Shipping containers have become a ubiquitous sight in modern-day transportation and logistics. These steel boxes have revolutionized the way goods are transported across the globe, providing a secure and efficient means of shipping cargo.
Of all the shipping containers available in the market, the 20-ft shipping container is the most commonly used size. In this blog, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about 20-ft shipping containers, including their dimensions, measurements, and weight.
Whether you’re new to the world of shipping containers or a seasoned veteran, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know about 20-ft shipping containers. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: 20-ft Shipping Container Dimensions, Measurements & Weight
For transportation purposes, 20 ft shipping containers are widely used. This chapter will discuss the dimensions and measurements of 20-ft containers to ensure safe transportation.
Not to mention, there are certain parameters for the optimal size and weight of a container. And, knowing the container’s dimensions is crucial to store products efficiently.
1) Dimensions of 20-Ft Container
A 20-ft container is often known as “a dry van” and is commonly used for transporting dry goods. It has the following dimensions.
- The length of the 20-ft container is 5.90 meters.
- Width is measured as 2.35 meters while the height is 2.39 meters.
- The door height is marked up to 2.28 meters, while the door width is 2.34 meters.
Similarly,
The maximum capacity of a 20-ft container is 28,200 kg with a cubic capacity of 33 cubic meters.
Many industries heavily favor the 20-ft container, the smallest yet most admired shipping container size. Traders use it to transport iron, raw materials, machinery, and various consumer goods and products due to its versatility and popularity.
Please refer to the following table for complete measurements of different types of 20′ container:
Length | Width | Height | Door width | Door height | Max payload | |
| 20′ Dry | 5.90m | 2.35m | 2.39m | 2.34m | 2.28m | 28.20t |
20′ Open top | 5.90m | 2.34m | 2.35m | 2.29m | 2.25m | 28.20t |
| 20′ Flat rack | 5.97m | 5.70m | 2.36m | 2.24m | – | 27.15t |
| 20′ Reefer | 5.45m | 2.29m | 2.25m | 2.29m | 2.24m | 27.49t |
2) 20-ft Container Door Styles
There are plenty of door-style layouts in 20-ft containers by which you can easily get access to your material through the longer side.
Not to mention, double doors container allows you to enter and pull items from either side of the container.
3) Benefits and Common Uses Of 20 Ft Shipping Containers
Benefits of 20 Ft Shipping Containers:
Versatility: One of the primary benefits of 20 ft shipping containers is their versatility. Transporters use them for a wide range of applications, from storage to transportation. Also, they use them as a base for building structures like offices, homes, and shops.
Cost-effective: 20 ft shipping containers are an affordable option for businesses and individuals who need additional storage space or require a means of transporting goods over long distances.
Durability: Manufacturers construct shipping containers to withstand the harsh conditions of ocean transport, making them incredibly durable and capable of enduring extreme weather conditions and rough handling.
Security: Designers create shipping containers to be secure. For this reason, they use robust locking mechanisms and sturdy steel construction which can discourage theft and prevent unauthorized access.
Common Uses of 20 Ft Shipping Containers:
Storage: 20 ft shipping containers are a popular option for storage purposes, as they provide a secure, weather-resistant space to store equipment, tools, and other items. Above all, people use them on job sites, as a temporary storage solution during a renovation or construction project, or even as a long-term storage solution for businesses and individuals.
Transportation: 20 ft shipping containers are often used for transporting goods over long distances, both domestically and internationally. Moreover, you can load them onto trucks, trains, and ships. It ultimately makes them a versatile option for businesses that need to move large quantities of goods.
Modular Buildings: Shipping containers can be modified and repurposed into modular buildings like offices, homes, and shops. Above all, this is a cost-effective and sustainable way to create new structures, as the containers can be easily transported and assembled on-site.
Pop-up Retail Spaces: Pop-up retail spaces have become increasingly popular in recent years. In this regard, 20 ft shipping containers provide a versatile base for these types of businesses. Not to mention, these containers can be modified to include windows, doors, and other features. Also, they can be used as temporary retail spaces for festivals, events, and other gatherings.
4) 20-ft Shipping Container: FCL Vs. LCL
Do you feel that a 20ft container would be too big to carry the cargo you are bringing? You’re in luck! Why? Because you have two options while selecting the mean for transporting your cargo.
Let’s understand!
Less Than Container Load (LCL)
LCL shipping is a cost-effective solution for businesses and individuals who do not have enough cargo to fill an entire container. With LCL shipping, multiple smaller shipments are consolidated into a single container, which is then transported to the destination port.
This allows for lower shipping costs, as the cost of the container is shared between multiple shippers.
LCL is cheaper if the cargo’s total volume is under 15 cm. However, cargo greater than 15 cm will need shipment in one container.