Popular Shipping Container Types & Sizes
Standard containers
| Size | Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | 20ft (6.06m) | 8ft (2.44m) | 8ft 6in (2.6m) |
| 40ft standard | 40ft (12.2m) | 8ft (2.44m) | 8ft 6in (2.6m) |
| 40ft High Cube | 40ft (12.2m) | 8ft (2.44m) | 9ft 6in (2.9m) |
| 45ft High Cube | 45ft (13.7m) | 8ft (2.44m) | 9ft 6in (2.9m) |
Refrigerated containers
| Size | Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard reefer | 20ft (6.06m) | 8ft (2.44m) | 8ft 6in (2.6m) |
| 40ft High Cube reefer | 40ft (12.2m) | 8ft (2.44m) | 8ft 6in (2.6m) |
| 45ft High Cube Pallet Wide reefer | 45ft (13.7m) | 8ft (2.44m) | 9ft 6in (2.9m) |
Special cargo containers
| Size | Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Open Top | 20ft (6.06m) | 8ft (2.44m) | 8ft 6in (2.6m) |
| 40ft Open Top | 40ft (12.2m) | 8ft (2.44m) | 9ft 6in (2.9m) |
| 40ft Flat Rack | 40ft (12.2m) | 8ft (2.44m) | 9ft 6in (2.9m) |
Pallet Wide containers
| Size | Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45ft High Cube Pallet Wide | 45ft (13.7m) | 8ft (2.44m) | 9ft 6in (2.9m) |
 | Dry Van – High Cube Same as other dry containers – suitable for commodities in bundles, cartons, boxes, loose cargo, furniture, etc. |
 | Dry Van – General Suitable for commodities in bundles, cartons, boxes, loose cargo, bulk, furniture, etc. (containers can be modified into hangers containers suitable to carry garments.) |
 | Flat Rack Suitable for commodities in bundles, cartons, boxes, loose cargo, bulk, furniture, etc. (containers can be modified into hangers containers suitable to carry garments.) |
 | Reefer Suitable for commodities in bundles, cartons, boxes, loose cargo, bulk, furniture, etc. (containers can be modified into hangers containers suitable to carry garments.) |
 | Reefer High Cube Suitable for commodities in bundles, cartons, boxes, loose cargo, bulk, furniture, etc. (containers can be modified into hangers containers suitable to carry garments.) |
 | Open Top Suitable for high large piece cargo that cannot be loaded through container doors such as machinery, sheet glass, marble, building materials and lumber. |
Pallets Requirements & Loading Plans
There are two main types of pallets: EUR pallet and standard pallet.
Size of the Euro pallet is 800mm x x1200mm while the size of standard pallet is 1000mm x x1200mm.
What is ISPM-15?
ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) pertains to the requirements for wood packaging crossing international boundaries. It is an International Phytosanitary Measure which is undertaken by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). ISPM-15 addresses the international shipment of solid wood materials that are thicker than 6 mm. It can be met through approved heat treatment and fumigation treatment. Other emerging treatments include dielectric heat as well as steam and vacuum.
The main purpose of ISPM-15 is to prevent the spread of insects and disease that could have a negative impact on plants and ecosystems as a result of solid wood packaging used in the international transport of goods. It covers vessels, aircraft, vehicles, containers, storages areas, soil and other materials and objects that can spread and harbor pests. The IPPC ISPM-15 standard is undertaken by the recommendations of many member countries that have found the origin of harmful pests in the transportation of non-fumigated or non-heat-treated solid wood packaging.
Understanding treatment requirements for solid wood packaging, such as wood pallets and packaging, including recycled or refurbished units can prevent the inconvenience and cost of having your shipment quarantined at international ports of entry.
The basis of the issue is that pests can be harbored in untreated solid wood, and when shipped internationally, they can devastate ecosystems in other parts of the world. The ISPM-15 is a control system designed to mitigate the threat of non-native pests moving internationally.
Which materials are required to comply with the ISPM-15 standard and which are exempt from it?
ISPM-15 standard rules affect both wood and wooden packaging materials such as dunnage, crates, reels, collars and pallets. Items such as wood bracing must also comply. On the other hand, alternative materials such as plastic, paper, metal and even wood panel products (engineered wood) such as plywood, hardboard, OSB are exempt from maintaining ISPM-15 standard. Also consider that shipping or transporting wood or wooden products within a single country is exempt from this requirement. Again, ISPM-15 standard is applicable only for the countries which adhere to the IPPC guidelines.
Container load plans
20ft containers can be loaded with 11 EUR pallets or with 9-10 standard pallets.
40ft containers can be loaded with 23-24 EUR pallets or with 20-21 standard pallets.
45ft standard high cube containers can be loaded with 27 EUR pallets or with 24 standard pallets.
45ft pallet wide high cube containers can be loaded with 33 EUR pallets or with 26 standard pallets.
Curtain sider trailers can be loaded with 33 EUR pallets or with 26 standard pallets.