Containers and parameters
The most popular ISO container sizes are 20 and 40 feet.
The international abbreviation of TEU (Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit) and FEU (Forty Foot Equivalent Unit) are derived from these measurements as well.
In addition to that, the containers can also be divided by their function or purpose:
20’ Dry Cargo (20DC) containers
Purpose: Fit for all cargo
Interior measurements: 5.9 x 2.35 x 2.39 meters
Capacity: up to 33.23 m³ and 21.77 tons of cargo
40’ Dry Cargo (40DC) containers
Purpose: Fit for all cargo
Interior measurements: 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.39 meters
Capacity: up to 67.6 m³ and 26.78 tons of cargo
40’ High Cube (40HC) containers
Purpose: Fit for all cargo, allows higher cargo to be transported (2.69 m)
Interior measurements: 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.69 meters
Capacity: up to 76.3 m³ and 28.59 tons of cargo
20’ Hardtop (20HT) containers
Purpose: The container has a detachable steel roof, which allows the use of a crane in case of heavy cargo. Additionally, allows the use of oversized cargo (the roof will be attached to the interior wall of the container)
Interior measurements: 5.89 x 2.31 x 2.35 meters
Capacity: up to 21.6 tons of cargo
40’ Hardtop (20HT) containers
Purpose: The container has a detachable steel roof, which allows the use of a crane in case of heavy cargo. Additionally, allows the use of oversized cargo (the roof will be attached to the interior wall of the container)
Interior measurements: 12.03 x 2.35 x 2.34 meters
Capacity: up to 26.63 tons of cargo