Shipping 20 FT. and 40 FT. Sea Containers – Specification and Weight
Shipping containers are a fundamental part of global trade, providing a versatile, secure, and standardized method for transporting goods. Among the various sizes available, the 20-foot and 40-foot containers are the most commonly used. This blog will delve into the specifics of these two types of containers, covering their dimensions, weight, capacity, and best practices for shipping.
20ft Shipping Container
Overview
The 20-foot shipping container is the workhorse of the container fleet. It’s compact, versatile, and widely used across various industries. Whether you’re transporting goods by sea, rail, or road, the 20-foot container offers a cost-effective solution.
Specifications
- External Dimensions: 20ft (6.06m) length, 8ft (2.44m) width, and 8ft 6in (2.59m) height.
- Internal Dimensions: 19ft 4in (5.90m) length, 7ft 8in (2.34m) width, and 7ft 10in (2.39m) height.
- Door Opening: 7ft 8in (2.34m) width and 7ft 6in (2.28m) height.
- Volume: Approximately 33.2 cubic meters.
Weight
- Tare Weight: Approximately 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs).
- Gross Weight: Up to 24,000 kg (52,910 lbs) including the container’s tare weight.
- Payload Capacity: About 21,800 kg (48,060 lbs).
40ft Shipping Container
Overview
The 40-foot shipping container is ideal for larger shipments. It doubles the length of the 20-foot container, providing significantly more capacity while maintaining the same width and height, making it a popular choice for high-volume goods.
Specifications
- External Dimensions: 40ft (12.19m) length, 8ft (2.44m) width, and 8ft 6in (2.59m) height.
- Internal Dimensions: 39ft 5in (12.03m) length, 7ft 8in (2.34m) width, and 7ft 10in (2.39m) height.
- Door Opening: 7ft 8in (2.34m) width and 7ft 6in (2.28m) height.
- Volume: Approximately 67.7 cubic meters.
Weight
- Tare Weight: Approximately 3,800 kg (8,377 lbs).
- Gross Weight: Up to 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs) including the container’s tare weight.
- Payload Capacity: About 26,680 kg (58,823 lbs).
20ft & 40ft Shipping Container Specs
Both 20ft and 40ft containers share several common specifications which include:
- Construction: Typically made from Corten steel, known for its durability and resistance to corrosion.
- Standardization: Built to ISO standards to ensure compatibility with global shipping systems.
- Security: Equipped with robust locking mechanisms and options for additional padlocks.
- Ventilation: Designed with ventilation slots to prevent condensation and moisture buildup.
- Flooring: Generally made from marine-grade plywood or bamboo, treated to withstand heavy loads.
What Are the Dimensions of a 20ft and 40ft Shipping Container?
20ft Container Dimensions
- External: 20ft L x 8ft W x 8ft 6in H
- Internal: 19ft 4in L x 7ft 8in W x 7ft 10in H
- Door Opening: 7ft 8in W x 7ft 6in H
40ft Container Dimensions
- External: 40ft L x 8ft W x 8ft 6in H
- Internal: 39ft 5in L x 7ft 8in W x 7ft 10in H
- Door Opening: 7ft 8in W x 7ft 6in H
What Fits in a 20ft and 40ft Container?
20ft Container Capacity
A 20ft container is suitable for smaller shipments and can typically hold:
- Household Items: Approximately the contents of a 2-3 bedroom apartment.
- Pallets: Up to 10 standard pallets or 12 Euro pallets.
- Vehicles: One standard car with additional room for small items.
40ft Container Capacity
A 40ft container offers double the length of the 20ft container, accommodating larger volumes such as:
- Household Items: The contents of a 4-5 bedroom house.
- Pallets: Up to 22 standard pallets or 25 Euro pallets.
- Vehicles: Two standard cars or a combination of a car and other goods.
How to Ship a 20ft and 40ft Container
Shipping containers, whether 20ft or 40ft, involves a series of steps to ensure your goods are transported safely and efficiently.
- Determine Your Shipping Needs
Assess the volume and weight of your goods to decide whether a 20ft or 40ft container is more appropriate. Consider factors such as:
- Type of goods
- Quantity and volume
- Weight restrictions
- Choose the Right Container
Select the container size that best suits your shipping requirements. A 20ft container is ideal for smaller, heavier loads, while a 40ft container is better for larger, lighter cargo.
- Book Your Container
Contact a reputable shipping company to book your container. Ensure they provide the necessary documentation and confirm the booking details.
- Prepare Your Cargo
Properly pack and secure your cargo to prevent damage during transit. Use appropriate packaging materials, and consider the weight distribution to avoid overloading one side of the container.
- Loading the Container
Load your goods efficiently, making the most of the available space. Use straps and other securing mechanisms to keep items in place. Ensure the weight is evenly distributed to maintain balance.
- Documentation
Prepare all necessary documentation, including the Bill of Lading, packing list, and any customs forms required for international shipping.
- Transport to Port
Arrange for the container to be transported to the port. This can be done by truck, rail, or a combination of both, depending on the distance and available infrastructure.
- Shipping
Once at the port, the container will be loaded onto a ship. Ensure you have tracking information and stay in communication with your shipping company to monitor the progress of your shipment.
- Delivery
Upon arrival at the destination port, arrange for the container to be transported to its final destination. Unload the container carefully, checking for any damage to the goods.
Getting a Quote
To get an accurate shipping quote for your 20ft or 40ft container, you can fill out a form on the CBM Ship website. They provide quick quotes within 30 minutes, ensuring you get the information you need to plan your shipment effectively.
Example Quote Process from CBM Ship
- Visit the CBM Ship Website: Navigate to their quote request page.
- Fill Out the Form: Provide details about your shipment, including container size, type of goods, weight, volume, origin, and destination.
- Submit the Form: After filling out the necessary information, submit the form.
- Receive Your Quote: Within 30 minutes, you will receive a detailed quote tailored to your shipping needs.
FAQ’s
- What are the standard dimensions of a 20ft shipping container?
- Answer: A 20ft shipping container typically measures 20 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8 feet 6 inches in height. Internally, it measures approximately 19 feet 4 inches in length, 7 feet 8 inches in width, and 7 feet 10 inches in height.
- What are the standard dimensions of a 40ft shipping container?
- Answer: A 40ft shipping container generally measures 40 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8 feet 6 inches in height. The internal dimensions are around 39 feet 5 inches in length, 7 feet 8 inches in width, and 7 feet 10 inches in height.
- What is the weight capacity of a 20ft shipping container?
- Answer: A 20ft shipping container can hold a gross weight of up to 24,000 kg (52,910 lbs), with a tare weight of approximately 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs), leaving a payload capacity of about 21,800 kg (48,060 lbs).
- What is the weight capacity of a 40ft shipping container?
- Answer: A 40ft shipping container has a gross weight capacity of up to 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs). Its tare weight is around 3,800 kg (8,377 lbs), resulting in a payload capacity of approximately 26,680 kg (58,823 lbs).
- How many standard pallets can fit in a 20ft shipping container?
- Answer: A 20ft shipping container can accommodate up to 10 standard pallets or 12 Euro pallets, depending on the exact size and arrangement of the pallets.
- How many standard pallets can fit in a 40ft shipping container?
- Answer: A 40ft shipping container can fit up to 22 standard pallets or 25 Euro pallets, optimizing the space for larger shipments.
- What types of goods are typically transported in a 20ft container?
- Answer: A 20ft container is ideal for transporting smaller, heavier items such as machinery, industrial parts, and bulk goods. It’s also commonly used for moving personal household goods.
- What types of goods are typically transported in a 40ft container?
- Answer: A 40ft container is suitable for larger volume shipments, such as furniture, retail inventory, and large industrial equipment. It’s also used for transporting vehicles alongside other goods.
- What should I consider when choosing between a 20ft and a 40ft container?
- Answer: Consider the volume and weight of your cargo, cost implications, and space requirements. A 20ft container is suitable for smaller, denser loads, while a 40ft container is better for larger, lighter loads.
- How do I get a shipping quote for a 20ft or 40ft container?
- Answer: To get a shipping quote, visit the CBM Ship website or another reputable shipping company’s site. Fill out the quote request form with details about your shipment, including container size, type of goods, weight, volume, origin, and destination. You should receive a quote within 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Understanding the specifications and weight of 20ft and 40ft shipping containers is crucial for efficient and cost-effective shipping. By knowing what fits in each container, how to prepare your cargo, and the steps to ship them, you can ensure a smooth shipping process. For precise quotes and additional support, reaching out to a reputable shipping company like CBM Ship can provide the necessary assistance to facilitate your shipping needs.
By leveraging the standardization and versatility of these containers, businesses and individuals alike can optimize their logistics operations, ensuring goods are transported safely and efficiently across the globe.