Container Comparison
Shipping Container vs Truck Trailer: Which Is Right for Your Cargo?
Compare shipping container and truck trailer dimensions, volume, weight limits, and use cases. Understand when to use intermodal containers versus road-only trailers.
Quick answer
A 13.6m EU trailer holds 19% more volume (91 vs 76 CBM) and 57% more pallets (33 vs 21) than a 40ft HC container. Trailers are wider and longer but road-only. Containers work across ship, rail, and truck. Choose based on whether your cargo needs to cross an ocean.
40ft HC Shipping Container vs 13.6m EU Standard Trailer — Specs Compared
| Specification | 40ft HC Shipping Container | 13.6m EU Standard Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Length | 12.03m | 13.60m |
| Internal Width | 2.35m | 2.48m |
| Internal Height | 2.69m | 2.70m |
| Internal Volume | 76.3 CBM | 91.0 CBM |
| Max Payload | 26,460 kg | 24,000 kg |
| Pallet Capacity | 21 euro pallets (floor loaded) | 33 euro pallets (floor loaded) |
| Best For | International shipping, intermodal (ship + rail + truck) | European road transport, domestic distribution |
When to Choose Each
Choose 40ft HC Shipping Container when:
- Cargo needs to travel by sea or rail
- International shipping is required
- You're using intermodal transport
- Standard ISO container equipment is needed at both ends
Choose 13.6m EU Standard Trailer when:
- Road-only transport within a region
- Maximum volume and pallet capacity needed
- European domestic or cross-border trucking
- Frequent loading/unloading at multiple stops
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.
FAQ
Container vs Truck Trailer FAQ
A 13.6m EU trailer holds about 91 CBM versus 76.3 CBM for a 40ft HC container — 19% more volume. The trailer is wider (2.48m vs 2.35m) and longer (13.6m vs 12.03m), allowing 33 vs 21 euro pallets.
Trailers are road vehicles not designed for container ship cell guides or port crane handling. Ocean shipping requires ISO-standard containers that can be stacked and handled by port equipment.
Yes. JustLoad.it supports all standard shipping containers (20ft–53ft) and EU/NA truck trailer types. Plan loads for any vehicle type in the same tool.
For road-only European transport, a 13.6m trailer offers more capacity. But if the cargo will also travel by sea or rail, use a container to avoid transhipment at the port.
Plan your load in 3D
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