How Big Is a 20-ft Container? Here are the Specifications

In shipping, there are many vessels you can use based on your needs and the types of cargo, one of which is a container ship. A container ship has various sizes, and the most popular one is the 20-foot container.

A 20-ft container is commonly chosen because it is easy to carry, especially with a wider choice of transportation. To understand more about a 20-ft container, read this article until the end!

20-ft Container Specifications

All containers used in shipping must comply with ISO 668 standards in terms of dimensions and size. For a 20-foot container, the height is approximately 8 feet 6 inches, or 2.6 meters; the length is 20 feet, or approximately 6 meters; while the width is approximately 2.4 meters, or 8 feet.

If we look more closely, the size of a 20-ft container is also distinguished between its external and internal dimensions. The external dimensions of this container are approximately 6 meters long, 2.4 meters wide, and 2.6 meters high. Meanwhile, the interior dimensions are 5.8 meters long, 2.3 meters wide, and 2.3 meters high.

Compatible Goods for a 20-ft Container

The capacity of a 20-foot container is usually sufficient to carry heavy goods. Moreover, it is more ideal to transport heavy stuff than light stuff, but in a large capacity.

Yet, you must comply with the maximum capacity, in which the empty weight is around 2.3 tons, and the gross weight is about 28 tons. This capacity limit must be met to avoid hindrance, like restacking your cargo at the last minute. Then, here are some general goods compatible with a 20-ft container:

Bulks: Steel coils, cement, plastic pellets, coffee, cocoa, or tiles whose specifications are not adequate for transport in a 40-foot container.
Industrial materials: Sand, granite, certain tools, textile materials, machinery, or heavy equipment.
Large-packaged products: Fertilizer, sugar, or rice.
Perishable products: Pharmaceuticals and food that require transport in a 20-foot reefer.

Types of 20-ft Containers

A 20-foot container is categorized based on size and use. Here is the complete explanation:

Standard container: This container has internal dimensions of approximately 5.89 x 2.35 x 2.36 m, a capacity of 33 m³, and a maximum cargo weight of approximately 21,700 kg.
High cube container: This container has internal dimensions of approximately 5.89 x 2.35 x 2.69 m, a capacity of 37 m³, and a maximum cargo weight of approximately 21,700 kg.
Flat rack container with sides: This container has dimensions of 5.89 x 2.35 x 2.23 m, a capacity of 30 m³, and a cargo weight of approximately 26,500 kg.
Flat rack container without sides: Dimensions of 6 x 2.35 x 0.23 m, capacity of 33 m³, with a cargo weight of 23,500 kg.
Open top container: Dimensions 5.89 x 2.35 x 2.36 m, capacity 32 m³, weight 21,700 kg.
Reefer container: It can be temperature-controlled, making it suitable for food and dairy products. Its dimensions are smaller than other 20-foot containers because its walls are thicker. It measures 5.44 x 2.26 x 2.24 m and has a capacity of 27 m3 and a cargo weight of 21,700 kg.

These sizes might be different between freight companies. Therefore, you must ensure the dimensions, weight, and capacity meet the regulations.

Advantages of a 20-ft Container

A 20-ft container is considered the most standard size, where the capacity is not too large or too small. It offers several advantages, such as being stackable and movable.

Moreover, this container is more cost-efficient than the larger containers. Also, it can be used for various shipping needs, from sending food and heavy machines to chemicals.

How to Choose the Right 20-ft Container

If you plan to use a 20-ft container for your shipping, you must consider the following tips:

1. Check the Condition

Before deciding to buy or rent a container, make sure to check its condition. If you find damage, corrosion, a hole, or other dangerous things, you must replace them with a more proper one.

2. Check the Container Quality

The container must follow the ISO standard. Thus, make sure that the container has met all the regulations and requirements.

3. Ensure the Capacity and Size

Ensuring the capacity is important to determine the right container size. You must consider whether your cargo meets the 20-ft container capacity or you need a bigger container.

4. Determine the Right Transportation Mode

In addition to the capacity, you must choose the right transportation mode and see whether it can reach the destination efficiently or not.

5. Check the Safety System

Be sure that the container has a proper safety system, such as an anti-corrosion layer, good ventilation, and a strong locking system. These are important to protect your goods until reaching the destination.

That is the information related to 20-ft container sizes, including specifications, types, and advantages. Choosing the right shipping service is very important to ensure that the goods are delivered safely and on time.

If you need chemical and LPG shipping services, do not worry! Chandra Asri Group, as #YourGrowthPartner, through PT Chandra Shipping International (CSI) and PT Marina Indah Maritim, manages nine chemical and LPG carriers with a capacity of up to 106,650 DWT. This number may increase in the future.

Not only that, but we also have land logistics services through PT SCG Barito Logistics and PT Chandra Cold Chain that can meet the needs of export, import, inter-island shipping, and sea freight services.

For land logistics, we have a fleet of 155 trucks and manage warehouses owned by Chandra Asri Group and other clients.

So, be sure Chandra Asri Group is your company's logistics solution of choice!