Container types and capacity: how much a 20GP, 40GP and 40HQ really hold
Inside dimensions, theoretical capacity and realistic loadable volume of common shipping containers, plus advice on choosing a container by cargo type.
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A 20GP realistically holds about 25 to 28 cubic metres, a 40GP about 55 to 58, and a 40HQ about 65 to 68. The theoretical capacity is larger, but carton sizes and stacking take up some of the space.
Information updated: 2026-10-03
Common container types
| Type | Inside dimensions (L × W × H, approx.) | Theoretical capacity | Realistic load (reference) | Suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP standard | 5.9 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | About 33 m³ | About 25 to 28 m³ | Heavy goods: tiles, hardware, machine parts |
| 40GP standard | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | About 67 m³ | About 55 to 58 m³ | Long items or medium-density goods |
| 40HQ high cube | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m | About 76 m³ | About 65 to 68 m³ | Light, bulky goods: furniture, clothing, household items |
Check weight as well when choosing
Fitting by volume doesn't mean the weight is allowed. With heavy goods such as tiles and steel, a 20-foot container usually reaches its weight limit before its volume limit. Road transport in the destination country also has weight limits, and an overweight container may incur extra charges at delivery.
Light, bulky goods are the opposite: the volume fills up first, so a 40HQ is usually better value.
Preparing for loading
- Give carton sizes and counts for each product in advance so the warehouse can plan the load.
- Put fragile and heavy goods at the bottom and light goods on top, and secure them properly.
- Take photos during loading for your records: empty, half-loaded, fully loaded, and the seal number.
If your volume falls between two container sizes, ask whether part of the goods can go LCL instead. It's usually cheaper than forcing a bigger container.