20-Foot Container: Dimensions, Pallet Capacity, and Types
If you’re planning an international move or need to ship goods via ocean freight, one of the first steps is to decide what type of shipping container suits your needs. The 20-foot shipping container is among the most popular choices, widely used for both personal and commercial shipping needs.
Why Choose a 20-Foot Container?
A 20-foot shipping container is versatile and efficient, commonly used for:
- Self-storage
- Construction site storage (tools and machinery)
- Garden storage (as a shed replacement)
- Secure business storage (stock, machinery, documents)
- Sports clubs and schools (equipment storage)
- Allotments and farms
Dimensions of a 20-Foot Shipping Container
Understanding the dimensions of a 20-foot container is essential to ensure your cargo fits properly.
Exterior Dimensions:
- Feet: 20’ long x 8’ wide x 8’ 6” high
- Meters: 6.10m long x 2.44m wide x 2.59m high
Interior Dimensions:
- Feet: 19’ 4” long x 7’ 9” wide x 7’ 10” high
- Meters: 5.898m long x 2.352m wide x 2.393m high
Usable Capacity:
- Cubic Meters: 32.6 m³
Pallet Capacity of a 20-Foot Container
When shipping pallets, maximizing the use of space is critical. The capacity of a 20-foot container depends on the type of pallet used:
Euro Pallets (1.2m x 0.8m):
- A 20-foot container can hold up to 11 Euro pallet stacks, provided the load does not overhang the sides.
Standard American Pallets (40” x 48” or 1.016m x 1.219m):
- A 20-foot container can accommodate 10 standard pallets without any overhang.
Types of 20-Foot Containers
Depending on your shipping needs, there are various types of 20-foot containers available:
- Refrigerated Containers:
- Designed for temperature-controlled goods such as perishable foods and pharmaceuticals.
- Insulated Containers:
- Maintain a consistent ambient temperature, ideal for products sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
- Flat-Rack Containers:
- Suitable for oversized or heavy cargo that exceeds standard container dimensions.
- Side-Opening Containers:
- Equipped with side doors for easier loading and unloading of goods.
Find the Best Shipping Solutions
Use our platform at Haitun Container Line to find competitive prices and services for Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping. Explore all the options available to make the most of your 20-foot container for your shipping needs.
Optimize Your Shipping Understanding the dimensions, pallet capacity, and types of 20-foot containers can help you plan your logistics efficiently. Whether you’re shipping personal items, commercial cargo, or temperature-sensitive goods, the 20-foot container remains a reliable and cost-effective solution.