Size of Container
Size of Container
Container Lengths
For storage and other non-shipping applications other sizes are created by cutting down
larger containers to the required size. The most common cut-down sizes are 8ft (2.44m),
12ft (3.66m), 16ft (4.88m), 24ft (7.32m) and 32ft (9.75m). Other bespoke sizes can also
be manufactured to order. Take a look at our Shipping Container Conversions page for
more conversion ideas - on how you can modify your container.
Container Heights
The most common height of a container is 8ft 6ins (2.59m), though 9ft 6 inches (2.90m)
high-cube containers are becoming increasingly common. In the past 8ft high (2.44m)
was very common and there are some containers 9ft (2.74m) available but these are
rare.
Container Widths
The standard width of a container is 8ft (2.44m). To accommodate some types of pallets,
particularly in Europe 2.5m (8ft 2.4 inches) wide containers are available though they
are less commonly available to buy on the second-hand market.
The sides of a container are in nearly all cases, corrugated. The depth of the corrugation
is usually 1 inch (25mm), which means that 2 inches (50mm) is lost from the external
width dimension (1 inch each side). The back (blank end) is also corrugated and the
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doors are around 2 inches (50mm) thick meaning that approximately 3 inches (75mm) is
lost from the length.
The main reduction from external to internal dimensions is with height. The floor of a
standard container has an underside clearance of approximately 6 inches (150mm) and
the floor has a thickness of 27mm (1.1 inches). As the roof is corrugated another 1 inch
(25mm) is lost resulting in an internal dimension of around 8 inches less than external –
7ft 10 inches (2.39m), though this can vary slightly either way depending on the floor
thickness and construction method used.
Through the door height is additionally reduced because of the steel top rail above the
door, this is a part of the structural integrity of the container, typically it's 4 inches
(100mm) thus reducing the entrance height to 7ft 6ins (2.28m), though this can vary
slightly either way.
There are three relevant weights, the Tare Weight, the Gross Weight and the Payload.
These are painted onto the outside of the container doors when it is in shipping service
or before it has been repainted for another application.
◾ The Container Tare Weight is the weight of the container without cargo or contents.
◾ The Container Gross Weight is the weight of the container plus the maximum payload
it can hold i.e. the maximum total weight of the container.
◾ The Payload (or Net Weight) is the weight of the cargo or contents that a container
can hold.
*The most common alternative for 20fts is 24,000kg for stores manufactured to a lower
specification.
Note that cut-down containers cannot hold the same weight when lifted as a standard
container because the structure of the container has been altered. The container
modification company should be able to supply details of capacities and advise if their
design has been weight tested for lifting.
Cubic Capacity 15.95 cubic meters 33.2 cubic meters 67.59 cubic metres
Containers are designed to carry cargo. They are designed to be lifted vertically from
above by cranes and transferred from ship to shore and between other forms of transport
such as trains and lorries. Therefore they need to have strength in the top corners where
they are engaged by the twistlocks of a container lifting crane. The corner castings in
the top corners of the container are therefore points of strength.
The strength is transferred down through the corner posts to the corner castings at the
bottom and then through the floor. The floor is constructed of steel cross members
approximately 6 inches (150mm) deep, which are approximately 20 inches (508mm)
apart (laterally across the container) and give transverse strength and support the floor.
The cross members are welded at each end to longitudinal beams which run the length
of the container between the corner castings. This all means that the strength of a
container lies within the corner posts and the floor. Structural alterations or damage to
these components will weaken the container.
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The information contained here is for guidance only. ContainerContainer do not accept
any responsibility for any loss or damages resulting from use or interpretation of this
information.
20ft x 8ft x 8ft 6" used cargo worthy containers available throughout the UK for immediate
sale/delivery. Sold on a next from stack basis - so colours may vary. Inspected to ensure
wind and water tight prior to release.
Tunnel Containers
Manufactured from a standard container (usually 20ft or 40ft) - but with double end doors at
both ends. Typically the solid end of the container is simply cut-off and a new set of double
doors is welded in place.
20 ft x 8ft x 9ft 6" New 'One Trip' High Cube's are available throughout the UK. 9ft 6" high as
opposed to the standard 8ft 6". Useful where extra internal height is required.
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