HOW WIDE IS A SHIPPING CONTAINER?

Shipping containers are essential for the global trade industry. They enable the transportation of goods and products across oceans and continents. These steel boxes are engineered to withstand the harsh conditions of the open sea while also efficiently transporting cargo. The standard shipping container is eight feet wide, which is the perfect size to fit onto a standard truck or train car, making them an ideal choice for intermodal transportation. However, there are also wider shipping containers available, measuring up to ten feet wide, offering even more space for larger or bulkier cargo. Understanding the size and dimensions of shipping containers is essential for ensuring your goods arrive safely and on time. In this article, we will take a closer look at how wide a shipping container really is.

Standard Shipping Container Dimensions

The standard shipping container dimensions are 20 feet long, eight feet wide, and eight feet six inches high. The interior dimensions are slightly smaller, measuring 19 feet three inches long, seven feet eight inches wide, and seven feet ten inches high. The standard shipping container is the most commonly used container in the shipping industry. It is perfect for transporting a wide range of goods, from household items to industrial equipment.

The standard shipping container’s eight-foot width allows it to be easily transported by truck, train, or ship. It is also the perfect size for stacking and packing onto cargo ships, making it an efficient and cost-effective option for transporting goods across the globe.

Width of a Shipping Container

The width of a shipping container is a crucial factor to consider when transporting cargo. As mentioned earlier, the standard shipping container is eight feet wide. However, there are also wider shipping containers available, measuring up to ten feet wide. These containers are known as high cube containers and offer more space for larger or bulkier cargo.

High cube containers are perfect for transporting oversized goods such as machinery, vehicles, and construction materials. They are also ideal for transporting goods that require more headroom. The extra two feet of width and height provide more space for stacking and packing goods.

Types of Shipping Containers

There are several types of shipping containers available, each designed for specific cargo requirements. The most common types of shipping containers include:

Standard Containers

The standard shipping container is the most commonly used container in the shipping industry. It is perfect for transporting a wide range of goods, from household items to industrial equipment. As mentioned earlier, the standard shipping container is 20 feet long, eight feet wide, and eight feet six inches high.

High Cube Containers

High cube containers are similar to standard containers but are taller, measuring nine feet six inches in height. They are also available in a ten-foot width, providing more space for oversized cargo.

Open Top Containers

Open-top containers are designed for transporting goods that require top loading, such as machinery, vehicles, and construction materials. They feature a removable top that allows for easy loading and unloading of cargo.

Flat Rack Containers

Flat rack containers are designed for transporting oversized and irregularly shaped cargo. They do not have sides or a roof, making them ideal for transporting goods such as boats, vehicles, and machinery.

Reefer Containers

Reefer containers are designed for transporting perishable goods that require temperature control. They are equipped with a refrigeration unit that maintains the desired temperature, making them perfect for transporting goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.

Specialized Shipping Containers and Their Dimensions

In addition to the standard types of shipping containers, there are also specialized shipping containers available, designed for specific cargo requirements. These containers come in various sizes and dimensions, depending on the cargo they are designed to transport. Some of the specialized shipping containers include:

Tank Containers

Tank containers are designed for transporting liquid cargo such as chemicals, food products, and fuels. They are available in various sizes, ranging from 20 feet to 40 feet in length.

Insulated Containers

Insulated containers are designed for transporting goods that require temperature control. They feature an insulated wall that maintains the desired temperature, making them perfect for transporting goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.

Half Height Containers

Half-height containers are designed for transporting dense cargo such as minerals and metals. They are available in a 20-foot length and are half the height of a standard shipping container, measuring only four feet high.

Shipping Container Modifications and Their Impact on Width

Shipping containers can be modified to suit specific cargo requirements. These modifications can impact the width of the container, making it wider or narrower depending on the modification. Some of the common modifications that impact the width of a shipping container include:

Side Door Containers

Side door containers are designed for easy loading and unloading of cargo. They feature a side door that allows for easy access to the interior of the container. However, the addition of a side door can impact the width of the container, making it slightly narrower.

Double Door Containers

Double-door containers are designed for easy loading and unloading of cargo. They feature doors on both ends of the container, allowing for easy access to the interior. However, the addition of double doors can impact the width of the container, making it slightly narrower.

High Cube Containers

How to Measure the Width of a Shipping Container

Measuring the width of a shipping container is a simple process. The width of a standard shipping container is eight feet, while the width of a high cube container is ten feet. To measure the width of a shipping container, follow these simple steps:

Measure the distance between the two outermost points on the container’s width.
Round the measurement to the nearest inch or centimeter.
Use the rounded measurement as the width of the container.

Importance of Knowing the Width of a Shipping Container

Knowing the width of a shipping container is essential for ensuring your goods arrive safely and on time. It helps you determine the type of container you need to transport your cargo, ensuring that it is the right size and dimensions for your goods. It also helps you plan for any modifications that may be required to transport your cargo safely.

Common Misconceptions About Shipping Container Width

There are several common misconceptions about shipping container width. One of the most common misconceptions is that all shipping containers are the same size. While the standard shipping container is eight feet wide, there are also wider shipping containers available, measuring up to ten feet wide.

Another common misconception is that modifying a shipping container does not impact its width. However, modifications such as the addition of a side door or double doors can impact the width of the container, making it slightly narrower.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shipping containers are a crucial component of the global trade industry. Understanding their dimensions, including their width, is essential for ensuring your goods arrive safely and on time. The standard shipping container is eight feet wide, while high cube containers are ten feet wide. There are also several types of specialized shipping containers available, each designed for specific cargo requirements. Shipping container modifications can impact the width of the container, making it slightly narrower or wider. Knowing the width of a shipping container is essential for ensuring that you choose the right container for your cargo, plan for any modifications that may be required, and transport your goods safely and efficiently.