Shipping Container Dimensions: 20ft, 40ft and 40ft HC

20ft, 40ft and 40ft HC dimensions at a glance

These examples support initial planning for general-purpose dry containers carrying imports from China. They do not describe refrigerated containers or specialist equipment.

ISO 668:2020 covers classification by external dimensions, associated ratings and certain minimum internal and door-opening dimensions. ISO identifies the relevant part of ISO 1496 as authoritative for internal dimensions. The table uses Hapag-Lloyd’s equipment examples, not universal internal measurements prescribed by ISO.

Dimensions are in millimetres; door openings are width × height. CBM means cubic metres. Payload figures are example maximum cargo ratings from the same carrier specifications, not guaranteed allowances for every shipment.

What changes when you choose a high cube?

In these examples, a 40ft HC provides 305 mm more internal height than a standard 40ft. Internal length is unchanged and width is slightly different. The extra height increases volume without increasing the estimated floor-layer pallet counts below.

A high cube can help with bulky goods that can safely use the additional height. It does not automatically carry more weight: the example HC payload is slightly lower than the standard 40ft payload.

The door opening is lower than the internal ceiling. Check the complete packed item or loaded pallet against the opening, including its base, wrapping and handling clearance. An item that fits inside may still be unable to pass through the doors.

How many UK and Euro pallets fit?

For the UK worked example, use a 1,200 × 1,000 mm pallet footprint; for the Euro pallet example, use 1,200 × 800 mm. EPAL publishes both footprints.

The counts below are theoretical single-floor-layer layouts calculated from the example internal dimensions. They assume no cargo overhang and allow mixed pallet orientations. They exclude handling and securing clearance and are not loading guarantees. CMA CGM’s brochure separately lists 21 industrial pallets or 25 Euro pallets for a standard-width 40ft HC.

For 11 Euro pallets in a 20ft, one theoretical layout places 7 pallets with their 800 mm side along the container length in one longitudinal row, and 4 with their 1,200 mm side along the length in another. Together, the rows occupy 2,000 mm of width and at most 5,600 mm of length.

For 10 UK-footprint pallets in a 20ft, a theoretical layout uses 2 pinwheel blocks of 4 pallets, each occupying 2,200 × 2,200 mm, followed by 2 pallets side by side in a 1,200 mm-long row. Total occupied length is 5,600 mm. Confirm that the loading equipment can execute the arrangement.

Pallet height, cargo strength, securing space and gross loaded-pallet weight still matter. Do not double these counts unless the goods and pallets are suitable for stacking and the complete arrangement fits.

Carton-fit worked example: an estimate, not a loading promise

Assume a hypothetical carton has external packed dimensions of 600 × 400 × 400 mm. Its volume is 0.60 × 0.40 × 0.40 = 0.096 CBM. These are example inputs, not a standard carton size.

For the example 20ft container, keep the 600 mm side along its length and the 400 mm sides across its width and height. Round down each division: 5,900 ÷ 600 gives 9 cartons lengthways; 2,352 ÷ 400 gives 5 across; 2,395 ÷ 400 gives 5 layers.

The geometric estimate is 9 × 5 × 5 = 225 cartons. Their combined volume is 225 × 0.096 = 21.6 CBM. This is one simple arrangement, not the maximum achievable count; another permitted orientation or mixed layout may change the result.

Dividing nominal capacity alone gives 33.2 ÷ 0.096 ≈ 345.8 carton volumes. Rounding down to 345 does not prove that 345 cartons physically fit, because the remaining spaces may not accommodate whole cartons.

This example assumes floor loading without pallets and cartons strong enough for the proposed stack. It excludes securing materials, working clearance and weight calculations because no carton weight is specified. Use measured packed dimensions in the shipping volume calculator, then check whether your China order will fit in a container.

Why usable CBM is below nominal capacity

Nominal capacity describes internal volume. The volume available for goods is usually lower because packages leave gaps, protective and securing materials occupy space, and some goods cannot be stacked to the ceiling.

Hapag-Lloyd’s packing guidance explains that Euro pallets leave gaps in a standard container. Non-stackable pallets or unsuitable package heights can also prevent use of the full internal height. Calculate usable volume for the actual load rather than applying a fixed deduction.

For dense goods, weight can become the limit before volume. Packaging and pallets form part of the cargo weight. Confirm the actual container rating and inland transport restrictions along the route; Maersk notes that country-specific cargo weight limits can vary.

For the volume calculation, read what CBM means in shipping. For checking the physical loading operation, use the China container-loading check guide.

Before booking: information buyers should obtain

For an individual purchase, small business order or consolidated shipment, obtain a final packing list with external packed dimensions, carton quantities, gross weights, pallet or crate sizes and stacking restrictions.

Ask the carrier or freight forwarder to confirm the equipment specification for any tight fit. Hapag-Lloyd warns that its published examples vary by manufacturer.

Agree a loading layout and check the destination’s unloading arrangements. A geometric fit does not establish that the goods can be handled, secured and unloaded safely.

Destination rules are separate: a short UK example

Choosing a container does not settle customs requirements. The European Commission describes a customs declaration as an official document giving details of goods imported into or exported from EU customs territory. For US shipments, CBP recommends familiarising yourself with its policies and procedures before importing or exporting.

For the UK example, HMRC’s transaction-value guidance includes transport and insurance costs up to entry into the UK in customs value, subject to the relevant adjustments. Do not add costs again if they are already included.

For UK import VAT valuation, start with customs value and add applicable Customs Duty, excise duty and other import charges, excluding VAT itself, plus relevant incidental expenses to the first UK destination. Include relevant expenses arising from transport to a further UK destination known at importation. Avoid double counting costs already included. Container CBM alone cannot determine the tax bill.

Sources and calculation basis

ISO explains the standards framework; Hapag-Lloyd supplies the dimensional and payload examples and packing guidance; EPAL supplies the pallet footprints. Pallet layouts and carton arithmetic are planning calculations, not loading guarantees. CMA CGM corroborates the stated 40ft HC pallet counts. HMRC, European Commission and CBP guidance supports the customs section.