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CargoToolsHub reference

Standard Shipping Container Dimensions & Capacity

Quick-reference planning dimensions, nominal cube and payload context for common 20GP, 40GP and 40HC dry containers.

This reference brings the main dry-container planning numbers into one place so you can move between cube, carton-fit and payload tools without hunting through multiple pages.

Common planning dimensions

Type Internal L × W × H Nominal cube Planning payload reference
20 ft GP 5.898 × 2.352 × 2.393 m ~33.2 m³ ~28,000 kg
40 ft GP 12.032 × 2.352 × 2.393 m ~67.7 m³ ~26,700 kg
40 ft High Cube 12.032 × 2.352 × 2.698 m ~76.3 m³ ~26,500 kg

These are planning references used by CargoToolsHub calculators, not a substitute for the actual equipment specification or CSC plate. Dimensions and payload vary by manufacturer, operator and unit.

Use the right capacity check

Container CBM compares shipment cube with nominal volume. Container Payload compares both cube and weight. Container Door Fit addresses the different question of whether a rectangular item can pass through the doorway.

Source & review

Reference provenance

Primary source
Maersk dry-cargo equipment specifications
Primary source link
Open source
Last reviewed
September 28, 2026

Operational standards, tariffs and equipment can change. CargoToolsHub maps each table or method to the cited review basis where possible and still recommends checking the exact carrier, operator or standard that applies to your shipment.