The main types in numbers
| Type | Inside, L × W × H, m | Door, W × H, m | Volume, m³ | Tare, t | Payload up to, t |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' standard | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 2.34 × 2.28 | 33 | 2.2 | 28 |
| 40' standard | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 | 2.34 × 2.28 | 67 | 3.7 | 26.5 |
| 40' HC (high cube) | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 | 2.34 × 2.58 | 76 | 3.9 | 26.5 |
Look at the last column. A 40-foot container has twice the volume, but it takes no more weight than a 20-foot.
How much really fits
There are gaps between cartons, packaging does not follow the shape of the box, and the top row rarely reaches the ceiling. In practice, plan on about 25–28 m³ in a 20-foot, 55–60 m³ in a 40-foot and 65–70 m³ in a high cube.
| Type | Euro pallets 1.2 × 0.8 m | Pallets 1.2 × 1.0 m |
|---|---|---|
| 20' | 11 | 10 |
| 40' and 40' HC | 23–24 | 20–21 |
Weight: the real limit is the road
The maximum payload on the plate is rarely the real constraint. The road is: on most routes in Ukraine and the EU the gross combination weight is limited to about 40 tonnes, and that includes the tractor, the trailer chassis and the container itself. Axle loads matter as well, so the cargo has to be spread evenly, not shifted towards the doors or the front wall.
In practice, a 20-foot container for a road leg often carries 20–24 tonnes. The exact limit depends on the specific tractor, chassis and route.
Heavy, dense cargo (tiles, steel, paper reels) is cheaper to ship in 20-foot containers. A 40-foot will not carry more weight and costs more.
Special containers
- Reefer. Holds a set temperature, below or above zero. The refrigeration unit takes a little space, so there is slightly less room than in a standard box.
- Open top. A removable tarpaulin instead of a roof; cargo is lowered in by crane. For tall pieces that will not pass through the doors.
- Flat rack. A platform with no roof or side walls, for oversized cargo that fits no container.
- Tank container and flexitank. For liquids. A flexitank goes inside a standard 20-foot container.
How to choose
- heavy, dense cargo: 20';
- light, bulky cargo (furniture, textiles, plastics): 40' HC, which gives the cheapest cubic metre;
- pieces taller than 2.2 m: 40' HC or open top, since the door height of a standard container is 2.28 m;
- up to 10–15 cubic metres: worth pricing consolidated freight instead of a container.
If you are not sure, send us your packing list. We will work out which container you need and how many, and propose a delivery option.