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Trade intelligence, written by operators

No think-pieces from people who have never seen a bill of lading. Practical guidance from members who move cargo for a living.

Container Specifications

Dimensions, capacity, tare and payload

Container	ISO	Internal L × W × H	Door W × H	Capacity	Tare	Max payload	External L × W × H
20' Standard Dry General cargo, dense freight, bagged and palletised goods. The default box for heavy cargo where weight limits bite before volume does.	22G1	5,898 × 2,352 × 2,393 mm	2,340 × 2,280 mm	33.20 cbm	2,200 kg	28,280 kg	6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm
40' Standard Dry General cargo where volume matters more than weight. Roughly double the space of a 20' for only a little more payload.	42G1	12,032 × 2,352 × 2,393 mm	2,340 × 2,280 mm	67.70 cbm	3,750 kg	26,730 kg	12,192 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm
40' High Cube Light, bulky cargo. The extra foot of height is the most requested upgrade in LCL and full-load bookings alike.	45G1	12,032 × 2,352 × 2,698 mm	2,340 × 2,585 mm	76.30 cbm	3,900 kg	26,580 kg	12,192 × 2,438 × 2,896 mm
45' High Cube Long or high-volume cargo on trades where 45' equipment is available. Not accepted everywhere; check inland road limits.	L5G1	13,556 × 2,352 × 2,698 mm	2,340 × 2,585 mm	86.00 cbm	4,800 kg	25,600 kg	13,716 × 2,438 × 2,896 mm
20' Reefer Temperature-controlled cargo. Insulation and the machinery reduce internal space noticeably against a dry box.	22R1	5,450 × 2,290 × 2,264 mm	2,290 × 2,230 mm	28.30 cbm	3,000 kg	27,480 kg	6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm
40' Reefer High Cube Perishables on long ocean legs: fruit, fish, pharmaceuticals. The high cube version is now the standard reefer.	45R1	11,580 × 2,290 × 2,500 mm	2,290 × 2,460 mm	67.00 cbm	4,600 kg	25,880 kg	12,192 × 2,438 × 2,896 mm
20' Open Top Cargo loaded by crane from above, or over-height cargo shipped under tarpaulin.	22U1	5,898 × 2,352 × 2,350 mm	2,340 × 2,280 mm	32.00 cbm	2,350 kg	28,130 kg	6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm
40' Open Top Long machinery and cargo that cannot be loaded through the doors.	42U1	12,032 × 2,352 × 2,350 mm	2,340 × 2,280 mm	65.50 cbm	3,900 kg	26,580 kg	12,192 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm
20' Flat Rack Heavy, wide or awkward cargo: machinery, vehicles, cable drums. Out-of-gauge charges usually apply.	22P1	5,700 × 2,230 × 2,210 mm	—	—	2,600 kg	27,880 kg	6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm
40' Flat Rack Long project cargo and plant. Collapsible ends on most modern units.	42P1	11,800 × 2,230 × 1,950 mm	—	—	5,000 kg	25,480 kg	12,192 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm
20' Tank Container Bulk liquids, chemicals and food grade product. Capacity is quoted in litres by the operator, commonly 21,000-26,000 L.	22T1	—	—	—	3,800 kg	26,200 kg	6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm
20' Ventilated Cargo needing passive airflow, such as coffee and cocoa, where condensation is the risk rather than temperature.	22V1	5,898 × 2,352 × 2,393 mm	2,340 × 2,280 mm	33.00 cbm	2,300 kg	28,180 kg	6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm

These are typical industry figures for planning and quoting. They are not carrier specifications: tare weight, payload and internal dimensions vary by manufacturer, build series and individual unit, and the maximum payload is also limited by road and rail rules on the route. The plate on the container is what counts.

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