Freight Basics - Shipping Container Specifications
If you have a lot more freight to send than you ever have before – great! Business is booming! You’ve moved from LCL (less than container load) to FCL (full container load) freight.
You might be wondering what size container to use? Are there different types of shipping containers?
There are many different sizes and types of shipping container. When shipping cargo it is helpful to know what type of shipping container will best suit your needs. Often the dimensions and maximum weight will impact on what type of equipment can be used.
The following guide shows the different types of shipping containers that can be used as a starting point for determining your shipping requirements.
Note: Exact dimensions can differ slightly due to manufacturer, and load regulations may restrict operation to less than maximum weight. Use this information as a guide only, and contact your local Mainfreight Air and Ocean office for further information.
| Container Type | Internal Dimensions | Door Opening | Cubic Capacity | Cargo Weight | |
 |
20FT General |
L - 5.89M W - 2.35M H - 2.36M |
W - 2.33M H - 2.26M |
33 CBM | 21700KG |
| 20FT High Cube |
L - 5.89M W - 2.35M H - 2.69M |
W - 2.33M H - 2.59M |
37 CBM | 21700KG | |
 |
40FT General |
L - 12.05M W - 2.35M H - 2.36M |
W - 2.33M H - 2.26M |
66 CBM | 26500KGS |
| 40FT High Cube |
L - 12.05M W - 2.35M H - 2.69M |
W - 2.33M
H - 2.59M |
76 CBM | 26500KGS | |
|
Notes Heavy Rated shipping containers which support a heavier load are available, additional surcharges may apply Food Grade shipping containers for carrying foodstuffs are available, additional surcharges may apply A 20FT High Cube shipping containers (higher height that standard) are only available for designated origin/destination pairings Additional charges may apply for High Cube containers |
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| Container Type | Internal Dimensions | Door Opening | Cubic Capacity | Cargo Weight | |
 |
20FT Flat Rack with sides |
L - 5.89M W - 2.35M H - 2.23M |
Side Opening W - 2.59M |
30 CBM | 26500KG |
|
20FT Flat Rack without sides |
L - 6.00M W - 2.35M H - 0.23M |
|
33 CBM (Max Height 2.36M) |
23500KG | |
|
40FT Flat Rack with sides |
L - 12.05M W - 2.35M H - 2.23M |
Side Opening W - 11.66M |
63 CBM | 36000KGS | |
|
40FT Flat Rack without sides |
L - 12.20M W - 2.35M H - 0.65M |
67 CBM (Max Height 2.36M) |
3000KGS | ||
|
Notes This shipping container is used for over-dimensional (out of gauge) cargo. It is available with or without sides Survey reports may be required when shipping out of gauge cargo If out of gauge additional surcharges will apply Flat Rack containers are subject to availbility and additional surcharges will apply |
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| Container Type | Internal Dimensions | Door Opening | Cubic Capacity | Cargo Weight | |
|
20FT Open Top |
L - 5.89M W - 2.35M H - 2.36M |
W - 2.33M H - 2.29M |
32 CBM | 21700KG |
|
40FT Open Top |
L - 12.05M W - 2.35M H - 2.36M |
W - 2.33M H - 2.29M |
66 CBM |
26500KG | |
|
Notes Open top containers allow you to load over height cargo or allows easier loading by crane If out of gauge additional surcharges will apply Open Top containers are subject to availbility and additional surcharges will apply |
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| Container Type | Internal Dimensions | Door Opening | Cubic Capacity | Cargo Weight | |
|
20FT Reefer |
L - 5.44M W - 2.26M H - 2.24M |
W - 2.26M H - 2.20M |
27 CBM | 21700KG |
|
40FT Reefer |
L - 11.55M W - 2.26M H - 2.24M |
W - 2.26M H - 2.20M |
58 CBM |
25000KG | |
|
Notes Refrigerated shipping containers can be set at a required temperature for the duration of the voyage Commonly used for food/dairy products The smaller dimensions are due to thicker walls Reefer containers are subject to availbility and additional surchrges will apply |
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In New Zealand there is a general 30 tonne road weight limit for containers and their cargo combined (i.e. gross weight) If gross weight will exceed this amount, approval and additional permits may be required.
If you have any further questions or you have cargo you would like to ship contact your local Mainfreight Air & Ocean Team