📦 20ft Standard Container (20ft DV / 20DC)
Length: 5.90m
Height: 2.39m
Width: 2.35m
20ft STANDARD
Most common dry cargo container
Most common dry cargo container
Interior Length
5.90 m
590 cm / 19'4"
Interior Width
2.35 m
235 cm / 7'8"
Interior Height
2.39 m
239 cm / 7'10"
Door Width
2.34 m
234 cm / 7'8"
Door Height
2.28 m
228 cm / 7'6"
Cubic Capacity
33.2 CBM
1,172 cu ft
Exterior Length
6.06 m
606 cm / 20'0"
Exterior Width
2.44 m
244 cm / 8'0"
Exterior Height
2.59 m
259 cm / 8'6"
Tare Weight
2,300 kg
5,071 lbs
Max Payload
28,180 kg
62,127 lbs
Max Gross Weight
30,480 kg
67,200 lbs
📌 Best for: General cargo, palletized goods, cartons. Fits approximately 10-11 standard EUR pallets (120x80cm) or 9-10 US pallets (120x100cm).
📦 40ft Standard Container (40ft DV / 40DC)
Length: 12.03m
Height: 2.39m
Width: 2.35m
40ft STANDARD
High capacity dry cargo
High capacity dry cargo
Interior Length
12.03 m
1,203 cm / 39'6"
Interior Width
2.35 m
235 cm / 7'8"
Interior Height
2.39 m
239 cm / 7'10"
Door Width
2.34 m
234 cm / 7'8"
Door Height
2.28 m
228 cm / 7'6"
Cubic Capacity
67.7 CBM
2,390 cu ft
Exterior Length
12.19 m
1,219 cm / 40'0"
Exterior Width
2.44 m
244 cm / 8'0"
Exterior Height
2.59 m
259 cm / 8'6"
Tare Weight
3,750 kg
8,268 lbs
Max Payload
26,730 kg
58,932 lbs
Max Gross Weight
30,480 kg
67,200 lbs
📌 Best for: High-volume shipments, full truck loads. Fits approximately 21-23 EUR pallets or 20-21 US pallets. Most cost-effective per CBM for ocean freight.
📦 40ft High Cube Container (40ft HC / 40HQ)
Length: 12.03m
Height: 2.69m
Width: 2.35m
40ft HIGH CUBE
Extra height for voluminous cargo
Extra height for voluminous cargo
Interior Length
12.03 m
1,203 cm / 39'6"
Interior Width
2.35 m
235 cm / 7'8"
Interior Height
2.69 m
269 cm / 8'10"
Door Width
2.34 m
234 cm / 7'8"
Door Height
2.58 m
258 cm / 8'6"
Cubic Capacity
76.3 CBM
2,694 cu ft
Exterior Length
12.19 m
1,219 cm / 40'0"
Exterior Width
2.44 m
244 cm / 8'0"
Exterior Height
2.90 m
290 cm / 9'6"
Tare Weight
3,940 kg
8,687 lbs
Max Payload
26,540 kg
58,513 lbs
Max Gross Weight
30,480 kg
67,200 lbs
📌 Best for: Lightweight, voluminous cargo (furniture, textiles, automotive parts). Extra 30cm height = +13% more volume than standard 40ft. Increasingly common — now represents 50%+ of 40ft containers globally.
Container Comparison Chart
| Specification | 20ft Standard | 40ft Standard | 40ft High Cube |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Volume | 33.2 CBM | 67.7 CBM | 76.3 CBM |
| Max Payload | 28,180 kg | 26,730 kg | 26,540 kg |
| EUR Pallets (120x80cm) | 10-11 | 21-23 | 21-23 |
| US Pallets (120x100cm) | 9-10 | 20-21 | 20-21 |
| Typical Ocean Freight Cost | Baseline | ~1.6x of 20ft | ~1.7x of 20ft |
| Best Use Case | Heavy, dense cargo | High volume, standard height | Lightweight, tall cargo |
Important Notes & Tips
⚖️ Weight Distribution
Max gross weight (30,480 kg) is the same for all three types. Heavier cargo? Use 20ft to maximize payload per container without exceeding weight limits.
Max gross weight (30,480 kg) is the same for all three types. Heavier cargo? Use 20ft to maximize payload per container without exceeding weight limits.
📐 Measurement Variations
Dimensions may vary by ±1-2cm depending on manufacturer (China International Marine Containers, Singamas, etc.). Use conservative estimates for tight-fit cargo.
Dimensions may vary by ±1-2cm depending on manufacturer (China International Marine Containers, Singamas, etc.). Use conservative estimates for tight-fit cargo.
🚪 Door Opening
Door dimensions are slightly smaller than interior dimensions. Ensure cargo fits through door opening, not just interior space.
Door dimensions are slightly smaller than interior dimensions. Ensure cargo fits through door opening, not just interior space.
📦 Pallet Loading
Actual pallet capacity depends on pallet overhang, stacking pattern, and whether double-stacking. Use 3D load planning software for optimal utilization.
Actual pallet capacity depends on pallet overhang, stacking pattern, and whether double-stacking. Use 3D load planning software for optimal utilization.
🧊 Reefer Containers
Refrigerated containers have ~5-10cm less interior length due to cooling unit. Typical 40ft reefer: 11.58m internal length vs 12.03m dry container.
Refrigerated containers have ~5-10cm less interior length due to cooling unit. Typical 40ft reefer: 11.58m internal length vs 12.03m dry container.
🏗️ Special Containers
Other types available: Open Top (for oversized height), Flat Rack (for oversized width/length), Tank (for liquids/gases). Contact us for specifications.
Other types available: Open Top (for oversized height), Flat Rack (for oversized width/length), Tank (for liquids/gases). Contact us for specifications.
Need Help Choosing the Right Container?
Container selection affects your freight costs, cargo safety, and customs clearance. Venix Logix advises on optimal container type based on commodity dimensions, weight, and destination.
FCL & LCL services via Rotterdam Port: Full container loads (20ft/40ft/40HC) or less-than-container groupage. Reefer containers, flat racks, open tops, and specialized equipment available.