What are the Different Dimensions of Shipping Containers?
Post the invention of shipping containers during the 1960s, the international trade was completely revolutionized. With their advent, certain other things were needed to be standardized. The next thing that raised the necessity was standardizing the shipping container dimensions. It was one of the primary queries to be resolved to facilitate its easy handling by trucks, trains, vessels, and ports around the world.
No doubt, shipping containers are sturdy and durable but in order to be used in intermodal transportation, setting a standard dimension was imperative because they carry tons of goods in them, and that too over long distances.
Standardization of their dimensions made a massive tribute to world trade. It simplified the shipment of containers as they can be then stacked on top of each while maintaining the balance during the entire journey. It allowed manufacturers to load goods at their factories and ship directly to stores and warehouses without having to unload and transfer their cargo along the way.
Dropping down the list of different dimensions in which boxes are manufactured to suit the requirements.
8ft containers: 8ft is one of the smallest shipping containers. It represents the perfect tools for personal or business storage, transportation of goods, and even for site accommodation process. Each well equipped with load-bearing, extra durable flooring system, and weather-sealed doors. One can lease or purchase and modify them to suit his own personal needs and requirements.
10ft containers: 10ft shipping containers are handy when space is at premium. They are almost half the size of a standard box. Although this dimension is not so common in the market, they are ideal for small space storage applications, small cargo shipment. Various manufacturing of 10 ft containers is done by cutting a 40ft dimension box into four equal parts and welding additional sheets to complete the remaining walls. They do not get much utilized in shipping services. Hence, they are shipped in a different manner and can only be availed in new or one trip conditions.
20ft containers: 20ft shipping containers also known as TEU (Twenty feet Equivalent Unit) is one of the most commonly used containers for the shipment of heavy load goods over long distances. The most common specification for 20-foot boxes is 20x8x8’6 for a volume of 1360 cubic feet. It can be easily transported using different modes of transportation such as vessels, trucks, trains, etc.
20ft high cube: 20ft high cube containers are almost similar to 20ft boxes with the only difference being that they are gifted with some extra height. They have an extra 300 mm of internal height and 300 mm extra door opening height. These are ideal for the shipment or storage of dry cargo where maximum loading height or increased volume equates with that of a 20ft standard unit.
40ft containers: These are the most versatile of all container types and can be used for the storage and transportation of a wide range of goods. The most common specification they offer is 40ft in length, 8ft in width, and 8”6’ in height. Due to their increased length, they offer extra space in comparison to 20ft standard units.
40ft high cube: The 40ft High Cube Container is about 1ft taller than regular 40ft boxes enabling shippers to load pallets higher. Many 40' containers come with a recess in the floor at the front end serving to centre the containers on gooseneck chassis. These recesses allow the containers to lie lower and therefore to be of taller construction.
45ft high cube: These are the high cube boxes with extra length. Due to their versatility in carrying most of the goods, they are also referred to as general purpose. With height 30cm higher than normal boxes, they can carry light and bulky cargoes with immense flexibility.
