Standard containers
Four lengths, two heights
20', 40', 40' high cube and 45' high cube cover most of the standard fleet. The values come from the Hapag-Lloyd and ONE specifications, which agree.
| Type | External L × W × H (mm) | Internal L (mm) | Max. gross (kg) | Tare (kg) | Payload (kg) | Volume (m³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' standard | 6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 | 5,900 | 32,500 | 2,300 | 30,200 | 33.2 |
| 40' standard | 12,192 × 2,438 × 2,591 | 12,032 | 32,500 | 3,700 | 28,800 | 67.7 |
| 40' high cube | 12,192 × 2,438 × 2,896 | 12,032 | 32,500 | 3,850 | 28,650 | 76.3 |
| 45' high cube | 13,716 × 2,438 × 2,896 | 13,556 | 32,500 | 4,700 | 27,800 | 86 |
The code on the box
Every container carries a four-character size and type code under ISO 6346. The first character stands for length, the second for height, the last two for the type.
| Code | Length × height | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 22G1 | 20' × 8'6" | general purpose |
| 42G1 | 40' × 8'6" | general purpose |
| 45G1 | 40' × 9'6" | high cube |
| L5G1 | 45' × 9'6" | high cube |
What that means: 45G1 is not a 45-foot container but a 40-foot high cube. The 4 stands for 40' length, the 5 for 9'6" height. The 45-foot container starts with L.
The CSC plate
Every container approved under the CSC carries a permanently affixed safety approval plate. Official control is normally limited to checking that a valid plate is present.
- "CSC SAFETY APPROVAL"
- Country of approval and approval reference
- Date of manufacture (month and year)
- Manufacturer's identification number
- Maximum operating gross weight (kg and lbs)
- Allowable stacking weight for 1.8 g (kg and lbs)
- Transverse racking test load value (kg and lbs)
What that means: the stacking weight on the plate determines how much may be stacked on top of a loaded container. It belongs to the asset, not to the ship.