Here you will find an overview of the most popular shipping containers and reefers, incl. dimensions, volumes and maximum load (standard values). Unlike air freight containers, shipping containers may be loaded by the clients themselves.
The dimensions, fittings and stackability of shipping containers are standardised by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and specified in the ISO Standard 668. The containers are generally 20 or 40 foot in length.
Shipping containers can be transported over land and water without any problems, since they are easy to fit to trains and HGVs. This eliminates the need to transfer individual consignments at the port or railway station.
Containers are assigned a special identifier to ensure ease of international identification. The first four capital letters indicate the owner, followed by a six-digit check number.
20 ft General Purpose Container
| Inside dimensions | 5.9 x 2.3 x 2.3 m |
| Useable volume | 33.0 m |
| Door opening | 2.3 x 2.2 m |
| Max payload (tons) | 27.7 |
40 ft General Purpose Container
| Inside dimensions | 12 x 2.3 x 2.3 m |
| Useable volume | 67.2 m |
| Door opening | 2.3 x 2.2 m |
| Max payload (tons) | 25.7 |
40ft General Purpose High Cube Container
| Inside dimensions | 12 x 2.3 x 2.9 m |
| Useable volume | 76.3 m³ |
| Door opening | 2.3 x 2.5 m |
| Max payload (tons) | 27.3 |
20ft Flat Rack
| Inside dimensions | 5.6 x 2.2 x 2.2 m |
| Useable volume | 25 m³ |
| Max payload (tons)* | 37 |
40ft Flat Rack
| Inside dimensions | 11.6 x 2.2 x 2.2 m |
| Useable volume | 52.7 m³ |
| Max payload (tons) | 39.3 |
20ft Open Top Container with detachable tarpaulin
| Inside dimensions | 5.8 x 2.3 x 2.3 m |
| Useable volume | 32.5 m³ |
| Max payload (tons)* | 30 |
40ft Open Top Container with detachable tarpaulin
| Inside dimensions | 12.0 x 2.3 x 2.3 m |
| Useable volume | 66.8 m³ |
| Max payload (tons)* | 28.4 |
20ft Reefer Container
| Inside dimensions | 5.4 x 2.2 x 2.1 m |
| Useable volume | 28.3 m³ |
| Door opening | 2.2 x 2.2 m |
| Max payload (tons)* | 27.3 |
40ft High Cube Reefer Container
| Inside dimensions | 11.5 x 2.2 x 2.2 m |
| Useable volume | 60 m³ |
| Door opening | 2.5 x 2.2 m |
| Max payload (tons)* | 27.7 |
*Please note: These payloads are for the equipment only. Road limitations vary from country to country, so you must check with your local Röhlig office how much you maximum should load in a container. Please note that Röhlig cannot be held responsible for any of the content pertaining to above.