Top 10 Shipping Container Specifications

Shipping containers are standardized metal boxes used for transporting goods across the globe. The top 10 specifications of these containers include dimensions, weight capacities, durability, and design features that ensure safe and efficient shipping. Key specifications often include external and internal dimensions, tare weight, maximum payload capacity, and stacking capability, which are essential for logistics and storage solutions.

The most common shipping container sizes are 20-foot and 40-foot units, with external dimensions of 20’ x 8’ x 8.5’ and 40’ x 8’ x 8.5’ respectively. The internal dimensions vary slightly, providing various usable volumes; a 20-foot container typically offers around 1,160 cubic feet of space, whereas a 40-foot container provides approximately 2,390 cubic feet. Tare weights generally range from 2,300 kg (5,071 lbs) for a 20-foot container to about 3,700 kg (8,164 lbs) for a 40-foot container. Containers are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, with a typical maximum payload capacity of 28,000 kg (61,729 lbs) for a 20-foot container and 30,480 kg (67,196 lbs) for a 40-foot container. Stacking capability is another critical specification, as containers can be stacked up to 9 units high, optimizing space on ships and in storage yards.