Dimensions, capacity, and when to use a 20ft unit
What is a 20 Foot Container?
A 20 foot container is an ISO-standard steel container widely used for international shipping and inland transport. It is compact, strong, and easy to handle at ports, depots, and distribution centres. For many UK importers, 20ft units are an efficient choice for dense cargo.
Dimensions and Capacity
| Spec | 20ft Standard |
|---|---|
| External (L × W × H) | 6.06 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m |
| Internal (L × W × H) | 5.90 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m |
| Internal Volume | ~33 m³ |
| Typical Max Payload | Up to ~28,000 kg (route dependent) |
| Typical Pallet Count | 10–11 Euro pallets or up to 9 UK pallets |
What Fits Inside
The 20ft size suits machinery, metals, dense consumer goods, and mixed cargo. Expect roughly 10–11 standard pallets or around 9 UK pallets, depending on packaging and loading pattern.
When to Choose a 20ft
- Cargo is heavy and reaches weight limits before volume limits.
- Flexible handling across ports, railheads, and road haulage is needed.
- You want a cost-effective option for smaller but dense shipments.
How Clintopia Helps
We move 20ft containers end-to-end. For deep sea movements, visit our Sea Freight service. For UK port collection and delivery to or from your site, visit Container Haulage. We manage timings, paperwork coordination, and route planning to keep your supply chain on track.
For complete door-to-door coordination, see our Freight Forwarding service.
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