ISO Shipping Container Specs
Shipping containers follow ISO 668 standards for intermodal transport — identical corner castings and external dimensions allow seamless movement from vessel to truck to rail. Internal dimensions, door openings, and payload limits vary by type and manufacturer.
Use this guide to plan loading for FCL shipments through Egyptian ports. Figures are industry-standard references; always confirm with your shipping line for tare weight and out-of-gauge requirements.
General Purpose & High Cube
The most common container types for general cargo — cartons, pallets, machinery, and breakbulk stowed inside a closed steel box.
20' Standard (GP)
- Internal (L × W × H)
- 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m
- Door opening (W × H)
- 2.34 × 2.28 m
- Cubic capacity
- 33.1 m³ (approx.)
- Max gross / Tare / Payload
- 30,480 / 2,200 / 28,280 kg
Ideal for dense cargo, LCL consolidation, and routes with weight limits. Often used when splitting a 40' load is more economical.
40' Standard (GP)
- Internal (L × W × H)
- 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m
- Door opening (W × H)
- 2.34 × 2.28 m
- Cubic capacity
- 67.6 m³ (approx.)
- Max gross / Tare / Payload
- 30,480 / 3,800 / 26,680 kg
Best volume-to-cost ratio for palletised and cartoned general cargo. Standard choice for full-container exports from Alexandria and Damietta.
40' High Cube (HC)
- Internal (L × W × H)
- 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m
- Door opening (W × H)
- 2.34 × 2.58 m
- Cubic capacity
- 76.0 m³ (approx.)
- Max gross / Tare / Payload
- 30,480 / 3,900 / 26,580 kg
+30 cm internal height vs standard 40'. Preferred for lightweight volumetric cargo, hanging garments, and stackable pallets.
45' High Cube
- Internal (L × W × H)
- 13.55 × 2.35 × 2.69 m
- Door opening (W × H)
- 2.34 × 2.58 m
- Cubic capacity
- 85.7 m³ (approx.)
- Max gross / Tare / Payload
- 30,480 / 4,800 / 25,680 kg
Maximum dry capacity in a single unit. Availability varies by trade lane — confirm equipment before booking.
Open Top & Reefer
Equipment for cargo that cannot be loaded through standard doors or requires temperature control throughout transit.
20' Open Top
- Internal (L × W × H)
- 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.35 m
- Door opening (W × H)
- 2.34 × 2.28 m
- Cubic capacity
- 32.6 m³ (approx.)
- Max gross / Tare / Payload
- 30,480 / 2,400 / 28,080 kg
Removable tarpaulin roof for crane-loaded machinery, steel coils, and oversized height cargo within allowable limits.
40' Open Top
- Internal (L × W × H)
- 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.35 m
- Door opening (W × H)
- 2.34 × 2.28 m
- Cubic capacity
- 66.5 m³ (approx.)
- Max gross / Tare / Payload
- 30,480 / 4,100 / 26,380 kg
Project cargo, pipes, and industrial equipment loaded by crane when door entry is impractical.
20' Reefer
- Internal (L × W × H)
- 5.44 × 2.29 × 2.27 m
- Door opening (W × H)
- 2.29 × 2.26 m
- Cubic capacity
- 28.3 m³ (approx.)
- Max gross / Tare / Payload
- 30,480 / 3,000 / 27,480 kg
Chilled or frozen cargo — food, pharma, chemicals. Reduced internal dimensions due to insulation and refrigeration unit.
40' Reefer High Cube
- Internal (L × W × H)
- 11.58 × 2.29 × 2.40 m
- Door opening (W × H)
- 2.29 × 2.57 m
- Cubic capacity
- 63.7 m³ (approx.)
- Max gross / Tare / Payload
- 30,480 / 4,800 / 25,680 kg
High-volume temperature-sensitive shipments. Requires pre-trip inspection (PTI) and continuous power supply on vessel and at port.
Load-Fit Calculator
Estimate whether your cargo fits by volume and weight. Allow ~5% margin for stowage gaps and dunnage — this is a planning tool, not a stowage plan.
Quick Reference Table
At-a-glance internal dimensions, cubic capacity, payload, and TEU equivalent for every container type on this page.
| Type | Internal (L × W × H) | CBM | Payload | TEU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' GP | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | 33.1 | 28,280 kg | 1 |
| 40' GP | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | 67.6 | 26,680 kg | 2 |
| 40' HC | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m | 76.0 | 26,580 kg | 2 |
| 45' HC | 13.55 × 2.35 × 2.69 m | 85.7 | 25,680 kg | 2 |
| 20' Open Top | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.35 m | 32.6 | 28,080 kg | 1 |
| 40' Open Top | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.35 m | 66.5 | 26,380 kg | 2 |
| 20' Reefer | 5.44 × 2.29 × 2.27 m | 28.3 | 27,480 kg | 1 |
| 40' Reefer HC | 11.58 × 2.29 × 2.40 m | 63.7 | 25,680 kg | 2 |
Common Questions
What is the difference between GP and HC?
GP (General Purpose) has an internal height of approximately 2.39 m. HC (High Cube) adds roughly 30 cm of height, increasing cubic capacity by about 12–13% with the same floor area. HC is preferred for light, bulky cargo; GP is often used when weight is the limiting factor.
How many pallets fit in a 40' container?
Typically 20–24 Euro pallets (1.2 × 0.8 m) or 18–20 standard US pallets (1.2 × 1.0 m) depending on stacking, overhang allowances, and load pattern. Always account for dunnage and forklift access. Our team can advise on optimal stowage for your commodity.
Why is payload less on a 40' than a 20'?
Maximum gross weight is capped at 30,480 kg (road weight limit in many countries) regardless of container length. A 40' container weighs more (higher tare), so available payload is lower even though volume doubles.
When do I need an Open Top or Flat Rack?
Use Open Top when cargo exceeds door height but can be crane-loaded from above. Flat rack / platform containers (not listed here) are for out-of-gauge width or length. Contact GML for breakbulk and project cargo specifications.
Need Help Choosing Equipment?
Our operations team selects the right container type for every FCL booking — from standard dry to reefer and special equipment.