Sea Container Sizes - learn the key parameters

Cargo transportation is impossible to imagine without containers: they provide a convenient, reliable, and standardized method of shipping worldwide. There are many types of containers for various goods — refrigerated, Open-Top, Flat Rack. But today, we talk to the experts at DiFFreight about container sizes for cargo shipping.

Is size still important?

If you need affordable sea freight from China, container sizes are crucial. The dimensions (length, height, width) determine volume and capacity. This is particularly important when purchasing the entire container:

• the required dimensions to fit your cargo tightly but safely;
• weight capacity for the entire batch of goods;
• appropriate height or length for oversized cargo.

Sea freight is handled by 45, 40, and 20-foot containers based on their length. Other container sizes depend on the type:

• Dry Van (DV) — standard cubic;
• High Cube (HC) — a container with increased height, which holds more than a DV at the same length.

Dry containers have several advantages. They are made of durable steel, protecting the cargo from environmental factors and mechanical damage. However, refrigerated containers are better for perishable goods. The container is very resistant to wear and tear and is versatile. Sliding doors make loading and unloading easier.

Knowing container dimensions is crucial to selecting the most suitable one for transport. DiFFreight will take care of all the concerns related to delivery, container or space selection, and loading onto the vessel.

45-Foot Container Dimensions

45-foot containers can accommodate larger cargo. They transport consolidated and oversized goods weighing up to 30 tons along various routes.

DV Standard

In this size, there are very limited options, typically used for transporting specific cargo where a larger volume is needed but without the height of a High Cube.

*Here and below: the actual dimensions of the container depend on the manufacturer. They may vary slightly.

HC Container

Also considered non-standard, less commonly seen in regular sea freight. 45-foot container dimensions:

40-Foot Container Dimensions

The 40-foot sea container is the standard size for imports and exports, practically the golden standard along with the 20-foot containers. These dimensions are widely available for both DV and HC types.

DV Standard

HC Container

20-Foot Container Dimensions

The 20-foot size provides transport optimization. Sea freight USA, China, and Europe is in the highest demand, often as consolidated shipments.

DV Sea Container 20-Foot Dimensions Table

20-Foot HC Container Dimensions

10-Foot Container Dimensions

Ten-foot "mini" containers, like the large 45-foot containers, are less in demand by transport companies for long-distance shipping. They are often ordered specifically for certain shippers.

DV 10-Foot Dimensions

10-Foot HC Container Dimensions

5-Foot Container Dimensions

Five-foot ultra-compact containers are mainly used for storage, small shipments, and as mobile storage units.

Sea container transportation

Get more information

Logistics Solutions: DiFFreight Expert Tips

Road transport and air delivery do not meet the client's needs due to low capacity and high cost. The optimal solution is sea shipments in containers:

• the lowest delivery cost: both when purchasing space and the entire container;
• safety and reliability;
• reasonable delivery times, especially for consolidated cargo.

You can order sea delivery from DiFFreight using FCL and LCL models. We offer quick container searches/space reservations, forwarding, and the preparation of all necessary documents. We work with container shipping to the USA, China, and Europe. We look forward to your consultation with the international logistics experts at DiFFreight!