DH LOGISTICS / FREIGHT TOOLS
Shipping container dimensions
Compare 20 ft standard (20GP), 40 ft standard (40GP) and 40 ft high cube (40HQ / 40HC) containers. Check inside dimensions, door openings, capacity and weight in metric or imperial units.
Diagram not to scale · Reference dimensions
20GP 20 ft standard
Reference specifications · Metric
- Inside length
- 5,900 mm
- Inside width
- 2,352 mm
- Inside height
- 2,395 mm
- Door width
- 2,340 mm
- Door height
- 2,292 mm
- Capacity
- 33.2 m³
- Max. gross
- 30,480 kg
- Tare weight
- 2,350 kg
- Max. payload
- 28,130 kg
These are examples from a carrier’s fleet. Actual equipment varies by manufacturer. Capacity is not usable cargo volume, and rated payload is not the permitted cargo weight for every route or road journey. Confirm equipment and transport limits before booking.
20 ft, 40 ft & high cube comparison
| Parameter | 20GP | 40GP | 40HQ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside lengthmm | 5,900 | 12,032 | 12,032 |
| Inside widthmm | 2,352 | 2,352 | 2,350 |
| Inside heightmm | 2,395 | 2,395 | 2,700 |
| Door widthmm | 2,340 | 2,340 | 2,340 |
| Door heightmm | 2,292 | 2,292 | 2,597 |
| Capacitym³ | 33.2 | 67.7 | 76.3 |
| Max. grosskg | 30,480 | 32,500 | 32,500 |
| Tare weightkg | 2,350 | 3,750 | 3,900 |
| Max. payloadkg | 28,130 | 28,750 | 28,600 |
Sources: Hapag-Lloyd 20GP ↗Hapag-Lloyd 40GP ↗Hapag-Lloyd 40HQ ↗
Verified: . Based on Hapag-Lloyd’s English specification tables. The 40HQ inside width uses the table value of 2,350 mm; the source diagram differs. Imperial values are rounded conversions from metric data.
Container dimensions: common questions
What are the dimensions and capacities of 20GP, 40GP and 40HQ containers?
Internal dimensions are length × width × height; door openings are width × height. Carrier reference values:
- 20 ft standard (20GP): 5.900 × 2.352 × 2.395 m inside; door 2.340 × 2.292 m; capacity 33.2 m³.
- 40 ft standard (40GP): 12.032 × 2.352 × 2.395 m inside; door 2.340 × 2.292 m; capacity 67.7 m³.
- 40 ft high cube (40HQ): 12.032 × 2.350 × 2.700 m inside; door 2.340 × 2.597 m; capacity 76.3 m³.
How do 40HQ and 40GP differ?
In these examples, inside length is the same. The 40HQ adds 305 mm of inside height, increasing capacity from 67.7 to 76.3 m³. Greater volume does not mean a higher permitted cargo weight.
Why check the door opening separately?
The opening is smaller than the interior. Cargo may fit inside but not pass through the door. Packaging, pallets and handling clearance also matter.
Can capacity tell me how many cartons will fit?
No. Carton dimensions, orientation, stacking limits and weight distribution affect loading. This tool compares specifications; it does not calculate carton counts or guarantee cargo fit.
The right container. The next step.
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