Shipping Container Dimensions: Exact Internal and External Sizes (20, 40 ft, HC, Reefer)

Shipping containers are manufactured in strict accordance with international ISO standards (specifically, ISO 668). This guarantees their compatibility with ship cells, railway flatcars, and truck chassis worldwide.

However, for a logistics manager, warehouse supervisor, or business owner, it is critically important to know not only the external dimensions but also the internal sizes, which determine the actual usable volume and cargo loading scheme. Below are up-to-date reference data to help you plan transportation, loading, or the sale of your container.

Table of Dimensions for Main Types of Shipping Containers

Note: The specified dimensions are standard. Minor deviations (±1–2 cm) are allowed depending on the manufacturer (CIMC, Singamas, CXIC) and year of manufacture.

Container Type	External Dimensions (L × W × H), m	Internal Dimensions (L × W × H), m	Door Opening Size (W × H), m	Internal Volume, cu. m
20' DC (Standard Dry)	6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59	5.89 × 2.35 × 2.39	2.34 × 2.28	~33.2 m³
40' DC (Standard Dry)	12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59	12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39	2.34 × 2.28	~67.7 m³
40' HC (High Cube)	12.19 × 2.44 × 2.90	12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69	2.34 × 2.58	~76.4 m³
20' RF (Reefer)	6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59	5.45 × 2.29 × 2.27	2.29 × 2.26	~28.3 m³
40' HC RF (High Cube Reefer)	12.19 × 2.44 × 2.90	11.58 × 2.29 × 2.55	2.29 × 2.54	~67.0 m³
20' Open Top	6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59	5.89 × 2.35 × 2.35	2.34 × 2.28	~32.5 m³
40' Flat Rack (Platform)	12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59	11.65 × 2.20 × 2.20	— (no walls)	—

(L = Length, W = Width, H = Height)

Features of Specialized Container Dimensions

1. High Cube (HC) Containers

The main difference from a standard (DC) container is the increased height of 30 cm (2.90 m vs. 2.59 m externally). This provides an additional ~9 cubic meters of volume.

Transport nuance: When transporting by road in Belarus and the Russian Federation, the height of a loaded 40' HC container on a semi-trailer can approach the maximum allowable limit (4.0 m from road level). This requires careful route planning to avoid low bridges or power lines.

2. Reefer Containers

The internal dimensions of reefers are always smaller than those of dry containers of the same length.

Reason: The thick layer of thermal insulation in the walls, ceiling, and floor (polyurethane foam), as well as the space occupied by the refrigeration unit at the front (about 0.5–0.6 m in length). This must be taken into account when calculating loading to avoid over-ordering capacity.

3. Open Top and Flat Rack

These are used for out-of-gauge cargo. An Open Top has a removable tarp roof (and sometimes the top door beam is also removable), allowing cargo to be loaded from above by a crane. A Flat Rack has no side walls or roof, which is critical for extra-wide or extra-tall cargo.

How Dimensions Affect Logistics and Business Processes

1. Pallet Capacity Calculation

Knowing the internal dimensions allows for precise loading planning:

A 20' DC holds: 11 Euro pallets (1200×800 mm) in a single tier OR 10 standard pallets (1200×1000 mm).
A 40' DC holds: 23–24 Euro pallets OR 20–21 standard pallets.
A 40' HC holds the same number of pallets on the floor, but offers the ability to stack light cargo in two tiers or use taller packaging.

2. Container Truck Selection

For removing 20-foot containers (especially empty or lightly loaded), a multilift (hooklift) truck is ideal. Its dimensions and hydraulics are designed specifically for this format.
For 40-foot containers (especially HC or heavy loads), a tractor with a container semi-trailer is required. Using a multilift for a 40-foot container is either impossible or extremely dangerous due to the risk of frame bending.

3. Buyback Valuation

When purchasing a container, we account for its type and dimensions. A 40' HC is always valued higher than a 40' DC due to greater demand in the warehouse and logistics real estate markets. However, geometric deformations (dents on corner posts, door frame misalignment) downgrade the container's condition from CW (Cargo Worthy) to As Is, which directly impacts the final buyback price.

How We Help with Dimensions and Container Logistics

We don't just provide transport; we ensure a technically sound approach to your equipment:

Accurate equipment selection: Knowing the type and dimensions of your container, we guarantee the dispatch of a suitable vehicle (multilift for 20', semi-trailer for 40'), eliminating downtime and overpayments.
Safe delivery: Our drivers monitor the total dimensions of the road train, strictly complying with the traffic regulations of Belarus and the Russian Federation.
Fair buyback: Bring an empty container of any standard (20', 40', DC, HC, RF) to our depot in Minsk. We will take measurements, check the geometry of the door frame and posts, and offer a fair market price on the same day.

How to Order Transportation or Container Valuation?

Contact us, specify the container type and your task. We will calculate the cost and organize the process as efficiently as possible.

Phone: +375 333 888 112

Mobile: +7 (912) 251-37-46

Email: Minskdepot@mycontainers.ru

*Information on this page does not constitute a public offer.

Answers to questions

Will 12 Euro pallets fit in a 20-foot container?

No, it is physically impossible. The maximum capacity of a 20' DC is 11 Euro pallets (1200×800 mm) with standard loading. You will need a 40-foot container for 12 pallets.

What is the main practical difference between a 40' DC and a 40' HC?

Height. A 40' HC is 30 cm taller both externally and internally. This is critical for bulky but light cargo (furniture, textiles, plastics), allowing you to load more goods by volume without exceeding weight limits.

Why is the internal volume of a reefer smaller than that of a dry container?

Due to design features: the walls, floor, and ceiling of a reefer have a thick layer of thermal insulation (about 10–15 cm), and the refrigeration unit "consumes" about 50–60 cm of the internal length at the front.

Can I use a 40-foot container if my cargo height is 2.5 meters?

Only if it is a 40' HC container (internal height 2.69 m). Such cargo will physically not fit in a standard 40' DC (internal height 2.39 m). You must also ensure that the total height of the truck with this cargo does not exceed 4.0 meters for travel on public roads.

How does structural damage affect a container’s buyback value?

Significantly. If an impact or corrosion has narrowed the door opening or deformed the corner posts, the container loses its ability to close hermetically or stack safely. During buyback, such a container will be classified as As Is (for repair or conversion), and its price will be lower than that of a container with perfect geometry (IICL/CW).

Do I need to measure the container myself before ordering a truck?

It is sufficient to tell us the container type (e.g., "40-foot high cube" or "20-foot reefer"). Our dispatchers know the exact dimensions and will independently select transport with a suitable platform length and payload capacity.