The shipping containers you see loaded on trucks, trains, and ships are constructed to standard dimensions to ensure efficient transportation around the globe. Depending on the type and load of the cargo, these shipping containers can be customised as per the client’s needs. The vast majority of shipping containers, however, come in two popular sizes, the 20ft shipping containers and 40ft shipping containers.
In addition to transporting goods from one place to another, shipping containers today are also used for more creative ventures. Container storages, container houses, containers bars, container shops, container workshops are just a few of the possible uses of these versatile containers. To ensure that the shipping container for sale you are looking at is able to serve your specific purpose; you need to familiarise yourself with different shipping container sizes and their best uses. Let us have a look at the two most common container sizes, i.e. 20ft and 40ft and their uses:
20ft Shipping Container
A 20ft shipping container is by far the most common and most popular size since it is best suited for multi-modal transportation and perfect for various domestic ventures. It is easy to carry and transport and versatile enough to easily modify to create exceptional living spaces. The dimensions, weight, and specifications of a 20ft shipping container are as under:
- Outside Length: 06m/19ft 10in
- Outside Height: 6m/8ft 6in
- Outside Width: 44m/8ft
- Internal Length: 9m/19ft 4in
- Internal Height: 39m/7ft 10in
- Internal Width: 35m/7ft 8in
- Cubic Capacity: 1 cubic meters/1170 cubic feet
- Max Gross Weight: 30480kg/67200lbs
20ft shipping containers come with a strong steel structure, marine ply floors, and heavy-duty cargo doors which make them ideal for outdoor uses. They can be easily maneuvered and are quick and easy to site. Due to these qualities, 20ft shipping containers can be easily customised to serve various purposes. Some examples of conversions of 20 feet containers include:
- storage spaces
- mobile homes
- Temporary offices
- shower and toilet rooms
- pop up shops
- sound attenuating units
- chemical stores
- portable laboratories
- ammunition stores
- blast retardant
- biomass boiler housings
- site accommodation
40ft Shipping Container
A 40ft shipping container is the largest size you will be able to get in the market. Because of its size and dimensions, it is ideal for transporting and storing large volumes of cargo. Let us explore the dimensions, weight, and specifications of a 40ft shipping container:
- Outside Length: 2m/40ft 0in
- Outside Height: 60m/8ft 6in
- Outside Width: 44m/8ft
- Internal Length: 03m/39ft 5in
- Internal Height: 39m/7ft 10in
- Internal Width: 35m/7ft 8in
- Cubic Capacity: 2350 cubic feet
- Max Gross Weight: 30480kg/67200lbs
Because of their huge size and best cost per square foot storage, they can be easily customised and used for various purposes, which is one reason behind their huge popularity.