Container sizes for every shipment

Clear container options to suit your cargo, routes and transport needs.

Choosing the right container

Selecting the correct container is key to moving your goods safely, efficiently and cost-effectively. At Pinnacle International Freight, we work with a defined range of industry-standard containers to support general cargo, temperature-controlled goods and specialist or out-of-gauge shipments.

From standard 20’ and 40’ containers to high cube, refrigerated and specialist cargo options, our team will help you choose the most suitable container for your shipment. Every recommendation is based on your cargo type, volume and handling requirements, ensuring your goods are protected and your logistics run smoothly from origin to destination.

Standard Containers

A standard container (also called a dry van or general-purpose container) is the most widely used container type in global shipping. It is a fully enclosed, weatherproof unit with solid walls, a rigid roof, and double doors at one end.

Standard containers are designed to safely transport the majority of general cargo, offering reliable protection from the elements and efficient handling across all transport modes.

20' Standard

INSIDE LENGTH: 5.895 m

INSIDE WIDTH: 2.350 m

INSIDE HEIGHT: 2.392 m

DOOR WIDTH: 2.340 m

DOOR HEIGHT: 2.292 m

CAPACITY: 33 m3

TARE WEIGHT: 2230 Kgs

MAX CARGO WEIGHT: 28230 Kgs

40' Standard

INSIDE LENGTH: 12.029 m

INSIDE WIDTH: 2.350 m

INSIDE HEIGHT: 2.392 m

DOOR WIDTH: 2.340 m

DOOR HEIGHT: 2.292 m

CAPACITY: 67 m3

TARE WEIGHT: 3780 Kgs

MAX CARGO WEIGHT: 26700 Kgs

40' High-Cube

INSIDE LENGTH: 12.024 m

INSIDE WIDTH: 2.350 m

INSIDE HEIGHT: 2.697 m

DOOR WIDTH: 2.340 m

DOOR HEIGHT: 2.597 m

CAPACITY: 76 m3

TARE WEIGHT: 4020 Kgs

MAX CARGO WEIGHT: 26460 Kgs

Special Cargo Containers

Special cargo containers are designed for goods that fall outside the limits of standard dry containers. Whether cargo is oversized, unusually shaped, extremely heavy or temperature sensitive, these container types provide the flexibility and protection needed to move complex shipments safely and efficiently.

At Pinnacle International Freight, we offer a range of specialist container options to support out-of-gauge, project and temperature-controlled cargo. Our team will assess your cargo requirements and recommend the most suitable solution, ensuring safe loading, secure transport and compliance across every stage of the journey.

20’ / 40’ / 40HC Open top containers

Open top containers are designed for cargo that is too tall, unusually shaped or requires loading from above, making it unsuitable for standard dry containers. Rather than a fixed steel roof, open top containers use a removable tarpaulin supported by roof bows, allowing greater flexibility during loading while still protecting the cargo in transit.

They are ideal when cargo exceeds the internal height of a standard or high cube container, or when goods cannot be loaded through container doors due to their size, weight or handling requirements.

Typical cargo includes:

20’ / 40’ Flatrack containers with and without collapsible sides

Flatrack containers are designed for cargo that cannot be transported in standard dry containers due to its size, shape or weight. With open sides, no roof and either fixed or collapsible end walls, flatracks allow maximum loading flexibility while maintaining strong structural support.

They are ideal for cargo that exceeds standard container dimensions and are built with reinforced floors and high load ratings to safely handle extremely heavy or oversized items.

Typical cargo includes:

Industrial machinery
Power generators
Oversized fabrication units
Transformers and large electrical equipment
Mining equipment
Large engine blocks or turbines

20’ / 40’ Refrigerated containers

Refrigerated containers, commonly known as reefers, are used to transport cargo that must be kept at a stable temperature throughout transit. They provide active cooling and heating, allowing precise temperature control to protect sensitive goods across long distances.

Reefers are essential for maintaining the cold chain for perishable, medical and temperature sensitive products moved by sea, road, rail or multimodal transport.

Typical cargo includes:

For specialist equipment not listed here, speak to our team for expert advice.

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