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Shipping Containers Dimensions, Measurements, Volumes And Weights
We often receive inquiries from clients about our shipping containers in Montreal. Many customers want to know more details about shipping containers dimensions and specifications. In this article, we want to review various shipping container dimensions and weights available at our shipping container depot in Montreal. Whether you use the imperial or metric system, you will find the information you need.
Conterm predominately sells, rents and modifies containers ranging from 10 feet to 40 feet in length. However, the lengths, weights, and payloads of these containers vary accordingly.
Here are the shipping container dimensions and specs for each of our models
10 foot standard shipping container dimensions
- Container exterior width: 8’ (2.4384 m)
- Container exterior height: 8’6” (2.5908 m)
- Container exterior length: 10’ (3.048 m)
- Container interior width: 7’8’’ (2.337 m)
- Container interior height: 7’10’’ (2.388 m)
- Container interior length: 9’3’’ (2.844 m)
- Container interior volume: 555.5 cu.ft. (15.73 m3)
- Container door width: 7’8’’ (2.337 m)
- Container door height: 7’6’’ (2.286 m)
- Container weight: 2,870 lbs. (1,300 kg)
- Container payload: 24,910 lbs. (11,300 kg)
20 foot standard shipping container dimensions
- Container exterior width: 8’ (2.4384 m)
- Container exterior height: 8’6” (2.5908 m)
- Container exterior length: 20’ (6.096 m)
- Container interior width: 7’8’’ (2.337 m)
- Container interior height: 7’10’’ (2.388 m)
- Container interior length: 19’4’’ (5.893 m)
- Container interior volume: 1161.1 cu. ft. (32.73 m3)
- Container door width: 7’8’’ (2.337 m)
- Container door height: 7’6’’ (2.286 m)
- Container weight: 4,916 lbs. (2,230 kg)
- Container payload: 47,900 lbs. (21,770 kg)
40 foot standard shipping container dimensions
- Container exterior width: 8’ (2.4384 m)
- Container exterior height: 8’6” (2.5908 m)
- Container exterior length: 40’ (12.192 m)
- Container interior width: 7’8’’ (2.337 m)
- Container interior height: 7’10’’ (2.388 m)
- Container interior length: 39’5’’ (12.014 m)
- Container interior volume: 2367.2 cu. ft. (67.03 m3)
- Container door width: 7’8’’ (2.337 m)
- Container door height: 7’6’’ (2.286 m)
- Container weight: 8,160 lbs. (3,700 kg)
- Container payload: 59,040 lbs. (26,780 kg)
40 foot high cube shipping container dimensions
- Container exterior width: 8’ (2.4384 m)
- Container exterior height: 9’6” (2.8956 m)
- Container exterior length: 40’ (12.192 m)
- Container interior width: 7’8’’ (2.337 m)
- Container interior height: 8’10’’ (2.692 m)
- Container interior length: 39’5’’ (12.014 m)
- Container interior volume: 2669.4 cu. ft. (75.59 m3)
- Container door width: 7’8’’ (2.337 m)
- Container door height: 8’5’’ (2.565 m)
- Container weight: 8,750 lbs. (3,970 kg)
- Container payload: 58,450 lbs. (26,510 kg)
More about our 40 ft high cube shipping containers for sale
As you have probably noticed from the information above, whether you choose a 10 foot, a 20 foot or a 40 foot container, the interior widths and heights, as well as the doors’ widths and heights of the shipping containers, remain the same.
Infographic on shipping containers dimensions
Here is a practical infographic about the various Dimensions, Measurements, and Weights of shipping containers
Why is it useful to know these specifications?
Interior dimensions: Interior dimensions will allow you to calculate the amount of space available for storage but will also help you design an interior layout. They are usually one of the deciding factors when it comes to choosing the right container size.
Exterior dimensions: Exterior dimensions are useful in determining how much space your container will occupy on-site. These dimensions also play an important role in planning your shipment by estimating the overall height, width, and length of the load to ensure a smooth delivery.
Door dimensions: Door dimensions, especially the height, will determine if the equipment you want to store will fit. For a larger opening and additional interior height, 40-foot high cube shipping containers are recommended.
Volumes: It may be interesting to know the volume if you want to store bulk products such as grain or convert your container into a pool. Volumes can also be used to determine the capacity of heating and air conditioning units.
Weight and Payload: The weight (also called tare weight) is the weight of the shipping container itself, i.e. when empty, while the payload is the maximum weight that can be loaded inside the container. The payload should never exceed the value indicated on the container. The tare weight combined with the payload can help you determine the proper foundation for your container. In addition, if you plan to move your sea container from one location to another, this information will allow you to roughly estimate your transportation costs.
How do you choose the right shipping container size for your needs?
Choosing the right size shipping container means considering not only your current specific needs but also your future ones. If you’re looking for compact storage or a small workspace, a 10-foot container may suffice. On the other hand, for larger storage needs, retail space or extensive modifications, a 20 or 40-foot container may be more appropriate.
For example:
- A 10-foot standard shipping container can store the contents of a 1-bedroom apartment or studio. This includes bedroom furniture, a living room set, kitchen appliances, and several boxes of miscellaneous items. It is the perfect size for sheds, on-site offices and small pop-up kiosks. It can store about 80 standard-sized bicycles.
- A 20-foot standard shipping container can store the contents of a 2 to 3-bedroom apartment. This would typically include bedroom sets, sofas, dining table and chairs, kitchen appliances, and many boxes. It is Ideal for storing a small car or a couple of motorcycles with some room left for additional items. It can accommodate the stock of a small retail store or a large booth’s worth of trade show materials and products. It can store about 380 standard-sized boxes (18”x18”x16”).
- A 40-foot standard shipping container can store the contents of a 5 to 7-bedroom house, encompassing large appliances, furniture from all rooms, garage tools, and boxes. It can comfortably hold one or two vehicles (depending on their size) along with additional items. It can store about 780 standard-sized boxes (18”x18”x16”). These containers are ideal for businesses with sizable inventory, such as retail or e-commerce operations needing temporary storage during peak seasons. It is also a good option for restaurants.
Consider both the volume and floor space you need and consult with our team for personalized recommendations.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Although the structural integrity of shipping containers limits significant changes in height and width, some modifications are possible. For example, combining side-by-side containers with reinforced openings can create a more expansive space. When it comes to height adjustments, opting for a high cube container provides extra vertical space, as does stacking containers on top of each other.
Shipping containers are designed to be stacked when used for maritime transport. However, when using them for storage or other purposes, it’s essential to ensure they are placed on a level surface and that the weight distribution inside the containers doesn’t compromise their stability. Always be sure to stay within the specified payload for each container. If you’re considering stacking containers for modification or architectural purposes, consulting with a structural specialist is crucial.
The exterior dimensions of a 40ft shipping container are 40′0″ L x 8′0″ W x 8′6″ H while the interior dimensions are 39′5″ L x 7′8″ W x 7′10″ H.
The exterior dimensions of a 20ft shipping container are 20′ L x 8’ W x 8′6″ H while the interior dimensions are 19′4″ L x 7′8″ W x 7′10″ H.
Still Have Questions?
We hope you found this article on shipping containers dimensions useful. If you have any additional questions about shipping containers dimensions or specs, we invite you to contact us today. It will be a pleasure to answer your questions.
Originally founded in 1973, Conterm offers new shipping containers for sale, used shipping containers for sale as well as shipping container rental in every size to companies and individuals in Quebec and Eastern Ontario. From garage doors, windows and man doors to partitions, electrical systems and many more, any of these shipping containers can be modified to suit your own needs and requirements. Please visit our shipping container modifications page to learn more about all the custom options we can build for you. You can also take a look at our Shipping Container Applications section to get a better idea of the type of projects we can do.
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