November 9, 2015

Containers facts and details that you may or may not know about the humble shipping container!

about Containers that may be of interested to you as an importer At first thought a 40’ container is twice the size and can therefore carry twice the load of a 20’ container. A logical thought but not necessarily accurate. In terms of width and height the two are identical and a 40’ contain is slightly longer than two 20’ containers, with the volume of a 40’ container being slightly more than twice the volume of a 20’ one. Here however the similarities stop as the carrying capacity as measured by weight: The table below provides the relevant weights of standard 20’ and 40’ containers.
20' Dry Cargo Container 40' Dry Cargo Container
SPECIFICATIONS 8'6" STANDARD 8'6" STANDARD
Inside Cubic Capacity 32.8cu.m (1,158 cu.ft) 67.2cu.m (2,372 cu.ft)
Cargo Capacity 21,640 kg (47,716 Ibs.) 26,500 kg (58,433 Ibs.)
Tare weight 2,360 kg (5,204 Ibs.) 3,980 kg (8,776 Ibs.)
OUTSIDE: INSIDE: OUTSIDE: INSIDE:
Length 6.05m (19.88 ft) 5.90m (19.35 ft) 12.19m (40 ft) 12.01m (39.39 ft)
Width 2.44m (8.00 ft) 2.35m (7.71 ft) 2.44m (8.00 ft) 2.35m (7.71 ft)
Height 2.59m (8.50 ft) 2.38m (7.80 ft) 2.59m (8.50 ft) 2.38m ( 7.80 ft)
This information is useful to easily calculate what is the most cost effective means of importing goods that are more weight dependant rather than volume sensitive. These dimensions and gross and net tonnages are for these most numerous and popular containers. There are other specialised containers such as the 40’ Dry Cargo Hi-Cube Containers and 20’ Reefer Containers that offer more specialised cargo shipment options. Please contact Carmen on 03 9333 6280 for more information and which application they would be appropriate for.