Shipping containers are standardized metal boxes that are used to transport goods by sea, land, or air. They come in different sizes and types, but one of the most popular and versatile is the 20 foot shipping container. Learn everything you need to know about 20 foot shipping container, including their size, weight, capacity, and common uses in various industries in this article.
Characteristics of 20 foot Shipping Containers
- A 20 foot shipping container is a container that measures 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high. It is also known as a TEU, which stands for twenty-foot equivalent unit, because it is equivalent to one standard unit of measurement in the shipping industry.
- A 20 foot shipping container can hold up to 33.2 cubic meters or 1,172 cubic feet of cargo, and can weigh up to 30,480 kilograms or 67,200 pounds when fully loaded. It can accommodate up to 10 standard pallets, or 11 euro pallets, depending on the loading method.
- A 20 foot shipping container is suitable for a variety of purposes, such as storing and transporting goods, building homes and offices, creating pop-up shops and restaurants, and more. In this article, we will explore the dimensions, capacity, and applications of 20 foot shipping containers in more detail.
Dimensions of a 20 Foot Shipping Container
Source: https://www.container-xchange.com/
The external dimensions of a 20 foot shipping container are:
– Length: 20 feet or 6.06 meters
– Width: 8 feet or 2.44 meters
– Height: 8.5 feet or 2.59 meters
The internal dimensions of a 20 foot shipping container are:
– Length: 19.4 feet or 5.9 meters
– Width: 7.7 feet or 2.35 meters
– Height: 7.9 feet or 2.39 meters
The door opening dimensions of a 20 foot shipping container are:
– Width: 7.8 feet or 2.34 meters
– Height: 7.6 feet or 2.28 meters
The dimensions of a 20 foot shipping container may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and the condition of the container. Therefore, it is advisable to check the exact measurements of the container before purchasing or renting one.
Weight and Capacity of a 20 Foot Shipping Container
Source: https://freightpaul.com/
The weight and capacity of a 20 foot shipping container are determined by three factors:
- Tare weight: This is the weight of the empty container, without any cargo or contents. The average tare weight of a 20 foot shipping container is 2,300 kilograms or 5,070 pounds.
- Payload: This is the weight of the cargo or contents that can be loaded into the container. The maximum payload of a 20 foot shipping container is 28,180 kilograms or 62,130 pounds.
- Gross weight: This is the total weight of the container and its cargo or contents. The maximum gross weight of a 20 foot shipping container is 30,480 kilograms or 67,200 pounds.
The capacity of a 20 foot shipping container is the volume of space that can be filled with cargo or contents. The capacity of a 20 foot shipping container is 33.2 cubic meters or 1,172 cubic feet.
The weight and capacity of a 20 foot shipping container may vary slightly depending on the type and condition of the container. Therefore, it is advisable to check the exact specifications of the container before purchasing or renting one.
Uses of a 20 Foot Shipping Container:
A 20 foot shipping container is a versatile and cost-effective solution for various needs and industries. Some of the common uses of a 20 foot shipping container are:
- Transporting goods: A 20 foot shipping container can be used to transport a wide range of goods, such as furniture, appliances, machinery, equipment, vehicles, raw materials, and more. It can be easily loaded and unloaded by forklifts, cranes, or trucks, and can be shipped by sea, land, or air. A 20 foot shipping container can also be modified to suit different types of cargo, such as refrigerated, insulated, ventilated, open-top, flat-rack, or tank containers.
- Storing goods: A 20 foot shipping container can be used to store goods securely and conveniently, either on-site or off-site. It can protect the goods from weather, theft, fire, pests, and damage. It can also be customized to meet specific storage needs, such as adding shelves, racks, hooks, lighting, ventilation, or power supply.
- Building homes and offices: A 20 foot shipping container can be used to build homes and offices that are durable, eco-friendly, and affordable. It can be stacked, cut, welded, painted, or decorated to create various designs and layouts. It can also be combined with other materials, such as wood, glass, or metal, to enhance the appearance and functionality of the structure.
- Creating pop-up shops and restaurants: A 20 foot shipping container can be used to create pop-up shops and restaurants that are portable, flexible, and innovative. It can be fitted with windows, doors, counters, shelves, signs, and other equipment to create a unique and attractive space for selling products or services. It can also be moved to different locations, depending on the demand and availability of the market.
Key Takeaways:
– A 20 foot shipping container is a standard and versatile container that measures 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high.
– A 20 foot shipping container can hold up to 33.2 cubic meters or 1,172 cubic feet of cargo, and can weigh up to 30,480 kilograms or 67,200 pounds when fully loaded.
– A 20 foot shipping container can be used for various purposes, such as transporting, storing, building, and creating goods and spaces.
– A 20 foot shipping container can be modified and customized to suit different needs and preferences.
A 20 foot shipping container is a useful and adaptable container that can serve many functions and industries. It offers a range of benefits, such as durability, security, convenience, and affordability. It can also be transformed and personalized to create amazing and innovative solutions. Whether you need to ship, store, build, or create something, a 20 foot shipping container can be a great option for you.
Check out: The Challenges of Shipping Container Transportation in Developing Countries.
