Shipping Container Dimensions & Sizes in Australia

Use this guide to compare the most common shipping container dimensions in Australia. See external dimensions, internal dimensions, door opening measurements, tare weight, payload and cubic capacity for 8ft, 10ft, 20ft, 20ft high cube, 40ft and 40ft high cube containers.

Compare Container Sizes

Compare Standard Shipping Container Dimensions

Container type	External dimensions (L × W × H)	Internal dimensions (L × W × H)	Door opening (W × H)	Tare weight	Max payload	Cubic capacity
8ft Standard	2,438 × 2,200 × 2,260 mm	2,282 × 2,112 × 2,062 mm	1,949 x 2,106 mm	900 kg	5,100 kg	10.5 m³
10ft Standard	2,991 x 2,438 x 2,591 mm	2,840 x 2,352 x 2,393 mm	2,280 x 2,343 mm	1,250 kg	8,910 kg	16.0 m³
20ft Standard	6,058 x 2,438 x 2,591 mm	5,898 x 2,338 x 2,390 mm	2,335 x 2,280 mm	2,000 kg	28,480 kg	33.2 m³
20ft High Cube	6,058 x 2,438 x 2,896 mm	5,898 x 2,338 x 2,690 mm	2,338 x 2,585 mm	2,420 kg	28,060 kg	37.1 m³
40ft Standard	12,192 x 2,438 x 2,591 mm	12,032 x 2,338 x 2,390 mm	2,335 x 2,280 mm	3,550 kg	26,930 kg	67.6 m³
40ft High Cube	12,192 x 2,438 x 2,896 mm	12,032 x 2,338 x 2,690 mm	2,338 x 2,585 mm	3,700 kg	26,780 kg	75.9 m³

All dimensions are approximate and may vary slightly by manufacturer and container configuration.

Standard vs High Cube Container Dimensions

The main difference between a standard container and a high cube container is height. Standard containers are typically 2,591 mm high, while high cube containers are typically 2,896 mm high. That extra height gives you more internal clearance and more cubic capacity.

If you need more vertical space for storage, shelving, fit-outs or bulky goods, a high cube container is often the better option. Standard height containers are still the most common choice when extra height is not required.

Read more about standard vs high cube containers.

Standard container	High cube container
– Approx. 2,591 mm external height – Lower overall profile – Suitable for general storage and transport – Most common standard format	– Approx. 2,896 mm external height – More internal height and cubic capacity – Better for tall items, fit-outs and conversions – Common in 20ft and 40ft formats

https://youtu.be/g_T__O0-d0g

What Shipping Container Size Should You Get? (https://youtu.be/g_T__O0-d0g)

This short video explains the main differences between common container sizes and when each option makes sense.

8ft Standard Container Dimensions

The 8ft standard container is a compact storage option for sites where space is limited. It provides secure steel storage in a smaller footprint than a full-size shipping container.

This size is commonly used for tools, equipment and general storage on construction sites, in commercial yards and in residential settings where a larger container would be unnecessary.

Container Specs

External dimensions (L × W × H)
2,438 × 2,200 × 2,260 mm

Internal dimensions (L × W × H)
2,282 × 2,112 × 2,062 mm

Door opening (W × H)
1,949 × 2,106 mm

Tare weight
900 kg

Max payload
5,100 kg

Cubic capacity
10.5 m³

An 8ft standard container is ideal for sites where space is limited. Its main advantage is its compact footprint rather than maximum storage volume.

10ft Standard Container Dimensions

The 10ft standard container offers a practical balance between a compact footprint and useful storage capacity. It is commonly used for tools, equipment, stock and general storage where an 8ft container would be too small, but a 20ft container would take up more space than needed.

Container Specs

External dimensions (L × W × H)
2,991 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm

Internal dimensions (L × W × H)
2,840 × 2,352 × 2,393 mm

Door opening (W × H)
2,280 × 2,343 mm

Tare weight
1,250 kg

Max payload
8,910 kg

Cubic capacity
16.0 m³

Its main advantage is that it offers more usable storage capacity than an 8ft container while still keeping a relatively compact footprint.

20ft Standard Container Dimensions

The 20ft standard container is the most widely used shipping container size and a common benchmark across storage, transport and modification projects. It offers a strong balance of footprint, internal capacity and transport practicality, which makes it one of the most versatile container types in Australia.

Container Specs

External dimensions (L × W × H)
6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm

Internal dimensions (L × W × H)
5,898 × 2,338 × 2,390 mm

Door opening (W × H)
2,335 × 2,280 mm

Tare weight
2,000 kg

Max payload
28,480 kg

Cubic capacity
33.2 m³

Its main advantage is that it provides substantial storage volume without the footprint of a 40ft container, making it a practical all-round choice for many commercial and private applications.

20ft High Cube Container Dimensions

The 20ft high cube container has the same footprint as a standard 20ft container but offers additional height and internal volume. It is a strong option for storage, fit-outs and modification projects where extra vertical space makes a practical difference.

Container Specs

External dimensions (L × W × H)
6,058 × 2,438 × 2,896 mm

Internal dimensions (L × W × H)
5,898 × 2,338 × 2,690 mm

Door opening (W × H)
2,338 × 2,585 mm

Tare weight
2,420 kg

Max payload
28,060 kg

Cubic capacity
37.1 m³

Its main advantage is that it provides more internal clearance and cubic capacity than a standard 20ft container without increasing the footprint.

40ft Standard Container Dimensions

The 40ft standard container is designed for applications where maximum storage length and volume are more important than a compact footprint. It is commonly used for larger storage requirements, long goods and projects that benefit from uninterrupted internal space.

Container Specs

External dimensions (L × W × H)
12,192 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm

Internal dimensions (L × W × H)
12,032 × 2,338 × 2,390 mm

Door opening (W × H)
2,335 × 2,280 mm

Tare weight
3,550 kg

Max payload
26,930 kg

Cubic capacity
67.6 m³

Its main advantage is that it offers maximum internal length and volume for high-capacity storage and transport without stepping up to a high cube profile.

40ft High Cube Container Dimensions

The 40ft high cube container combines the long footprint of a 40ft container with additional internal height and cubic capacity. It is one of the most suitable options for high-volume storage, larger fit-outs and projects where extra vertical space is important.

Container Specs

External dimensions (L × W × H)
12,192 × 2,438 × 2,896 mm

Internal dimensions (L × W × H)
12,032 × 2,338 × 2,690 mm

Door opening (W × H)
2,338 × 2,585 mm

Tare weight
3,700 kg

Max payload
26,780 kg

Cubic capacity
75.9 m³

Its main advantage is that it combines maximum length with increased internal height, making it ideal for applications where both footprint and cubic volume matter.

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Additional Container Sizes and Special Types

In addition to standard and high cube containers, there are several specialised container types designed for specific transport, storage and project requirements. These include open top, flat rack, side opening, reefer and pallet wide containers.

Additional Container Sizes and Special Types

01

A 20ft open top container is designed for cargo that cannot be loaded easily through standard container doors. It is commonly used for oversized, tall or crane-loaded goods where top access is important.

Container Specs

External dimensions (L × W × H)	Internal dimensions (L × W × H)	Door opening (W × H)	Tare weight	Max payload	Cubic capacity
6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm	5,898 × 2,350 × 2,350 mm	2,340 × 2,280 mm	2,350 kg	28,130 kg	32.5 m³

Its main advantage is top loading access for cargo that exceeds standard door height or is easier to handle by crane.

02

A 40ft open top container combines extended internal length with top loading access. It is commonly used for oversized, tall or crane-loaded cargo that cannot be loaded efficiently through standard container doors.

Container Specs

External dimensions (L × W × H)	Internal dimensions (L × W × H)	Door opening (W × H)	Tare weight	Max payload	Cubic capacity
12,192 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm	12,032 × 2,350 × 2,350 mm	2,338 × 2,280 mm	3,850 kg	26,630 kg	66.4 m³

Its main advantage is greater loading flexibility for long or high cargo that requires open roof access.

03

A 20ft flat rack container is designed for heavy, oversized or irregular cargo that cannot fit within the enclosed dimensions of a standard container. It is commonly used for machinery, steelwork and project cargo that requires open-sided or top loading access.

Container Specs

External dimensions (L × W × H)	Internal dimensions (L × W × H)	Door opening (W × H)	Tare weight	Max payload	Cubic capacity
6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm	5,948 × 2,346 × 2,298 mm		2,360 kg	30,140 kg	32.7 m³

Its main advantage is open-sided and top-access loading flexibility for bulky equipment and irregular freight.

04

A 40ft flat rack container provides extended loading length for oversized, heavy or irregular cargo that cannot be carried inside a standard enclosed container. It is commonly used for machinery, steelwork, vehicles and project cargo requiring open-sided or top loading access.

Container Specs

External dimensions (L × W × H)	Internal dimensions (L × W × H)	Door opening (W × H)	Tare weight	Max payload	Cubic capacity
12,192 x 2,438 x 2,591 mm	12,050 x 2,436 x 2,298 mm		5,000 kg	40,000 kg	62.2 m³

Its main advantage is maximum loading flexibility for long, heavy or oversized cargo.

05

A 20ft double door container has cargo doors at both ends, which improves access and loading flexibility. It is useful for storage and transport applications where goods need to be accessed more easily from either end of the container.

Container Specs

External dimensions (L × W × H)	Internal dimensions (L × W × H)	Door opening (W × H)	Tare weight	Max payload	Cubic capacity
6,056 x 2,438 x 2,591 mm	5,844 x 2,352 x 2,390 mm	2,338 x 2,280 mm	2,330 kg	28,150 kg	32.9 m³

Its main advantage is improved access and easier loading or unloading from both ends.

06

A 40ft high cube double door container combines extended internal length, additional height and cargo doors at both ends. It is useful for storage and transport applications where high internal volume and improved access flexibility are both important.

Container Specs

External dimensions (L × W × H)	Internal dimensions (L × W × H)	Door opening (W × H)	Tare weight	Max payload	Cubic capacity
12,192 x 2,438 x 2,896 mm	11,978 x 2,352 x 2,698 mm	2,340 x 2,585 mm	3,920 kg	28,580 kg	76.0 m³

Its main advantage is that it combines high internal volume with double-end access, making loading and unloading more flexible across a long container footprint.

07

A 20ft bulk container is designed for the transport of dry bulk cargo that can be loaded through roof openings and discharged efficiently through dedicated outlets. It is used where free-flowing bulk materials need a container format rather than a standard dry cargo unit.

Container Specs

External dimensions (L × W × H)	Internal dimensions (L × W × H)	Door opening (W × H)	Tare weight	Max payload	Cubic capacity
6,058 x 2,438 x 2,591 mm	5,898 x 2,352 x 2,390 mm	2,338 x 2,280 mm	2,190 kg	28,290 kg	32.8 m³

Its main advantage is efficient handling of dry bulk cargo in a standard container footprint with purpose-designed loading and discharge features.

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FAQs

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers

All you need to know about shipping container dimensions.

01

Australian shipping container sizes are generally based on the international twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU). A standard 20ft shipping container is one TEU, while a standard 40ft container is two TEUs. Australia does have one unique container size: 48ft pallet-wide containers have enough floor space for precisely 12 Australian pallets (or 24 double-stacked), which are slightly larger (1165mm x 1165mm) than euro pallets (1000mm x 1200mm).

02

20ft shipping containers measure 6.06m (20ft) long x 2.44m wide x 2.59m high. Their internal dimensions are 5.9m x 2.35m x 2.39m, with an internal floor area of 13.88m² and an internal volume of 33.1³. The door is 2.34m wide and 2.28m high, and the tare (empty) weight is 2,300kg.

03

20ft and 40ft containers are by far the most popular shipping container sizes. 40ft containers are the most popular size in the shipping industry, comprising 60–70% of all containers in use, but 20ft containers tend to be more popular in non-shipping applications due to their portability and compactness.

04

The main difference is height. A high cube container is typically taller than a standard container, which gives it more internal clearance and cubic capacity while keeping the same footprint.

05

High cube containers are the same length and width as general purpose shipping containers, but they are approximately 30cm taller at 2.89m high. High cube containers therefore offer more internal volume, and are great for storing taller or bulkier goods, or for giving a work or living space a nice high ceiling and a roomier, airier feel.

06

Shipping container dimensions are generally standardised, but exact measurements can vary slightly depending on manufacturer, container configuration and specific design details.

07

Door opening dimensions matter because they determine whether pallets, equipment, machinery or bulky goods can actually be loaded into the container. A container may have enough internal space but still be limited by door width or door height.

08

Tare weight is the empty weight of the container itself. Max payload is the maximum weight of cargo that the container can carry, excluding the weight of the container.

09

Yes. Open top, flat rack, bulk, reefer and double door containers can have different internal dimensions from standard dry containers because their structure, access design or cargo purpose changes the usable internal space.

All dimensions shown on this page are approximate and may vary slightly by manufacturer and container configuration.

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