Container Comparison

20ft vs 40ft Shipping Container: Which Do You Need?

Compare 20ft and 40ft shipping containers side by side. See exact dimensions, volume, pallet capacity, weight limits, and cost differences to choose the right size.

Quick answer

A 40ft container holds roughly double the volume (67.7 vs 33.2 CBM) but costs only about 25-40% more than a 20ft. Choose 20ft for heavy, dense cargo under 33 CBM. Choose 40ft when you need more than 33 CBM or your per-unit freight cost matters most.

20ft Standard Container vs 40ft Standard Container — Specs Compared

Specification20ft Standard Container40ft Standard Container
Internal Length5.90m12.03m
Internal Width2.35m2.35m
Internal Height2.39m2.39m
Internal Volume33.2 CBM67.7 CBM
Max Payload28,200 kg26,680 kg
Pallet Capacity10 euro pallets (floor loaded)21 euro pallets (floor loaded)
Best ForSmaller or heavier shipments, LCL consolidationHigh-volume, lighter-density cargo

When to Choose Each

Choose 20ft Standard Container when:

  • Your cargo is under 33 CBM total
  • Items are heavy relative to volume (e.g., machinery, metals)
  • You're consolidating smaller shipments (LCL)
  • Destination has limited handling equipment

Choose 40ft Standard Container when:

  • Your cargo exceeds 33 CBM
  • Items are light relative to volume (e.g., furniture, textiles)
  • You want the lowest cost per CBM shipped
  • You're shipping palletized goods and need 11+ pallet positions

Not sure which fits your cargo?

Enter your items into JustLoad.it and see exactly how they fit in both options. The 3D visualization makes it obvious.

See 20ft Standard Container DetailsSee 40ft Standard Container DetailsCapacity Calculators

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FAQ

20ft vs 40ft Container FAQ

  • A 40ft container is exactly double the length of a 20ft (12.03m vs 5.90m) with the same width and height. The internal volume is 67.7 CBM for 40ft versus 33.2 CBM for 20ft.

  • A 20ft container fits approximately 10 euro pallets (120x80cm) floor loaded, while a 40ft container fits approximately 21 euro pallets floor loaded.

  • No. A 40ft container typically costs 25-40% more than a 20ft for the same route, making it significantly cheaper per CBM. This is why 40ft is preferred for volume-sensitive cargo.

  • The 20ft container typically has a higher max payload (28,200 kg) compared to the 40ft (26,680 kg), because the heavier container structure of the 40ft reduces the remaining payload capacity.

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