Shipping
February 14, 2022

How Many Square Feet is a Shipping Container?

When we think of ocean freight, the image that comes to mind is substantial shipping containers transporting various items through the waters for delivery worldwide. A standard shipping container dimension varies according to length and width. On average, containers are about 10, 20, or 40 feet long and 8 feet wide. The elevation of these shipping containers varies between the standard height (8 feet 6 inches) and high cube (9 feet 6 inches); these height features determine the memory capacitance of the shipping containers and permit more beneficial air circulation while on passage. 


Depending on the type, a refrigerated shipping container used to transport food or dairy products is wider and spaced. These shipping canisters have thick walls and are small standard size. They operate on temperature settings which keep the products fresh during transportation. Then there are the open containers that allow cargo loading by cranes; these are usually used for more voluminous products. Heavy Rated shipping containers have wider dimensions since they are helpful in transporting large materials and products. Thus, the standard size of each shipping container is determined by its load during the journey. 


What are the standard dimensions of a 10-feet shipping container?

Exterior Dimension: 9’9.75’’ x 8’ x 8’ 6’’

Interior Dimension: 9’3’’ x 7’8’’ x 7’ 10’’

Door Width: 7’ 8’’ x 7’ 5’’

Square Foot: 75 square feet 


What are the standard dimensions of a 20-feet shipping container?

Exterior Dimension: 19’10.5’’ x 8’ x 8’ 6’’

Interior Dimension: 19’3’’ x 7’8’’ x 7’ 10’’

Door Width: 7’ 8’’ x 7’ 5’’

Square Foot: 150 square feet 

Cubic capacity: 1,165 cu. ft.


What are the standard dimensions of a 40-feet shipping container?

Exterior Dimension: 40’ x 8’ x 8’ 6’’

Interior Dimension: 39’5’’ x 7’8’’ x 7’ 10’’

Door Width: 7’ 8’’ x 7’ 5’’

Square Foot: 300 square feet

Cubic capacity: 2,350 cu. ft.


What are the standard dimensions of a 45-53-feet shipping container?

45 feet container cubic capacity:  3,043 cu. ft.

Interior Square feet dimensions:  308 sq. ft.

48 feet container cubic capacity:  3,454 cu. ft.

Interior Square feet dimensions:  376 sq. ft.

53 feet container cubic capacity:  3,857 cu. ft.

Interior Square feet dimensions:  416 sq. ft.


Conclusion

Shipping containers are more than just a way to transport goods. They're part of the backbone for global trade, and they can be used in all sorts of creative ways on land as well as at sea. If you've got an idea that needs to get from one side of the world to another quickly but cheaply, then shipping container leasing might be your answer. 


We build the tools 3PLs use every day to not only compete but win new business. Whether it's finding or building a cargo container solution that suits your needs perfectly, our experts can help make sure you have everything you need - including reliable data on what other companies are doing with their freight containers today!


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