Cargo Shipping Container Dimensions

Also known as freighters, cargo ships are vessels that are used to transport materials, goods and cargo. The use of cargo shipping containers is very popular in international trade. Freighters have different types like high cube containers, reefers and flat racks. To regulate the use of freighters in transporting goods, international standards for the dimensions were introduced. Discussed in this article are the international cargo shipping container dimensions.

Dimensions of Cargo Shipping Containers

The dimensions of containers depend on the size and type of freighters. Flat rack containers that have a total height of 20 feet have an interior length of 5.935 meters, a width of 2.398 meters and a height of 2.327 meters. Flat racks, which height measure 40 feet have the interior dimensions 11.577 meters x 2.294 meters x 2.210 meters.

Open top containers with the total height of 20 feet have the interior dimensions 5.919 meters x 2.340 meters x 2.286 meters. On the other hand, 40-feet open top containers should have the interior dimensions of 12.043 meters x 2.350 meters x 2.690 meters.

Standard dry containers with a total height of 20 feet should have an interior length of 5.440 meters, an interior width of 2.294 meters and an interior height of 2.237 meters. The same containers with an overall height of 40 feet should have the interior dimensions 12.035 meters x 2.350 meters x 2.393 meters.

High cube dry containers with an overall height of 20 feet must have an interior length of 5.919 meters. The interior width and height should be 2.340 meters and 2.286 meters, respectively. The interior dimensions of 40-feet high cube dry containers are 12.030 meters x 2.350 meters. High cube dry containers with a total height of 45 feet should have the dimensions 13.556 meters x 2.352 meters x 2.695 meters.

Finally, 45-feet high cube reefer containers have the interior length of 13.102 meters. The interior width of the containers is 2.286 meters and the interior height is 2.509 meters.

Additional Information and Other Important Details

Freighters can be categorized into several categories. These include the small handy freighters, handy freighters, handymax, seawaymax, aframax and panamax. The other categories include suezmax, malaccamax, capsize the very large crude carrier and the ultra large crude carrier.

The materials used in making cargo ships are strong and durable. Most cargo ships have cranes, which are useful in unloading and loading items as well as goods. Freighters can be used for two decades to three decades.