Types and sizes of containers in sea freight


Containers form the most integral part of the entire maritime transport, trade, and logistics industry. Shipping containers are the structures or boxes used to store various types of products that need to be shipped from one place to another via sea vessels or by sea freight. The size and type of container are determined based on the type and dimensions of the shipment.​

In our current era, various types of shipping containers are used today to meet the requirements of all types of cargo shipping, especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is a strategic hub for container transport.​

Also, at Badr Shipping and Logistics Services, we strive to be leaders in this field, in line with Vision 2030. Therefore, we will provide a simplified explanation of container sizes and types, starting with the most common in logistics shipping. Now, here are the sizes and dimensions of containers:

Types and sizes of containers:

Standard or regular shipping container dimensions: 20 feet

The standard 20-foot shipping container and the standard 40-foot shipping container are among the most widely used containers in the world for transporting sea freight.

Also, it is known that ordinary or standard shipping containers differ from other types of containers in that they are completely closed. Closed shipping containers are not equipped with cooling and ventilation systems like refrigerated and ventilated containers, also called ordinary, standard, or standard containers.

Standard 20-foot and 40-foot shipping containers are also known as “dry shipping containers”.

A standard 20-foot container can accommodate up to 10 or 11 orders or pallets.

Standard dimensions of a dry shipping container – 20-foot capacity

 

Container dimensions

Dimensions of a 20-foot dry shipping container

Container Dimensions:

the offerHeightHeight
Door opening in feet7′ 8 ⅛”7′ 6 ¼”
Door opening in meters2.34 m2.29 m
Interior dimensions in feet7′ 8 ⅝”7′ 6 ¼”19′ 4 ¼”
Interior dimensions in meters2.34 m2.29 m5.9 m

Container Weight

Max GrossTareMax Payload
Weight in lbs52,831 lbs4,914 lbs47,899 lbs
Weight in kg23,956 kg2,229 kg21,727 kg
Container VolumeIn CFTIn CBM
Load Capacity1,172 CFT33.2 CBM

Dimensions of a 40-foot dry shipping container


Container dimensions

Dimensions of a 40-foot dry shipping container

Container Dimensions:

the offerHeightHeight
Door opening in feet7′ 8 ⅛”7′ 6 ¼”
Door opening in meters2.34 m2.29 m
Interior dimensions in feet7′ 8 ⅝”7′ 10 ¼”37′ 11 ¼”
Interior dimensions in meters2.352 m2.395 m12.01 m

Container Weight

Max GrossTareMax Payload
Weight in lbs67,199 lbs5,220 lbs59,039 lbs
Weight in kg30,481 kg3,701 kg26,780 kg
Container VolumeIn CFTIn CBM
Load Capacity2,389.75 CFT67.67 CBM

-Dimensions of a 40 HC dry shipping container with a high roof


Container dimensions

-Dimensions of a 40 HC dry shipping container with a high roof

Container Dimensions:

the offerHeightHeight
Door opening in feet7′ 8 ⅛”8′ 6 ¼”
Door opening in meters2.34 m2.56 m
Interior dimensions in feet7′ 8 ⅝”8′ 10 ⅛”39′ 5 ⅝”
Interior dimensions in meters2.352 m2.69 m12.01 m

Container Weight

Max GrossTareMax Payload
Weight in lbs67,196 lbs8,747 lbs58,448 lbs
Weight in kg30,480 kg3,968 kg26,512 kg
Container VolumeIn CFTIn CBM
Load Capacity2,694 CFT76.3 CBM

Dimensions of a 45-foot standard dry or shipping container

Container dimensions

Dimensions of a 45-foot standard dry or shipping container

Container Dimensions:

the offerHeightHeight
Door opening in feet7′ 9½”8′ 5 ¾”
Door opening in meters2.37 m2.58 m
Interior dimensions in feet7′ 11″8′ 10″44′ 4 ¾”
Interior dimensions in meters2.41 m2.69 m13.53 m

Container Weight

Max GrossTareMax Payload
Weight in lbs74,960 lbs10,910 lbs64,050 lbs
Weight in kg3,4000 kg4,950 kg29,050 kg
Container VolumeIn CFTIn CBM
Load Capacity3,122 CFT88.4 CBM

 Dimensions of ventilated shipping containers or coffee containers

A 20-foot ventilated container is a shipping container that provides a ventilation system and has side vents that allow air to flow periodically.

The container's ventilation feature makes it suitable for transporting goods that require a constant temperature and stable conditions.

The ventilated 20-foot container also features the ability to expel hot air and allow fresh air in, preventing condensation and moisture that could damage the goods. These containers are primarily used for transporting coffee, hence they are sometimes called “coffee containers.”

-Dimensions of a ventilated shipping container or 20-foot ventilation container

 

Container dimensions

Dimensions of a ventilated shipping container or coffee container

Container Dimensions:

the offerHeightHeight
Door opening in feet7′ 8 ⅛”7′ 6 ¼”
Door opening in meters2.34 m2.29 m
Interior dimensions in feet7′ 8 ⅝”7′ 10 ¼”19′ 4 ¼”
Interior dimensions in meters2.352 m2.395 m5.9 m

Container Weight

Max GrossTareMax Payload
Weight in lbs52,897 lbs5,297 lbs47,899 lbs
Weight in kg32,500 kg2,394 kg21,727 kg
Container VolumeIn CFTIn CBM
Load Capacity1,172 CFT33.2 CBM

Dimensions of refrigerated shipping containers, also known as river containers​

Refrigerated shipping containers, also known as refrigerated containers, are equipped with a system that helps maintain an internal temperature between -25 and 25 degrees Celsius. The temperature inside the container remains constant from the moment the goods are loaded until they are unloaded. They are relatively expensive to ship, and we at Badr Shipping Services use them for clients who own date factories to ship dates due to the need for refrigeration.

Not only that, but there are certain types of refrigerated containers capable of maintaining low temperatures as low as -60 degrees Celsius, i.e., 60 below zero.​

Since the container is equipped with coolers, it needs to be connected to the power supply at the port first, and then in the second stage on the ship in order for the cooling to continue throughout the journey, which makes it expensive to ship and safer for goods that need cooling, especially: fresh food, frozen goods, fish, meat, fruits and other perishable materials during shipping. It is also used in transporting and shipping medicines and pharmaceutical products. 

.

-Dimensions of a 20-foot refrigerated shipping container



Container dimensions

Dimensions of the refrigerated shipping container

Container Dimensions:

the offerHeightHeight
Door opening in feet7′ 8 ⅛”7′ 6 ¼”
Door opening in meters2.34 m2.29 m
Interior dimensions in feet7’6″7′ 4 ⅞”17′ 11 ⅝”
Interior dimensions in meters2.28 m2.33 m5.45 m

Container Weight

Max GrossTareMax Payload
Weight in lbs67,200 lbs6,970 lbs60,230 lbs
Weight in kg30,480 kg3,160 kg27,320 kg


-Dimensions of a 40-foot refrigerated shipping container

Container dimensions

Dimensions of a 40-foot refrigerated shipping container

Container Application:

the offerHeightHeight
Door opening in feet7′ 5 ⅜”6′ 11 ⅞”
Door opening in meters2.26 m2.13 m
Interior dimensions in feet7’5 ⅜”7′ 1 ⅞”37′ 11 ¼”
Interior dimensions in meters2.26 m2.18 m11.48 m

Container Weight

Max GrossTareMax Payload
Weight in lbs67,053 lbs10,778 lbs56,275 lbs
Weight in kg30,415 kg4,889 kg25,526 kg
Container VolumeIn CFTIn CBM
Load Capacity2,039.7 CFT57.76 CBM

 

-Dimensions of flatbed or raft track containers

Flat rack shipping containers are designed to transport goods that are too heavy and bulky to fit in a standard 20-foot container or a standard 40-foot container.

These containers are made of sheet metal and fit a standard 20 or 40-foot installation. Their sides are foldable and they do not have a top to facilitate top and side loading.

These features also make flat rack containers suitable for transport:

Heavy or oversized goods such as construction equipment, building supplies, or heavy machinery. Often, we also need a crane to move the equipment onto the container.

Goods that are taller than a 20 or 40 foot high cube container or irregular goods such as industrial vehicles or pipes.

Dimensions of a 20-foot flatbed shipping container with shelves


Container dimensions

Dimensions of a 20-foot flatbed shipping container with shelves

Container Dimensions:

the offerHeightHeight
Interior dimensions in feet8′7′ 3 ⅞”19′ 9 ¾”
Interior dimensions in meters2.438 m2.233 m5.638 m

Container Weight

Max GrossTareMax Payload
Weight in lbs99,200 lbs6,400 lbs92,800 lbs
Weight in kg45,000 kg2,900 kg42,100 kg
Load Capacity1,154.3 CFT32.7 CBM

Dimensions of a 40-foot flatbed shipping container with shelves


Container dimensions

Dimensions of a 40-foot flatbed shipping container with shelves

Container Dimensions:

the offerHeightHeight
Door opening in feetNANA
Door opening in metersNANA
Interior dimensions in feet7′ 4″7′ 5 ⅓”39′ 3 ⅞”
Interior dimensions in meters2.23 m2.27 m11.98 m

Container Weight

Max GrossTareMax Payload
Weight in lbs98,326 lbs12,897 lbs85,429 lbs
Weight in kg44,600 kg5,850 kg38,750 kg
Container VolumeIn CFTIn CBM
Load Capacity1,860 CFT52.7 CBM

Dimensions of open-top containers

Open top containers, whether 20 feet or 40 feet in size, are considered standard or dry container types, despite the absence of a roof.

These containers are used to transport goods that are large or tall, and which are difficult to ship in traditional containers.

Also, open containers need a crane to move the cargo inside from the top, after which they can be closed with a sail to keep the goods safe.

In terms of capacity, a 20-foot open-top container can accommodate a load of up to approximately 28 tons, while a 40-foot container can accommodate a load of up to approximately 30 tons.

When booking an open shipping container, it is important to accurately determine the lifting points for large or individual goods to avoid damage, and it is also preferable to clarify the handling instructions to the freight forwarder to ensure a safe and smooth shipping process.

-Dimensions of a 20-foot open-top container (also known as a 20ft open-top container)


Container dimensions

20-foot open-top container

Container Dimensions:

the offerHeightHeight
Door opening in feet7′ 8 ⅛”7′ 6 ¼”
Door opening in meters2.34 m2.29 m
Interior dimensions in feet7′ 8 ⅝”7′ 10 ¼”19′ 4 ¼”
Interior dimensions in meters2.352 m2.395 m5.9 m

Container Weight

Max GrossTareMax Payload
Weight in lbs52,897 lbs5,297 lbs47,619 lbs
Weight in kg23,994 kg2,394 kg21,600 kg
Container VolumeIn CFTIn CBM
Load Capacity1,172 CFT33.2 CBM

Dimensions of a 40-foot open-top container (also known as a 40-foot open-top container)

 

Container dimensions

40-foot open-top container

Container Dimensions:

the offerHeightHeight
Door opening in feet7′ 8 ⅛”7′ 6 ¼”
Door opening in meters2.34 m2.29 m
Interior dimensions in feet7′ 8 ⅝”7′ 10 ¼”39′ 5 ⅝”
Interior dimensions in meters2.352 m2.395 m12.01 m

Container Weight

Max GrossTareMax Payload
Weight in lbs67,196 lbs8,487 lbs58,709 lbs
Weight in kg30,480 kg3,850 kg26,630 kg
Container VolumeIn CFTIn CBM
Load Capacity2,389.75 CFT66.67 CBM

Containers for transporting gas cylinders, liquids, or ISO tank containers

The containers are specifically designed to transport liquids or gases. They are also more robust for securing oil cylinders or other perishable liquids.

ISO containers are considered safer and less expensive than tank containers, also known as OTR tank trucks.

Dimensions of a 20-foot container for transporting gas or liquid cylinders, or an ISO tank 20ft


 

Container dimensions

 20-foot container for transporting gas or liquid cylinders

Container Dimensions:

the offerHeightHeight
Exterior dimensions in feet8′8′ 6″20″
Exterior dimensions in meters2.43 m2.59 m6.09 m
Container VolumeIn U.S. GallonsIn Liters
Load Capacity6,450 gl26,001 lt

How to price or book shipping containers:

To begin, you can search our page. Badr Shipping Or contact us via messaging or email.

Please provide us with shipping information and pickup and dispatch locations.

Also, when requesting customs clearance or container reservations, it is preferable to send a document or invoice that clarifies the contents and dimensions of the shipment, in order to facilitate the transportation procedures for you. ClearanceAfter that, we at Badr International will provide you with the required fees.​

If you are interested in booking other types of sea freight containers, please feel free to contact us. Contact With our sales representatives.

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