The internal size of 20ft shipping container refers to its spacious yet compact design, offering about 1,172 cubic feet of internal volume. With internal dimensions of approximately 19 feet 4 inches long, 7 feet 8 inches wide, and 7 feet 10 inches high, this allows for efficient storage solutions within a surprisingly small footprint. Now that we know the figures, let’s dive into why this size matters.
20ft shipping containers are not just metal boxes; they’re versatile solutions for various business and personal needs. Their size makes them perfect for everything from securing inventory and equipment on construction sites to serving as pop-up retail spaces. Compact yet roomy, they fit comfortably in standard parking lots and are easily transportable, making them a favorite for those who need reliable and flexible storage.
Whether you’re a business owner needing to optimize workflow or a manager seeking functional workspace options, understanding the internal size of 20ft shipping container is crucial. With over 30 years in the industry, I’m Steve Hyndman, Vice President of Aztec Container, bringing expertise in helping clients find the right shipping container for any requirement.
Find more about internal size of 20ft shipping container:
– 20 foot shipping container size
– 20ft shipping container square footage
– moving 20 foot shipping container
Internal Size of a 20ft Shipping Container
Dimensions in Different Units
The internal size of a 20ft shipping container is a key factor in its versatility. Though compact, it offers a surprising amount of space. Internally, these containers measure approximately:
- Meters: 5.89 m long, 2.33 m wide, and 2.39 m high
- Feet and Inches: 19 ft 4 in long, 7 ft 8 in wide, and 7 ft 10 in high
- Millimeters: 5,890 mm long, 2,330 mm wide, and 2,390 mm high
These dimensions make the 20ft container ideal for a variety of uses, from storage to transport.
Volume and Capacity
When it comes to volume, a 20ft shipping container holds about 33 cubic meters or 1,172 cubic feet. This substantial capacity can accommodate a wide range of items, making it a popular choice for small to medium-sized shipments.
Pallet Capacity: For businesses, knowing how many pallets fit inside is crucial. A 20ft container can typically hold:
- 10 standard American pallets (40” x 48”)
- 11 Euro pallets (1.2m x 0.8m)
These pallets fit snugly, optimizing the container’s space without exceeding its capacity.
Understanding these dimensions and capacities helps in planning and optimizing the use of your container. Whether you’re storing household goods or commercial inventory, a 20ft container offers a reliable and efficient solution.
What Can Fit Inside a 20ft Shipping Container?
Household Goods
A 20ft shipping container is surprisingly spacious, making it ideal for moving the contents of a one-bedroom apartment. You can fit furniture, appliances, and boxes of personal items all in one container.
Here’s what typically fits:
- A bedroom set: bed frame, mattress, nightstands, and dresser.
- Living room essentials: a sofa, coffee table, and TV stand.
- Kitchen items: a small dining table, chairs, and kitchenware.
- Boxes of clothes, books, and other personal goods.
Packing Tips: To make the most of the space, use bubble wrap and sturdy boxes. Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top. This way, you maximize space and keep your items safe.
Vehicles and Machinery
When it comes to shipping vehicles, a 20ft container can accommodate most standard cars. The internal dimensions of the container provide enough room for a single car with some space left over for additional items.
Loading Tips:
- Measure your vehicle: Ensure it fits within the 19 ft 4 in length and 7 ft 8 in width.
- Secure the vehicle: Use straps and wheel chocks to prevent movement during transport.
- Check regulations: Before shipping, confirm the import regulations of your destination country.
For machinery, a 20ft container can hold various types of equipment, provided they fit within the container’s dimensions. This makes it a practical choice for construction companies and businesses needing to transport tools and machinery securely.
Pallets
For businesses, the container’s capacity to hold pallets is vital. A 20ft container can fit:
- 10 standard pallets without stacking.
- 11 Euro pallets due to their slightly smaller size.
This pallet capacity makes the container a popular choice for transporting goods efficiently. Proper arrangement and stacking can further optimize the space, ensuring you make the most of every cubic foot available.
With these insights, you can effectively plan what to pack in a 20ft container, whether it’s for personal, business, or industrial use.
Comparing Standard vs. High Cube 20ft Containers
When choosing a shipping container, understanding the differences between standard and high cube 20ft containers is crucial. Both have unique features that suit different needs.
Standard 20ft Container
The standard 20ft container is the go-to choice for many. Its external dimensions are 20 ft long, 8 ft wide, and 8 ft 6 in high (6.06 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m). Inside, you’ll find dimensions of 19 ft 4 in long, 7 ft 8 in wide, and 7 ft 10 in high (5.89 m x 2.33 m x 2.4 m).
Weight Capacity:
– Tare Weight: 4,982 lbs (2,259 kg)
– Max Payload: 47,928 lbs (21,739 kg)
– Max Weight: 52,982 lbs (23,998 kg)
The standard container is perfect for transporting a wide range of goods, from household items to vehicles.
High Cube 20ft Container
The high cube 20ft container offers an extra foot of height, making it ideal for taller or bulkier items. Its external dimensions are 20 ft long, 8 ft wide, and 9 ft 6 in high (6.06 m x 2.44 m x 2.89 m), with internal dimensions of 19 ft 4 in long, 7 ft 8 in wide, and 8 ft 10 in high (5.89 m x 2.33 m x 2.7 m).
Extra Height: This added height increases the container’s volume, providing 37.28 cubic meters of space compared to the standard’s 33.18 cubic meters. This makes high cubes especially useful for transporting taller machinery or stacking goods.
Weight Capacity:
– Tare Weight: 5,335 lbs (2,420 kg)
– Max Payload: 61,861 lbs (28,060 kg)
– Max Weight: 67,196 lbs (30,480 kg)
The high cube’s additional volume and weight capacity make it a versatile option for businesses needing extra space without compromising on structural integrity.
In summary, the choice between a standard and high cube 20ft container depends on your specific requirements. If height and extra volume are priorities, the high cube is the way to go. For most other uses, the standard container is more than sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions about 20ft Shipping Containers
What are the internal dimensions of a 20ft container?
The internal size of a 20ft shipping container is a key factor in determining what you can store or transport. Generally, the internal dimensions measure approximately 19 feet 4 inches in length, 7 feet 9 inches in width, and 7 feet 10 inches in height. In metric units, that’s about 5.89 meters long, 2.33 meters wide, and 2.4 meters high. These dimensions can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but they give a good idea of the usable space inside.
How many pallets fit in a 20ft container?
When it comes to pallets, the type you use matters. A standard 20ft container can typically hold up to 10 standard American pallets (40″ x 48″) if placed in a single tier. If you’re using Euro pallets (which are slightly smaller at 1.2 m x 0.8 m), you might fit about 11 pallets.
Can you stack pallets? Yes, you can double stack pallets if the total weight doesn’t exceed the container’s capacity and the goods are stable enough for stacking. This practice is common to maximize space, but always ensure that the pallets and their contents can handle the stacking safely.
What is the weight capacity of a 20ft container?
Understanding weight capacity is crucial for safe and efficient shipping. A standard 20ft container has a tare weight (the weight of the empty container) of about 4,982 pounds (2,259 kg). The maximum payload (the maximum weight of the cargo) it can hold is typically around 47,928 pounds (21,739 kg).
Altogether, the maximum gross weight (tare weight plus payload) is approximately 52,910 pounds (23,998 kg). Always check the specific container’s ratings to ensure compliance with safety standards, as slight variations can occur based on the container’s make and model.
These details help businesses and individuals plan their cargo arrangements effectively, ensuring they use the container’s full potential while maintaining safety and compliance.
Conclusion
At Aztec Container, we pride ourselves on providing versatile and reliable 20ft shipping containers that cater to a wide range of needs. Whether you’re looking to store household goods, transport vehicles, or set up a pop-up shop, our containers offer the perfect solution.
Customization Options: One of the standout features of our services is the ability to customize containers to suit your specific requirements. Need extra ventilation, insulation, or specialized shelving? We can modify your container with features like windows, doors, or climate control systems. Our team is experienced in changing containers into anything from mobile offices to temporary homes.
Competitive Pricing: We understand the importance of affordability. That’s why we offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality. Whether you’re renting for a short-term project or purchasing for long-term use, you’ll find our rates highly competitive. Plus, we ensure fast delivery, so you can start using your container as soon as possible.
Nationwide Service: Based in California, we serve customers across the United States, including Arizona, Texas, and beyond. Our extensive network ensures that no matter where you’re located, we can deliver a container right to your doorstep.
For more information about our 20ft shipping containers and to explore our customization options, visit our 20ft Cargo Door Storage Container page. We’re here to help you find the best container solution for your needs.
