The Essential Guide to 20 Foot Shipping Container Sizes
20 foot shipping container size is central to a variety of industries, offering a practical solution for storage, transport, and even innovative uses like mobile offices and tiny homes. These containers measure:
- Exterior: 20 ft. long, 8 ft. wide, and 8 ft. 6 in. high (standard)
- Interior: 19 ft. 8 in. long, 7 ft. 8.5 in. wide, and 7 ft. 10 in. high (standard)
A 20-foot container can hold personal items from a two-bedroom apartment, equivalent to 10 American pallets or 11 Euro pallets, making it a versatile and compact storage solution.
Why are 20 foot shipping containers important?
They combine durability, security, and mobility. Constructed from Corten steel, they are weather-resistant and designed to endure harsh conditions. Their standardized size fits into tight spaces while still offering substantial storage.
Common Uses:
- Storage: Personal items, business inventory, construction materials
- Transport: Secure shipping of goods
- Construction: On-site storage or portable offices
- Retail & Residential: Pop-up shops, tiny homes
I’m Steve Hyndman, Vice President of Aztec Container. With over 30 years of experience in the container industry, my expertise in 20 foot shipping container size ensures that I can help you find the perfect solution for your needs.
20 foot shipping container size terms to remember:
– 20ft shipping container square footage
– refrigerated shipping container
Dimensions of a 20 Foot Shipping Container
Exterior Dimensions
When considering a 20-foot shipping container, the exterior dimensions are crucial for understanding how it will fit into your space and meet your needs. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Standard Container:
- Length: 20 feet (6.06 meters)
- Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)
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Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters)
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High Cube Container:
- Length: 20 feet (6.06 meters)
- Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)
- Height: 9 feet 6 inches (2.9 meters)
These dimensions are standardized to ensure compatibility with various modes of transportation, including trucks, trains, and ships. The extra height in high cube containers makes them ideal for taller items.
Interior Dimensions
The interior dimensions of a 20-foot shipping container are slightly smaller than the exterior due to the thickness of the container walls. Knowing these measurements helps you understand the actual usable space inside:
- Standard Container:
- Length: 19 feet 4 inches (5.89 meters)
- Width: 7 feet 8 inches (2.33 meters)
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Height: 7 feet 10 inches (2.39 meters)
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High Cube Container:
- Length: 19 feet 4 inches (5.89 meters)
- Width: 7 feet 8 inches (2.33 meters)
- Height: 8 feet 10 inches (2.69 meters)
These dimensions provide ample space for various applications, from storing household items to setting up a mobile office. The high cube variant offers additional vertical space, which can be especially useful for stacking items or installing taller equipment.
Metric and Imperial Units
For those who prefer metric units, here’s a quick conversion:
- Standard Container:
- Exterior: 606 cm (L) x 244 cm (W) x 259 cm (H)
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Interior: 589 cm (L) x 233 cm (W) x 240 cm (H)
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High Cube Container:
- Exterior: 606 cm (L) x 244 cm (W) x 290 cm (H)
- Interior: 589 cm (L) x 233 cm (W) x 269 cm (H)
These metric dimensions are essential for international shipping and logistics, ensuring your container meets global standards.
Understanding these 20 foot shipping container sizes helps you make informed decisions about purchasing or renting. Whether you need standard or high cube containers, knowing the exact dimensions ensures you get the right fit for your needs.
Volume and Capacity
Volume in Cubic Meters and Feet
Understanding the volume of a 20-foot shipping container is key for planning storage and transportation. The volume is typically measured in cubic meters (CBM) and cubic feet (ft³).
- Standard Container:
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Volume: Approximately 33 cubic meters (1,172 cubic feet)
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High Cube Container:
- Volume: Approximately 37 cubic meters (1,309 cubic feet)
The high cube container offers more vertical space, making it ideal for taller items or stacked goods.
Capacity in Terms of Items
When it comes to usable space, the volume calculations give a good idea of how much you can fit inside. Here are some practical examples to illustrate what you can store in a 20-foot container.
Household Items:
- Furniture: You can fit the contents of a 3-4 bedroom house, including beds, sofas, tables, and chairs.
- Boxes: Around 200-300 standard-sized moving boxes or up to 311 larger household boxes.
- Appliances: Large items like refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers.
Pallets:
- Standard Pallets: A 20-foot container can hold up to 10 standard pallets (48″ x 40″), provided they are not stacked.
Vehicles:
- Cars: Typically, one standard car fits comfortably in a 20-foot container. It’s not advisable to try fitting two cars due to space and weight constraints.
Specific Examples:
- Mattresses: Approximately 19 queen-size mattresses.
- Bookcases: Around 23 standard bookcases.
- Televisions: Up to 43 average-sized televisions.
These examples help visualize the capacity of a 20-foot shipping container, making it easier to plan your storage or transportation needs.
By understanding the volume and capacity, you can maximize the use of your 20-foot shipping container, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
Weight Specifications
Understanding the weight specifications of a 20-foot shipping container is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient transportation. Let’s break down the key terms: tare weight, max payload, and total weight.
Tare Weight
Tare weight is the weight of an empty container. It’s important to know this because it helps calculate the total shipping weight when the container is loaded.
- Standard Container:
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Tare Weight: Approximately 4,982 lbs (2,259 kg)
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High Cube Container:
- Tare Weight: Approximately 5,335 lbs (2,420 kg)
The high cube container is slightly heavier due to its additional height.
Max Payload and Total Weight
Max payload is the maximum weight of the cargo that the container can safely carry. Total weight (or gross weight) is the combined weight of the container and its cargo.
- Standard Container:
- Max Payload: Approximately 47,928 lbs (21,739 kg)
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Total Weight: Approximately 52,910 lbs (23,998 kg)
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High Cube Container:
- Max Payload: Approximately 61,861 lbs (28,060 kg)
- Total Weight: Approximately 67,196 lbs (30,480 kg)
The high cube container can carry a heavier load, making it suitable for bulkier and heavier items.
Weight Distribution
Proper weight distribution is essential for maintaining the container’s stability and preventing damage during transit. Here are some tips:
- Balancing the Load: Distribute the weight evenly across the container floor.
- Securing Heavy Items: Place heavy items at the bottom and secure them to prevent shifting.
- Avoiding Damage: Use padding and secure straps to protect fragile items.
By understanding these weight specifications and following best practices for weight distribution, you can ensure your cargo is transported safely and efficiently.
Common Uses of 20 Foot Shipping Containers
Storage and Transportation
A 20-foot shipping container is ideal for both storage and transportation, offering a versatile solution for various needs. These containers are robust and weather-resistant, making them perfect for storing personal items, business inventory, and construction materials.
Personal Items: Homeowners often use 20-foot containers to store belongings during a move or renovation. They can easily fit the contents of a small apartment, including furniture, appliances, and boxes.
Business Inventory: For businesses, these containers provide on-site storage for excess inventory, seasonal stock, or office supplies. Their portability means they can be moved as needed without disrupting operations.
Construction Materials: On construction sites, containers are used to securely store tools, equipment, and materials. This keeps everything organized and protected from theft or weather damage.
Construction and Retail
In the construction and retail sectors, 20-foot shipping containers offer practical and innovative solutions.
Site Storage: Construction sites often use these containers for on-site storage of tools and materials. Their ground-level entry makes it easy to load and unload items safely.
Pop-Up Shops: Retail businesses are increasingly using shipping containers for pop-up shops. These temporary stores can be set up quickly and moved to different locations, providing flexibility and attracting customers with their unique appearance.
Temporary Offices: Construction sites and events frequently use 20-foot containers as temporary offices. Outfitted with desks, electricity, and internet, they provide a comfortable and functional workspace.
Residential Uses
The residential use of 20-foot shipping containers has gained popularity, especially with the tiny home movement and DIY enthusiasts.
Tiny Homes: Many people are converting shipping containers into tiny homes. These compact living spaces are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and can be customized with windows, insulation, and modern amenities.
Storage Units: Homeowners use these containers as storage units for seasonal items, garden tools, and other personal belongings. They offer a secure and weatherproof solution right in the backyard.
DIY Projects: Creative DIYers transform shipping containers into workshops, studios, or guesthouses. Their solid structure and ample space make them perfect for various projects.
From storing personal items to creating innovative retail spaces, the 20-foot shipping container size offers endless possibilities. Next, we’ll explore how to efficiently pack these containers to maximize space and ensure safe transportation.
How to Pack a 20 Foot Shipping Container
Packing a 20-foot shipping container efficiently is crucial to maximize space and ensure the safety of your items. Here are some essential tips and techniques to get you started.
Packing Tips
Use of Pallets:
– Place items on pallets to make stacking easier and more stable.
– You can fit 10 standard pallets (1.2m x 1m) or 12 Euro pallets (1.2m x 0.8m) in a 20-foot container without stacking.
Stacking Techniques:
– Use interlocking patterns when stacking boxes to improve stability.
– Stack heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top to prevent damage.
Securing Items:
– Use ratchet straps or ties to secure items to the container’s built-in lashing points.
– Fill gaps between items with dunnage or cushioning materials to prevent movement.
Weight Distribution
Balancing Load:
– Distribute weight evenly across the container to maintain balance.
– Load heavier items first, placing them near the floor and walls to lower the center of gravity.
Securing Heavy Items:
– Use additional straps for heavier items to ensure they don’t shift during transit.
– Place heavy items like furniture and appliances at the bottom to avoid crushing lighter items.
Avoiding Damage:
– Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and place them in sturdy boxes.
– Use blankets or plastic wrap to protect sensitive items from dust, moisture, and scratches.
Maximizing Space
Efficient Packing:
– Disassemble furniture and roll up rugs to save space.
– Pack items tightly to minimize wasted space, but avoid overloading.
Use of Bubble Wrap:
– Wrap delicate items with bubble wrap to protect them from shocks and vibrations.
– Use packing peanuts or foam inserts to fill any gaps in boxes containing fragile items.
Creating Walkways:
– Leave a small walkway down the middle of the container for easy access to items.
– Place items you’ll need first last, so they are accessible upon opening the container.
By following these tips, you can pack your 20-foot shipping container efficiently, ensuring that your items are safe and maximizing the use of available space.
Next, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about the dimensions and capacity of a 20-foot shipping container.
Frequently Asked Questions about 20 Foot Shipping Container Size
What are the exact dimensions of a 20 foot shipping container?
A standard 20-foot shipping container has the following dimensions:
- Exterior Dimensions:
- Length: 20 feet (6.06 meters)
- Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)
-
Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters)
-
Interior Dimensions:
- Length: 19 feet 4 inches (5.89 meters)
- Width: 7 feet 8 inches (2.33 meters)
- Height: 7 feet 10 inches (2.4 meters)
These dimensions provide around 146 square feet (13.86 square meters) of floor space and a total volume of 1,172 cubic feet (33.18 cubic meters).
How much weight can a 20 foot shipping container hold?
The weight capacity of a 20-foot shipping container includes:
- Tare Weight: The weight of the empty container, which is approximately 4,982 lbs (2,259 kg).
- Max Payload: The maximum weight of the cargo that can be loaded, which is around 47,928 lbs (21,739 kg).
- Max Gross Weight: The total weight of the container and its cargo combined, which is 52,910 lbs (23,998 kg).
It’s essential to balance and secure the load properly to avoid damage and ensure safe transport.
What can you fit in a 20 foot shipping container?
A 20-foot shipping container can hold a variety of items, making it highly versatile for different needs:
- Household Items:
- The contents of a one to two-bedroom apartment, including furniture, appliances, and boxes.
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Up to 10 standard American pallets (40” x 48”) or 11 Euro pallets (1.2m x 0.8m) without stacking.
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Vehicles:
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One standard car with some space left over for additional items.
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Specific Examples:
- Approximately 19 beds (1.7 cubic meters each).
- Around 23 bookcases (1.1 cubic meters each).
- Up to 43 televisions (0.75 cubic meters each).
By understanding these dimensions and capacities, you can better plan and use your 20-foot shipping container for various applications, from moving to storage and beyond.
Conclusion
In summary, understanding the 20 foot shipping container size is crucial for maximizing its usage. With its versatile dimensions and substantial capacity, a 20-foot container can accommodate a wide range of items, from household goods to vehicles, making it an excellent choice for storage, transportation, and various other applications.
At Aztec Container, we specialize in providing high-quality 20-foot shipping containers custom to meet your specific needs. Whether you need a container for personal storage, business inventory, or a unique project, our team is here to offer competitive prices, fast delivery, and customizable solutions.
Feel free to reach out to us for more information or to get started with your container needs. Our friendly team is ready to assist you in finding the perfect container solution.
For inquiries, visit our website at:
- Website: Aztec Container
Thank you for considering Aztec Container. We look forward to helping you with your storage and shipping needs.