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
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 Cu.m | 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 Cu.m | 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 Cu.m | 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
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 Cu.m | 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 Cu.m | 3,850 Kgs | 26,680 Kgs |
Flat rack
- 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
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
- 3 sizes (in feet): 20’ / 40’ / 40’ High Cube
- These 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
Platform container
- 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
Ventilated container
- 1 size (in feet): 20’
- Especially for cargo which needs ventilation, like the transport of cacao beans or coffee beans
Hardtop container
- 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
Insulated container
- 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
Flexi Tank container
- 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
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.
