• Manufactured in, Ontario
  • Shipping across Canada & the US
Dimensions

Unlocking the World of Shipping Container Dimensions

Discover the Standardized Specs, Evolution, and Logistics Behind Shipping Containers

Shipping Containers

Shipping Container Requirements

Storage-Tech shipping containers, integral to global logistics, adhere to standard dimensions for streamlined operations. In North America, the prevalent sizes are the 20-foot and 40-foot shipping containers. A 20-foot container typically measures 20 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8.6 feet in height, while the 40-foot counterpart maintains the same width and height but doubles the length. These dimensions are not arbitrary; they facilitate efficient stacking on ships, fitting into standardized intermodal systems, and ease of handling at ports worldwide.

Container Specifications

Container Dimensions at a Glance

Compare exterior size, usable interior space and door opening dimensions for our shipping container configurations.

20FT New Container
20FT new Storage-Tech shipping container with doors on end
Standard Shipping Container

20FT New – DC (Doors on End)

20FT Container Dimensions
Exterior Dimensions 20'L × 8'W × 8'6"H
01
Interior Dimensions 19'4"L × 7'8"W × 7'10"H
02
Door Opening Dimensions 7'8"W × 7'5"H
03
40FT New Container
40FT new Storage-Tech standard shipping container with four side doors
Multi-Access Container

40FT New – 4 Side Doors – Standard

40FT Container Dimensions
Exterior Dimensions 40'L × 8'W × 8'6"H
01
Interior Dimensions 39'6"L × 7'8"W × 7'10"H
02
Door Opening Dimensions 7'8"W × 7'5"H
03

Shipping containers are held to a very specific set of specifications and dimensions to ensure the same equipment can safely handle the containers anywhere in the world. The information listed on intermodal shipping container doors is standardized so the container can be handled at any port in the world, from the ID number and dimensions to the manufacturer information on the CSC Plate.

Beyond size, shipping containers come with various requirements. They are constructed to withstand the rigours of long sea voyages, ensuring the safety of goods during transit. The materials used often include corrosion-resistant steel, and containers undergo rigorous testing to meet international standards. Storage-Tech shipping containers are equipped with standardized features such as cargo doors at one end, forklift pockets for easy handling, and the inclusion of a CSC Plate containing essential information like the container’s inspection status and maximum payload. These standardized requirements ensure the interoperability of containers across different modes of transportation and locations globally, contributing to the efficiency and reliability of the shipping industry. Whether for transporting goods or providing storage solutions, understanding and adhering to these standards is paramount for seamless integration into the intricate web of global trade and logistics.

Considerations for Container Delivery Space

One of the biggest considerations when determining what size container you should buy is where it will be delivered.

01

40 FOOT SHIPPING CONTAINER - 40FT & 45FT containers use a roll-off truck and need a total of 120 linear feet of space for the container to be dropped off.

Space Required 120 linear feet
02

20 FOOT SHIPPING CONTAINER - 10FT & 20FT containers are delivered on a tilt-bed and need an additional 55 feet of space for the truck to deliver. That is 75 linear feet of total space necessary.

Total Space 75 linear feet
03

Both truck types need clearance from obstacles of 12FT wide & 13.5FT high (up to 16ft high when tipped at delivery).

Width 12FT
Height 13.5FT
Tipped 16FT
Storage-Tech shipping container
Built for Transport & Storage
Shipping container construction and handling
Designed for Global Compatibility
01

Universal Dimensions

Standard Storage-Tech shipping containers adhere to globally recognized dimensions, with the 20-FT and 40-FT lengths being the most prevalent. This uniformity ensures compatibility across various modes of transportation and storage systems.

02

Durability

Constructed from robust materials, typically corrosion-resistant steel, shipping containers are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, heavy stacking, and long ocean voyages. This durability ensures the safety and security of goods during transit.

03

Standardized Doors

Shipping containers feature cargo doors at one end, allowing for efficient loading and unloading of goods. The standardized door design ensures compatibility with loading equipment at ports and facilitates easy access for various types of cargo.

04

Forklift Pockets

To enhance handling efficiency, shipping containers come equipped with forklift pockets. These pockets allow for easy lifting and maneuvering of containers, streamlining the loading and unloading process during transportation and at storage facilities.

05

CSC Plate

Each container is affixed with a Container Safety Convention (CSC) plate. This plate contains crucial information, including the container's inspection status, manufacturing date, and maximum payload capacity. It serves as a key reference point for compliance with safety regulations.

06

Intermodal Compatibility

Shipping containers are designed for seamless integration into intermodal transportation systems. Their standardized dimensions and corner castings enable easy stacking on ships, trucks, and trains, ensuring smooth transitions between different modes of transportation.

Shipping Container History

The Evolution of Shipping Container Standards

From labor-intensive cargo handling to globally standardized intermodal containers, shipping container design has evolved alongside modern transportation and international trade.

01
Before 1950s

Pre-Containerization Era

  • Prior to containerization, goods were loaded onto ships individually or in various types of non-standardized cargo containers.
  • Cargo handling was labor-intensive, time-consuming, and often involved the use of diverse packaging methods.
02
1950s

Malcolm McLean's Innovation

  • The modern era of containerization began with the vision of American entrepreneur Malcolm McLean. In 1956, McLean introduced the first commercially successful container ship, the SS Ideal X.
  • McLean's containers were 8 feet (2.44 meters) in height, and their length was initially 35 feet (10.67 meters).
03
1960s

ISO Container Standardization

04
1970s

Introduction of High Cube Containers

  • To accommodate larger or bulkier cargo, high cube containers were introduced. These containers are similar to standard containers but have an increased height of 9.5 FT (2.9 meters).
05
1980s Onward

Specialized Containers

  • Over time, the industry introduced specialized containers, such as refrigerated containers (reefers) for temperature-sensitive goods, open-top containers for tall items, and flat-rack containers for heavy or oversized cargo.
06
Global Adoption

Intermodal Containerization and Adoption

  • The adoption of standardized container dimensions facilitated the development of intermodal transportation systems, allowing seamless transfers between ships, trains, and trucks without the need to unpack and repack cargo.
07
2000s Onward

Evolution in Container Design

  • Ongoing advancements in container design and materials have led to innovations in areas such as lightweight materials, improved insulation for reefers, and increased structural strength.

The adoption of standardized shipping container dimensions has greatly contributed to the efficiency and growth of global trade, making it easier to transport goods across different modes of transportation seamlessly.

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