A container's nominal size does not describe the space available for your goods. Check the internal dimensions, the loading opening and the permitted weight separately. A tall item may fit inside but still be too high to pass through the doors.
The figures below are published Hapag-Lloyd fleet examples, checked on 8 November 2026. They are not guaranteed dimensions for every container or a promise that a particular unit is available. Containers used for UK shipments follow international equipment designs; the actual unit, route and road movement still need checking.
Nominal external dimensions
These are the nominal outside dimensions for the standard-width dry types below, not the loading space. Allow for manufacturing tolerances and confirm the specific unit where clearance is critical.
| Container | External length (mm) | External width (mm) | External height (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | 6,058 | 2,438 | 2,591 |
| 40ft standard | 12,192 | 2,438 | 2,591 |
| 40ft high cube | 12,192 | 2,438 | 2,896 |
| 45ft high cube | 13,716 | 2,438 | 2,896 |
Source: the general dimensions section of Hapag-Lloyd's container specification booklet.
Standard and high-cube dry containers
All dimensions below are millimetres, shown as length × width × height. Door openings are width × height. Capacity is cubic metres (m³).
| Container | Internal dimensions (mm) | Door opening (mm) | Capacity (m³) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | 5,900 × 2,352 × 2,395 | 2,340 × 2,292 | 33.2 |
| 40ft standard | 12,032 × 2,352 × 2,395 | 2,340 × 2,292 | 67.7 |
| 40ft high cube | 12,032 × 2,350 × 2,700 | 2,340 × 2,597 | 76.3 |
| 45ft high cube | 13,556 × 2,352 × 2,700 | 2,340 × 2,597 | 86.0 |
A high cube provides additional height, not extra width. A standard-width 45ft high cube is not the same as a pallet-wide container. If your load depends on a particular pallet layout, request that equipment explicitly.
Sources for each row: 20ft standard, 40ft standard, 40ft high cube, 45ft high cube.
Weight: gross, tare and payload
- Maximum gross weight: the container and its contents combined.
- Tare: the empty container's weight.
- Payload: the difference between the permitted gross weight and tare. Packaging, pallets and securing materials form part of the contents, not just the saleable goods.
| Container | Maximum gross (kg) | Tare (kg) | Maximum payload (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | 30,480 | 2,350 | 28,130 |
| 40ft standard | 32,500 | 3,750 | 28,750 |
| 40ft high cube | 32,500 | 3,900 | 28,600 |
| 45ft high cube | 32,500 | 4,800 | 27,700 |
These are equipment examples from the same linked shipping-line specifications. They are not UK road payload allowances. The particular container's markings, floor loading, weight distribution, handling limits and the vehicle's permitted gross and axle weights can impose lower limits. Confirm heavy loads with AJF before booking.
Open-top containers
Open tops allow loading through the roof opening, subject to the equipment and lifting arrangements. The roof opening is smaller than the internal footprint. Roof bows, door headers and covers also affect usable clearance.
| Container | Internal dimensions (mm) | Door opening W × H (mm) | Roof opening L × W (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft open top | 5,895 × 2,350 × 2,340 | 2,338 × 2,280 | 5,338 × 2,230 |
| 40ft open top | 12,029 × 2,350 × 2,344 | 2,340 × 2,276 | 11,552 × 2,230 |
Sources: 20ft open top and 40ft open top. The 40ft row uses the source's metric inside-dimension table; its illustration gives a different height. For a tight fit, obtain the assigned unit's drawing rather than relying on either general example. High-cube open tops are separate equipment types.
Flat racks and platforms
Flat racks have a load-bearing floor and end structures rather than an enclosed cargo space. Floor width, minimum clearance between structural members and the in-gauge height are different measurements. Folded-end platform operation also needs separate confirmation.
| Equipment example | Minimum internal length (mm) | Floor width (mm) | Minimum width (mm) | Published internal height (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft flat rack | 5,638 | 2,438 | 2,194 | 2,233 |
| 40ft high-cube flat rack | 11,652 | 2,347 | 2,245 | 2,265 |
Sources: 20ft flat rack and 40ft high-cube flat rack/platform. These replace the old unverified corner-post/end-wall variants. Out-of-gauge cargo needs individual assessment of projections, lifting, lashing, support points and the onward route; these dimensions are not an automatic loading approval.
Before booking
Give AJF the packed length, width, height and gross weight of each item, including pallets or skids. Explain how it will be loaded and unloaded, whether it can be tilted or stacked, and whether there are concentrated loads or lifting restrictions. Reefer containers have different internal clearances and should be checked separately.
See our pallet sizes and types guide and UK trailer sizes guide, or contact AJF to confirm equipment for your shipment.