Shipping container dimensions: 20GP, 40GP, 40HQ and 45HQ
A 20GP is about 5.9 m long inside, a 40GP and 40HQ about 12 m, and a 45HQ about 13.6 m. All are about 2.35 m wide. Standard containers are about 2.39 m high inside, and high cubes about 2.70 m.
| Type | Inside L × W × H (m) | Door W × H (m) | Volume | Typical payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP (20ft standard) | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 2.34 × 2.28 | ≈ 33 m³ | ≈ 28,000 kg |
| 40GP (40ft standard) | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 2.34 × 2.28 | ≈ 67 m³ | ≈ 26,500 kg |
| 40HQ (40ft high cube) | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.70 | 2.34 × 2.60 | ≈ 76 m³ | ≈ 26,500 kg |
| 45HQ (45ft high cube) | 13.56 × 2.35 × 2.70 | 2.34 × 2.60 | ≈ 86 m³ | ≈ 25,600–27,800 kg |
These are typical figures. Sizes differ slightly by manufacturer, and published payloads vary by container and carrier. Always use the values on the container's door plate and check with your carrier.
Which number limits your load?
- Light goods usually fill the space first, so a 40HQ's extra height is valuable.
- Heavy goods often reach the payload first. A 40HQ then gives no benefit over a 40GP, and a 20GP may suit better.
- Road limits can be lower than the container's rating. Some inland routes restrict weight well below the figures above, so check with your forwarder before planning a heavy load.
Nominal volume versus usable volume
You will not fill the whole nominal volume with cartons. Carton sizes rarely divide evenly into the container, so space is lost at the walls and ceiling. In our 60 × 40 × 40 cm example, the best geometric result uses 74% of a 40HQ. Smaller cartons fill more: a 30 × 20 × 15 cm carton reaches 87%.
Check the door as well as the inside
The door opening is lower than the interior: about 11 cm lower on a 20GP or 40GP and about 10 cm lower on a 40HQ. Tall cargo can fit inside on paper and still not pass through the door.
To test your own carton, try the container loading calculator. To total the volume of a shipment, use the CBM calculator.
Sources
Figures cross-checked against GoFreight, Mainfreight and BSL Containers.