530 Kgs	21,470 Kgs

Flat rack 40'

Inside length	Inside width	Inside height	Door width	Door height	Capacity	Tare weight	Maxi cargo
39'7”	6'10”	6'5”	-	-	-	12,081 Lbs	85,800 Lbs
12.080 m	2.438 m	2.103 m	-	-	-	5,480 Kgs	39,000 Kgs

Refrigerated container

2 sizes (in feet): 20' / 40' High Cube

These reefer containers do have their own electrically operated cooling/heating unit
Ideal for shipping fruit and vegetables on long distances
Click here for more information about reefer logistics

Further special containers

2 sizes (in feet): 20' / 40'
This container is a platform without side and end-walls
An ideal solution for heavy loads and oversized cargo when the use of a flat rack or open top container is not possible

1 size (in feet): 20'
Especially for cargo which needs ventilation, like the transport of cacao beans or coffee beans

3 sizes (in feet): 20' / 40' / 40' High Cube
Equipped with a removable steel roof
Loading through roof opening and doorway
Ideal for heavy loads that need to be loaded through the roof or doors using a forklift

2 sizes (in feet): 20' or 40'
These containers do not have their own cooling facility
The cooling/heat is supplied by an on-board Conair plant, by the terminal or by a “clip-on” reefer unit

1 size (in feet): 20'
They are one of the most effective transportation methods for bulk cargo
Especially designed for the transport of liquid food, e.g. alcohols, fruit juices, edible oils

Container with vinlog flexitank Especially designed for the transport of liquid food, e.g. alcohols, fruit juices, edible oils — Sea freight flexitank for drinks lo

If you transport your goods with Kuehne+Nagel, you have access to our extensive network and all equipment types offered by the cooperating carriers. Contact us now to find the right shipping solution for you.

Overview of the different container types and sizes

When it comes to the transport of goods, container shipping is the most economical way.

What is the standard size of a shipping container?

What are the different types of containers?

General purpose / Standard container

Container specifications

Open top container

Container specifications

Flat rack container

Container specifications

Refrigerated container

Further special containers

Platform

Ventilated

Hardtop

Insulated

Flexi Tank