Choosing the right container for your cargo

Most cargo travels in a standard 20′ or 40′ general-purpose container, but the wrong choice can mean wasted space, extra lifting costs or goods that simply do not fit through the doors.

General purpose: 20′ and 40′

A 20′ is better for heavy, dense cargo such as machinery parts, tiles or metal, because it reaches its weight limit before it runs out of space. A 40′ suits lighter, bulkier goods. Road weight limits at origin and destination can be lower than the container’s own limit, so check both.

High cube

A 40′ high cube is about 30 cm taller inside than a standard 40′, which adds roughly 9 m³. It suits tall pallets and light, voluminous goods. A 45′ high cube adds more length but is not accepted on every lane or in every country’s road network.

Reefer

Refrigerated containers keep a set temperature, typically from around −30 °C to +30 °C. Internal space is smaller because of insulation and the refrigeration unit. The cargo must be pre-cooled to the set-point before loading — a reefer maintains temperature, it does not bring warm cargo down quickly.

Open top and flat rack

Open tops have a removable tarpaulin roof for cargo loaded by crane or taller than the door opening. Flat racks have no side walls or roof and take wide, tall or very heavy units. Both are specialist equipment with limited availability, so book early and expect out-of-gauge surcharges when cargo overhangs.

About the dimensions

Published container dimensions are representative. Internal measurements, door openings, tare weight and maximum payload vary by manufacturer, fleet and carrier. For tight fits, ask for the specifications of the actual equipment on your booking.

A quick guide

• Dense, heavy cargo → 20′ general purpose

• Light, bulky cargo → 40′ or 40′ high cube

• Chilled or frozen → reefer

• Too tall or crane-loaded → open top

• Too wide or very heavy → flat rack