The standard boxes
Figures vary slightly by manufacturer and by carrier. Use them to plan, and confirm against the specific box before loading to the millimetre.
| Type | Internal (L×W×H) | Capacity | Max payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20' Dry | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ≈ 33 CBM | ≈ 28,000 kg |
| 40' Dry | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ≈ 67 CBM | ≈ 26,500 kg |
| 40' High Cube | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.70 m | ≈ 76 CBM | ≈ 26,500 kg |
| 45' High Cube | 13.56 × 2.35 × 2.70 m | ≈ 86 CBM | ≈ 26,000 kg |
Weight or volume — which runs out first
A 20' and a 40' hold roughly the same weight but double the volume. So dense cargo — tiles, machinery, liquids, stone — fills a 20' on weight long before it fills it on space, while light bulky cargo — furniture, packaging, textiles — needs the 40'.
The quickest check: divide your total weight in kilos by your total volume in CBM. Above roughly 800 kg/CBM you are weight-limited and should think in 20' units.
Special equipment
- Reefer: temperature-controlled, for fruit, salmon, pharmaceuticals and wine. 20' ≈ 28 CBM, 40' ≈ 59 CBM.
- Open Top: no roof, loaded by crane. For cargo taller than the door opening.
- Flat Rack: open sides and often collapsible ends. For out-of-gauge width or machinery on skids.
- Tank: for bulk liquids, chemicals and food-grade products.
- Ventilated: passive airflow, used for coffee and cocoa.
What actually fits
A 20' dry takes about 10 standard European pallets (1.20 × 0.80 m) in one layer, or 11 at a squeeze. A 40' takes 21, and a 40' high cube the same footprint with more stacking height.
If your cargo is palletised, count pallets rather than cubic metres — it is the number that decides whether it fits.
Frequently asked questions
How many pallets fit in a container?
About 10 to 11 standard European pallets in a 20' dry, and 21 in a 40'. A 40' high cube has the same footprint but more height for stacking.
Should I use a 20' or a 40'?
Divide total weight in kilos by total volume in CBM. Above roughly 800 kg/CBM you are weight-limited and should think in 20' units; below it, the 40' gives you far more volume for a similar weight allowance.
What is a high cube container?
A container with the same floor dimensions as a standard 40' but about 30 cm more internal height, giving roughly 76 CBM instead of 67. It suits light, bulky cargo.
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