Have you ever wondered about the potential of those large, sturdy shipping containers you see stacked at ports and industrial areas? They may seem like just vessels for transporting goods, but there’s more to them than meets the eye. In this comprehensive guide, you will explore everything you need to know about shipping containers.
Shipping Container Size Chart
Shipping Containers come in various sizes, and these are:
10-foot Container
When you do not need to move a lot of cargo, a 10-foot shipping container is a popular smaller choice. Its dimensions are approximately 10 feet long by 8 feet wide by 8 feet 6 inches high. These containers are great for shipping smaller loads or for storage purposes. They’re even easy to transport and can fit into tighter spaces compared to larger containers.
20-foot Container (Standard TEU)
The 20-foot shipping container, also known as a TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit), is the most common size used in shipping. It’s approximately 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet 6 inches tall. These containers can hold a significant amount of cargo and are widely used for transporting goods by sea, rail, and road.
30-foot Container
A 30-foot shipping container is a larger option that offers more space for cargo. It’s approximately 30 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet 6 inches tall. These containers are less common than 20-foot containers but still provide ample room for shipping larger loads or oversized items.
40-foot Container (Standard FEU)
This is one of the most common shipping container sizes, also known as a forty-foot equivalent unit (FEU). It’s around 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet 6 inches tall. These containers are widely used in global shipping because they offer a large amount of space for cargo.
48-foot Container
The 48-foot shipping container is slightly larger than the standard 40-foot container. It’s approximately 48 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet 6 inches tall. These containers offer even more space for cargo, making them suitable for transporting oversized or irregularly shaped items. While they’re less common than 40-foot containers, they’re still used in certain industries where extra space is needed.
Diverse Types of Shipping Containers
European Pallet Wide Containers
European Pallet Wide (EPW) containers are designed to accommodate European pallets efficiently. These containers are slightly wider than standard containers, allowing them to fit more pallets side by side. They typically have an interior width of around 8 feet 2 inches (2.5 meters) compared to the standard 8 feet (2.44 meters).
EPW containers are commonly used for transporting a wide range of goods, including consumer products, food items, and industrial materials.
Flat Rack Containers
Flat rack containers are specialized containers with open sides and ends. They have a flat base and collapsible side walls, allowing for easy loading and unloading of oversized or irregularly shaped cargo.
Flat rack containers are commonly used for transporting goods that cannot be accommodated in standard containers due to their size, shape, or weight. This includes heavy machinery, vehicles, construction materials, and large equipment.
Make Informed Decision About Shipping Containers
Navigating the world of shipping containers can seem daunting, but armed with the knowledge provided in this comprehensive guide, you’re well-equipped to make informed decisions.
So, take the time to assess your needs, explore your options, and make choices that align with your goals and priorities. With careful consideration and informed decision-making, you’ll be well on your way to leveraging the versatility and functionality of shipping containers for your projects.
