Standardization in the Shipping Industry

Phasing Out Obsolete Container Sizes

Over time, the shipping industry has standardized container sizes to optimize efficiency and worldwide integration. This standardization has led to the phasing out of certain container sizes that were once used but are now considered obsolete. Notably: 30’, 45’, 48’, and 53’. Containers also used to come in 8’ and 8.5’ widths but are now standardized to 8’ wide. While containers still come in two heights, the 40’ High Cube at 9.5’ high and the 20’ Standard at 8.5’ high are the only units being mass-produced and put into circulation by shipping lines.

Shipping Container Sizes Offered by Supernova Containers

20-Foot Shipping Container

A 20-foot container is the standard for many storage and transport applications. It offers a compact yet spacious solution for those needing secure, reliable storage with easy mobility.

Specification	Measurement (External)	Measurement (Internal)	Door Aperture
Length	20' (6.06 meters)	19' 4" (5.90 meters)	N/A
Width	8' (2.44 meters)	7' 8" (2.34 meters)	7' 8" (2.34 meters)
Height	8' 6" (2.59 meters)	7' 10" (2.39 meters)	7' 5" (2.28 meters)
Weight (Empty)	4,900 lbs (2,225 kg)	N/A	N/A
Max Gross Weight	67,200 lbs (30,480 kg)	N/A	N/A

40-Foot Shipping Container

The 40-foot container is perfect for larger storage or shipping needs, offering double the space of a 20-foot container and ideal for large-scale applications.

Specification	Measurement (External)	Measurement (Internal)	Door Aperture
Length	40' (12.19 meters)	39' 5" (12.03 meters)	N/A
Width	8' (2.44 meters)	7' 8" (2.34 meters)	7' 8" (2.34 meters)
Height	8' 6" (2.59 meters)	7' 10" (2.39 meters)	7' 5" (2.28 meters)
Weight (Empty)	8,600 lbs (3,900 kg)	N/A	N/A
Max Gross Weight	67,200 lbs (30,480 kg)	N/A	N/A

What to Know About Shipping Container Sizes

When choosing the right shipping container for your needs, it's important to consider not only the external dimensions but also the internal dimensions and the door aperture size. This ensures you select the right container size for your specific storage or transportation requirements.

Our 20-foot shipping containers are ideal for compact spaces while still offering a large enough capacity for secure storage. If you're looking for something larger, the 40-foot shipping container dimensions provide nearly double the internal space, making them perfect for larger-scale projects or bulk storage.

We also offer high cube containers with an increased height of 9' 6", which are often sought after for storing taller items or maximizing vertical space. These standard shipping container sizes are versatile, making them suitable for both personal and business use.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Shipping container internal and external dimensions: Knowing both the internal and external measurements ensures that the container will fit your site and provide the storage space you need.
• Shipping container door size: Our containers have a door aperture width of 7' 8", allowing for easy access to load and unload items.
• Shipping container weight and capacity: Whether you're using a 20-foot or 40-foot container, you can be confident that our units are built to hold substantial weight and protect your goods.

By understanding the various shipping container sizes and specifications, you can make an informed decision about the best container for your needs. If you're asking, "how big is a shipping container?" or "what is the size of a shipping container?," our charts above provide the detailed information you need.

For customers comparing options, you can easily reference our container size chart to determine whether the dimensions of a 20-foot shipping container or a 40-foot container meet your requirements.

If you're still unsure which size is best, or if you need more information on shipping container measurements, feel free to reach out to our team. We’ll help guide you in choosing the right size container for your project. Contact us today for more details or to get a quote.