What types of shipping containers are there?

Standard 20' and 40', high-cube 40'/45' HC, reefers, open top, flat rack, platforms, tank containers and others.

How does a 40' HC differ from a standard 40'?

A High Cube is about 30 cm taller — more volume for the same length.

How many pallets fit in a 20-foot container?

Roughly 10–11 euro pallets in a single tier; it depends on cargo dimensions.

How many pallets fit in a 40-foot container?

Roughly 23–25 euro pallets in a single tier.

What is a reefer container?

A container with a refrigeration unit for temperature-controlled cargo — food, medicines, etc.

What is an open top used for?

For over-height cargo and top loading by crane — a container with an open top under a tarpaulin.

A platform with end posts for heavy and oversized cargo — machinery, pipes, equipment.

What is the maximum cargo weight in a container?

It depends on the type; refer to the rated payload of the specific container.

Which container should I choose for my cargo?

It depends on volume, weight and dimensions; we will pick the type for your shipment.

How does a 20' differ from a 40' in loading?

A 40' gives twice the volume but not twice the weight capacity — heavy dense cargo is often better in a 20'.

Types and sizes of shipping containers — full reference

Reference8 min read

The container type and size directly affect how much cargo fits, how it is secured and what the shipment costs. Here is a clear reference to all the main containers — with dimensions, volume, weight and what each one is best for. Values follow the ISO standard (individual lines may vary by a few centimetres).

Standard dry containers

The most common type — a universal closed container for general cargo, boxes and pallets. They differ in length and height; a High Cube is ~30 cm taller than standard — more volume for the same weight.

20′ Standard

40′ Standard

40′ High Cube

45′ High Cube

Type	External (L×W×H)	Internal (L×W×H)	Door (W×H)	Volume	Max payload
20′ Standard	6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m	5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m	2.34 × 2.28 m	33.2 m³	~28,200 kg
40′ Standard	12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m	12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m	2.34 × 2.28 m	67.7 m³	~26,700 kg
40′ High Cube	12.19 × 2.44 × 2.90 m	12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m	2.34 × 2.58 m	76.3 m³	~26,500 kg
45′ High Cube	13.72 × 2.44 × 2.90 m	13.56 × 2.35 × 2.69 m	2.34 × 2.58 m	86.0 m³	~27,600 kg

Special containers

When cargo does not fit a standard box — by size, temperature or nature — a specialised container is used.

Reefer

Refrigerated

Perishable and temperature-sensitive cargo: food, fruit, pharma.

−30…+30 °C · 20′ ≈28 m³ · 40′HC ≈67 m³

Open Top

Open roof

Oversized, tall cargo, machinery — loaded by crane from above.

20′ ≈32 m³ · 40′ ≈66 m³

Flat Rack

Deck with end walls

Heavy and oversized machinery, vehicles, timber, pipes, construction materials.

up to ~40,000 kg (40′)

Platform

Flat bed

Super-heavy and project cargo: steel coils, transformers.

up to ~40,000 kg (40′)

Tank

Tank container

Liquid and dangerous goods: chemicals, food oils, gases, powders. Stainless, insulated, pressure-rated.

21,000–26,000 L

Half Height

Half the height

Heavy bulk: ore, coal, stone, scrap metal. Low, easy top loading.

Height ≈1.2–1.3 m

Side-Open

Side doors

Doors along the whole long side — easy loading of pallets and cargo hard to move through the end.

Side loading

Tunnel

Doors on both ends

Doors at both ends — through loading/unloading, cross-docking, warehouse flexibility.

Doors 2×

How many pallets fit

Guideline capacity in a single tier (approx.).

Container	Euro pallets (1200×800)	Standard (1200×1000)
20′ Standard	11	9–10
40′ Standard	24	20–21
40′ High Cube	25	21–22
45′ High Cube	33	26–27

Quick comparison — which type for which cargo

Type	Typical cargo
20′ / 40′ Standard	General cargo, boxes, pallets
High Cube	Light bulky cargo — more volume
Reefer	Temperature-sensitive, perishable cargo
Open Top / Flat Rack	Oversized, machinery, project cargo
Tank	Liquids, gases, dangerous goods
Side-Open / Tunnel	Easy loading, pallets, cross-docking

How it works at ABU JORJIA

We ship full containers (FCL) and consolidated cargo (LCL) by sea, plus general cargo by truck. We'll help pick the container type and size for your goods, volume and budget, handle the paperwork and quote your rate within 24 hours.

Not sure which container your cargo needs?

Describe the goods, volume and route — we'll pick the container and quote your shipment within 24 hours.

Get a quote