Unquestionably, many companies around the world favor the 20-foot shipping container. It also comprises one of the containers that are most frequently purchased.

This is especially true given that 20 ft shipping container dimensions are both compact enough to fit into most storage areas and spacious enough to hold the contents of a typical one-car garage. So how big is a 20-foot shipping container?

Dimensions of the 20ft Container

A 20-foot container may accommodate a conventional passenger car or a one- or two-bedroom apartment, according to industry norms. But mathematically, the ensuing measurements show a 20-foot container in a more precise size.

foot Shipping Container Weights and Dimensions

Standard 20ft Container Dimensions

Exterior Dimensions

  • Square Feet: 160 sq ft (14.86m2)
  • External Dimensions (feet): 20’ long x 8’ wide x 8’ 6” high
  • External Dimensions (meters): 6.06 m long x 2.44 m wide x 2.60 m high

Interior Dimensions

  • Square Feet: 146 sq ft (13.56m2)
  • Internal Dimensions (feet): 19’ 4” long x 7’ 9” wide x 7’ 10” high
  • Internal Dimensions (meters): 5.9 m long x 2.35 m wide x 2.39 m high
  • Door width (feet): 7 ft 9 in
  • Door Width (meters): 2.34 m
  • Door height (feet): 7 ft 6 in
  • Door height (meters): 2.28 m

VOLUME/WEIGHT

  • Volume: 1,172 cubic feet (33.2 cubic meters)
  • Weight: It has a tare weight of 5,070 lbs. (2300 kg), a maximum payload weight (max cargo weight) of 55,126.9 lbs. (25,000 kg), and a maximum gross weight of 60,197 lbs. (27,305 kg).

High Cube 20-foot container dimensions

Exterior Dimensions

  • Square Feet: 160 sq ft (14.86m2)
  • External Dimensions (feet): 20’ long x 8’ wide x 9’ 6” high 
  • External Dimensions (meters): 6.06 m long x 2.90 m high x 2.44 m wide

Interior Dimensions

  • Square Feet: 146 sq ft (13.56m2)
  • Internal Dimensions (feet): 19’ 4” long x 7’ 9” wide x 8’ 10” high
  • Internal Dimensions (meters): 5.96 m long x 2.35 m wide x 2.69 m high
  • Door width (feet): 7ft 9in
  • Door Width (meters): 2.34 m
  • Door height (feet): 8ft 6in
  • Door height (meters): 2.58 m

VOLUME/WEIGHT

  • Volume: 1,320 cubic feet (37.4 cubic meters)
  • Weight: It has a tare weight of 5,115 lbs. (2320 kg), a maximum payload capacity of 55,126.9 lbs. (25,000kgs), and a maximum gross weight of 60,242 lbs. (27,325 kg).

Benefits and Common Uses of 20-foot Steel Shipping Containers

For storage or import needs, a 20-foot shipping container is a cheap solution. Furthermore, once you decide to buy it, you will have a ton of options because it is one of the most widely utilized shipping containers.

The 20-foot container can serve a variety of purposes, such as storage, shipping, and conversion into eateries, offices, family residences, and Airbnb properties.

The typical 20-foot shipping container is mobile, adaptable, and can squeeze into the majority of empty spaces without size modifications.

How Much Can You Fit Inside a 20 ft Container?

A 20-foot container may accommodate 25–28 CBM of cargo. The type of goods it can hold will have a big impact on how much it can carry because some items can’t be stacked and some boxes can be too big to fit. Up to 15000 kg can be loaded without incurring a weight surcharge.

What’s the Maximum Load for a 20ft shipping container?

A 20-foot shipping container weighs 2,300 kg when it is empty. Theoretically, it can support a load of up to 28 tons (25,400 kg). The nature of the cargo, as mentioned above, any current limits or constraints imposed by the shipping line, and the particulars of the shipment all play a role in this.

How Many Pallets Can Fit into a 20-foot Container?

A typical 20-foot shipping container may accommodate up to 10 pellets when using American pallets with dimensions of 40″ x 48″ (1.016 m x 1.219 m), providing the load isn’t hanging over the sides of the container.

What Types of 20 ft Shipping Containers can I purchase?

One-Trip

A one-trip shipping container has only made one trip across the ocean. Hence, you are likely to receive it in pristine condition. They may be relatively costly but are often worth every coin.

Cargo Worthy

Despite having been used multiple times before, cargo-worthy containers are still in good condition and can be used to hold and transport cargo. They may sometimes have minor imperfections such as dents or surface dust.

Wind and Water Tight (WWT) Containers

WWT containers will prevent wind and water damage to the contents of your 20 ft container. They are an ideal choice for the storage of static items.