Choosing the right container is not a minor technical detail: it defines how much cargo you can move, what you pay per CBM and whether your goods arrive in good condition. Here is the full guide to the equipment used in ocean trade, with approximate dimensions and what each unit is for.
In this guide
Dry containers: 20', 40' and High Cube
The workhorses of international trade: closed steel boxes for general dry cargo (boxes, sacks, pallets, packed machinery).
| Unit | Approx. internal dimensions | Approx. usable capacity | Approx. max. payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20' standard (Dry Van) | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ≈ 25 CBM | ≈ 28 t |
| 40' standard (Dry Van) | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | ≈ 65 CBM | ≈ 26–27 t |
| 40' High Cube (HC) | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m | ≈ 70+ CBM | ≈ 26–27 t |
- 20': ideal for dense, heavy cargo (materials, spare parts, bagged foods): it fills up by weight before volume.
- 40': the standard for voluminous cargo; the cost per CBM drops versus the 20'.
- 40' HC: an extra 30 cm of height. Same handling cost as a 40' with up to ~10% more capacity — the favorite for furniture, textiles and light but bulky cargo.
Reefer: temperature control
The refrigerated container (Reefer) holds a constant temperature — typically between -25 °C and +25 °C depending on the unit — for perishables, pharmaceuticals, flowers or any product with a cold chain. It plugs into the vessel's and port's power supply and records the temperature throughout the trip. It exists mainly in 40' HC. If your product needs it, see our cold chain service.
Special equipment: Open Top, Flat Rack and Isotank
- Open Top: no rigid roof (covered with a tarp). For cargo that exceeds door height or must be loaded by crane from above: tall machinery, glass, structures.
- Flat Rack: a platform with walls only at the ends (or none). For over-width cargo: heavy machinery, large vehicles, tanks, steel structures. Cargo is secured with chains and lashings.
- Isotank: a cylindrical tank inside a standard container frame. For bulk liquids: chemicals, oils, liquid foods. Requires specific certifications depending on the product.
These units usually have lower availability and specific rates, so they should be booked earlier than a dry container.
Which one do you need?
- General cargo in boxes or pallets: 20' or 40' by volume; 40' HC if bulky and light.
- Less than ~15 CBM: you probably don't need your own container — it ships consolidated (LCL).
- Perishables or pharmaceuticals: Reefer.
- Over-height: Open Top. Over-width or very heavy: Flat Rack.
- Bulk liquids: Isotank.
* Dimensions and capacities are approximate and vary slightly between manufacturers and carriers. To plan your cargo to the centimeter, request the specs of the assigned unit.
Written by: Customer Service Department, VS Logistics S.A.
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