Choosing the right shipping container size keeps your freight cost per unit low and your cargo safe. The table below shows typical internal dimensions and capacity. Exact figures vary slightly by shipping line and container age.
Container dimensions and capacity
| Container | Internal L × W × H (m) | Capacity (CBM) | Max payload (approx.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard (20GP) | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 33 | ~28,000 kg | Heavy cargo: rice, stone, steel, salt |
| 40ft Standard (40GP) | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 67 | ~26,500 kg | General cargo, furniture |
| 40ft High Cube (40HC) | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 | 76 | ~26,300 kg | Light, bulky cargo: garments, textiles |
| 45ft High Cube | 13.56 × 2.35 × 2.70 | 86 | ~27,700 kg | Very high-volume cargo (selected lanes) |
| 20ft Reefer | 5.44 × 2.29 × 2.27 | 28 | ~27,000 kg | Meat, seafood, pharma |
| 40ft High Cube Reefer | 11.58 × 2.29 × 2.50 | 67 | ~29,000 kg | Fruit, vegetables, frozen food |
| 20ft / 40ft Open Top | 5.89 / 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.35 | 32 / 66 | ~28,000 / 26,500 kg | Tall cargo loaded by crane |
| 20ft / 40ft Flat Rack | 5.62 / 12.06 × 2.24–2.40 × 2.23–1.95 | — | ~30,000 / 40,000 kg | Machinery, vehicles, out-of-gauge |
How to choose the right container
- Heavy and dense cargo (rice, marble, salt): a 20ft is usually full by weight before volume. Check road weight limits in Pakistan and at destination.
- Light but bulky cargo (garments, towels, furniture): a 40ft high cube gives about 15% more space than a standard 40ft.
- Under about 13–15 CBM: LCL consolidation is often cheaper than a full container.
- Temperature-sensitive goods: use a reefer container.
- Oversized machinery: flat racks or open tops — see project cargo.
Loading tips
Spread weight evenly along the container floor, use dunnage and lashing to stop movement, and never exceed the payload shown on the container door. Since 2016, the gross weight of every export container must be verified (VGM) before loading.
