Shipping Container Sizes and Specifications

All shipping containers sold by Swift Ship Containers conform to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards. Below are the full dimensions, capacities, and payload specs for every standard container type we carry. Use this page to compare sizes and find the right container for your project.

10ft Standard Shipping Container

• External dimensions: 10ft L x 8ft W x 8ft 6in H
• Internal dimensions: 9ft 4in L x 7ft 8in W x 7ft 10in H
• Door opening: 7ft 8in W x 7ft 5in H
• Capacity: approx. 565 cubic feet
• Tare weight: approx. 2,800 kg (6,170 lbs)
• Max payload: approx. 10,000 kg (22,046 lbs)

Best for: Compact storage in tight spaces — residential yards, small construction sites, retail back-of-house, or locations where a 20ft container will not fit.

20ft Standard Shipping Container

• External dimensions: 20ft L x 8ft W x 8ft 6in H
• Internal dimensions: 19ft 4in L x 7ft 8in W x 7ft 10in H
• Door opening: 7ft 8in W x 7ft 5in H
• Capacity: 1,172 cubic feet
• Tare weight: approx. 2,300 kg (5,070 lbs)
• Max payload: approx. 21,700 kg (47,840 lbs)
• TEU equivalent: 1 TEU

Best for: The most versatile and popular container size. Ideal for general storage, container offices, pop-up retail, job site security, and as a starting point for container home conversions. Fits most residential driveways and standard gates.

20ft High Cube Shipping Container

• External dimensions: 20ft L x 8ft W x 9ft 6in H
• Internal dimensions: 19ft 4in L x 7ft 8in W x 8ft 10in H
• Door opening: 7ft 8in W x 8ft 5in H
• Capacity: 1,309 cubic feet
• Max payload: approx. 21,700 kg (47,840 lbs)

Best for: Tall equipment storage, container offices requiring standing headroom, or any conversion where ceiling height is critical. The extra foot of height makes a significant difference for habitable space builds.

30ft Shipping Container

• External dimensions: 30ft L x 8ft W x 8ft 6in H
• Capacity: approx. 1,750 cubic feet
• Max payload: approx. 25,000 kg (55,115 lbs)

Best for: When a 20ft is too small but a 40ft is more than you need. Available in cut-down and bulk configurations. Good for mid-size storage applications and sites with restricted depth.

40ft Standard Shipping Container

• External dimensions: 40ft L x 8ft W x 8ft 6in H
• Internal dimensions: 39ft 5in L x 7ft 8in W x 7ft 10in H
• Door opening: 7ft 8in W x 7ft 5in H
• Capacity: 2,385 cubic feet
• Tare weight: approx. 3,750 kg (8,268 lbs)
• Max payload: approx. 26,780 kg (59,040 lbs)
• TEU equivalent: 2 TEU

Best for: Maximum storage capacity. Commercial warehouse overflow, large job sites, multi-room container home builds, and any application requiring the largest standard ISO footprint.

40ft High Cube Shipping Container

• External dimensions: 40ft L x 8ft W x 9ft 6in H
• Internal dimensions: 39ft 5in L x 7ft 8in W x 8ft 10in H
• Door opening: 7ft 8in W x 8ft 5in H
• Capacity: 2,694 cubic feet
• Max payload: approx. 26,470 kg (58,356 lbs)

Best for: The go-to choice for container home and container office builds. Extra height improves livability dramatically. Also ideal for IBC storage, tall pallet racking, and any cargo exceeding standard container height.

Open Top Containers

Available in 20ft and 40ft. The roof is replaced with a removable tarpaulin cover, allowing loading from above by crane or overhead gantry. Standard floor and side walls provide normal structural integrity.

• Best for: Heavy machinery, scrap metal, timber, bulk aggregates, large industrial parts, and any cargo that cannot be loaded through standard end doors
• Max payload (20ft): approx. 20,000 kg
• Max payload (40ft): approx. 26,000 kg

Flat Rack Containers

Available in 20ft and 40ft with fixed or collapsible ends. No side walls or roof — just a reinforced flat platform with end walls (or stakes). Designed for out-of-gauge, oversized, or heavy cargo that cannot be loaded into a standard enclosed container.

• Best for: Vehicles, boats, heavy machinery, transformers, prefabricated structures, and large construction materials
• Max payload (20ft): approx. 45,000 kg
• Max payload (40ft): approx. 40,000 kg

Refrigerated (Reefer) Containers

Available in 20ft and 40ft high cube. Built-in refrigeration unit maintains precise temperatures from -30C to +30C. Constructed with insulated interior panels and a vapor barrier floor. Requires a power supply (typically 3-phase 440V/460V) to operate.

• Best for: Food storage and distribution, frozen goods, pharmaceutical storage, floriculture, laboratory samples, and cold chain logistics
• Temperature range: -30C to +30C (-22F to +86F)
• Insulation: Polyurethane foam panels

Need Help Choosing the Right Size?

Not sure which container dimensions will work for your site or project? Call us at +1 (435) 229-9359 or contact us online and we will help you figure out the right size, grade, and configuration for your exact needs.