What is the Cubic Volume of a Shipping Container?

Cubic volume refers to the measurement of space inside a three-dimensional object, such as a shipping container. It is determined by multiplying the container’s length, width, and height, giving the total amount of space available within the container. The resulting value is expressed in cubic units, typically cubic meters (m³) or cubic feet (ft³), depending on the measurement system used. For shipping containers, cubic volume represents the amount of goods or cargo that can be stored inside, making it a crucial factor in determining storage capacity.

In the case of a standard shipping container, cubic volume provides a clear indication of how much space is available for shipment. For instance, a 20ft shipping container has a specific cubic volume, which is different from that of a 40ft container. This measure helps determine how efficiently the container can be used for transporting goods and allows companies to maximize the available space when packing.

Why Cubic Volume Matters in Shipping

Understanding the cubic volume of a shipping container is important for several reasons, especially in logistics and transportation. First, it is essential for determining the amount of cargo that can be shipped in a container. Logistics companies need accurate volume measurements to plan how many items will fit in a container, avoiding overloading or inefficient use of space. Properly calculating the cubic volume ensures that containers are packed to their maximum capacity, which is crucial for optimizing shipping processes.

Furthermore, cubic volume plays a significant role in the cost calculation for shipping goods. Most freight carriers base their shipping rates on either weight or volume, and cubic volume is often the determining factor for larger, lighter goods. This makes it essential for businesses to know the cubic volume of their containers when calculating shipping costs, as maximizing volume efficiency can directly lead to cost savings. By understanding how much space is available, companies can avoid paying for unused capacity, making the shipping process more economical and efficient.

Understanding Shipping Containers

Shipping containers come in various sizes, with the two most common being 20ft and 40ft containers. These containers are used worldwide for transporting goods, and their dimensions play a critical role in calculating cubic volume and understanding capacity. A standard 20ft container typically measures about 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high. This gives it a volume of approximately 33 cubic meters (1,172 cubic feet). This size is popular for smaller loads, ideal for businesses that need to ship relatively fewer items.

On the other hand, a 40ft container, which is twice as long, offers more space, measuring 40 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8.5 feet in height. The cubic volume of a 40ft container is about 67 cubic meters (2,358 cubic feet). These containers are commonly used for larger shipments and are the most frequently used option in global trade.

In addition to the standard containers, there are also high-cube containers, which are slightly taller than regular 20ft or 40ft containers. While the length and width remain the same, a high cube container is typically 9.5 feet in height. This extra foot of height increases its cubic volume, making it a better option for bulkier items that don’t fit well in a standard container. A 40ft high cube container, for example, has a volume of approximately 76 cubic meters (2,694 cubic feet), providing about 10% more space than its standard counterpart.

Types of Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are not all the same; they come in various types designed for different purposes. The most common type is the dry container, which is used to transport general cargo such as clothing, electronics, or consumer goods. These containers are sealed, offering protection from external elements and ensuring that the contents stay dry during transit.

Another widely used container is the refrigerated container, or reefer. These containers are equipped with cooling units to maintain a specific temperature, making them ideal for shipping perishable goods like food, pharmaceuticals, or other temperature-sensitive items. While the external dimensions of refrigerated containers are similar to dry containers, their interior volume is often slightly less because the cooling equipment takes up some of the space.

Flat rack containers are also common for transporting oversized or irregularly shaped cargo, such as machinery or vehicles. These containers are typically open on the sides and top, allowing for easy loading and unloading of large items. They do not offer the same enclosed volume as dry or refrigerated containers, but they are suitable for specific types of shipments.

Impact of Container Type on Volume

The type of shipping container used can significantly impact its internal volume. Dry containers provide the most usable internal space, as they are designed purely for storage. However, for containers like refrigerated ones, the volume is partially consumed by the refrigeration equipment, reducing the usable space inside.

Similarly, flat racks and other specialized containers may not have the same cubic volume as standard containers due to their open design, but they are better suited for large or irregularly shaped cargo. For instance, flat racks are often used for heavy machinery, where the external dimensions are more important than internal cubic volume.

Understanding the type of container and its specific dimensions helps businesses and logistics companies choose the most appropriate container for their cargo. While the cubic volume gives an idea of the space inside, the container type plays a critical role in determining whether the space is truly usable for a particular type of shipment. The decision impacts everything from packing strategies to shipping costs, and companies must choose wisely based on both volume and container suitability.

How to Calculate the Cubic Volume of a Shipping Container

Calculating the cubic volume of a shipping container is straightforward. The formula used to determine cubic volume is:

Cubic Volume = Length × Width × Height

This formula is applied to the interior dimensions of the container, as it provides the most accurate representation of usable space. By multiplying the length, width, and height (all measured in consistent units like feet or meters), you can determine how much space the container can hold in terms of volume.

The key to accurate volume calculation lies in ensuring the dimensions are consistent. For instance, if you’re using feet for length and width, you should use feet for height as well. This ensures that your final result is in cubic feet, or if you use meters, the result will be in cubic meters.

Shipping containers come in various standard sizes, and while the formula remains the same, the values plugged into the equation will vary depending on the container type and size. The result will give you an understanding of the total available storage space inside the container.

Example Calculation for a 20ft Container

Let’s consider a standard 20ft shipping container. The typical internal dimensions of a 20ft container are:

• Length: 20 feet

• Width: 8 feet

• Height: 8.5 feet

To calculate the cubic volume of the container, simply multiply these values:

$$CubicVolume=20feet\times 8feet\times 8.5feet=1360cubicfeet$$

So, the cubic volume of a 20ft container is 1,360 cubic feet. This is the total internal space that can be utilized for cargo. Keep in mind, though, that the actual usable volume might be slightly lower due to internal factors like the thickness of the container’s walls and floor.

In metric terms, this would be approximately:

$$CubicVolume=6.1meters\times 2.44meters\times 2.59meters=33.2cubicmeters$$

Thus, the container’s cubic volume is around 33.2 cubic meters. Depending on the type of goods being shipped, this volume can be crucial for determining how many products or packages will fit.

Adjusting for High-Cube Containers

High cube containers are similar to standard containers in terms of length and width, but they differ primarily in height. The height of a standard 20ft or 40ft container is typically 8.5 feet, while a high cube container is about 9.5 feet tall. This extra foot of height increases the available internal space, which can make a big difference when transporting large or bulky items.

Let’s calculate the cubic volume of a 40ft high cube container, for example. The internal dimensions for a high cube container are:

• Length: 40 feet

• Width: 8 feet

• Height: 9.5 feet

Using the same cubic volume formula:

$$CubicVolume=40feet\times 8feet\times 9.5feet=3,040cubicfeet$$

Thus, the cubic volume of a 40ft high cube container is 3,040 cubic feet. In metric units, this equates to:

$$CubicVolume=12.19meters\times 2.44meters\times 2.9meters=76.1cubicmeters$$

This shows that a high cube container offers about 10% more space than a standard 40ft container, due to its increased height.

In practical terms, this means that businesses needing to transport bulkier items—such as oversized or height-sensitive products—would benefit from choosing a high cube container, as the extra vertical space can accommodate more cargo or larger items without requiring additional containers.

Therefore, while the cubic volume formula remains the same, the height difference in high cube containers is a crucial factor in determining the extra storage space available. Understanding this difference can help in making the best choice for shipments, particularly when shipping taller or bulkier goods that would otherwise not fit efficiently into a standard container.

Factors Affecting the Cubic Volume

When calculating the cubic volume of a shipping container, it’s important to distinguish between interior and exterior dimensions. The external measurements of a container refer to its total length, width, and height from the outer edges, including the container’s walls, floor, and roof. However, the usable space inside the container, often referred to as the interior dimensions, is what truly determines the available storage capacity for cargo.

For instance, a 20ft container may have external dimensions of 20 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8.5 feet in height, but the internal dimensions will be slightly smaller due to the thickness of the container’s walls and floor. Typically, the interior length is around 19 feet 4 inches, the width about 7 feet 8 inches, and the height about 7 feet 10 inches. These differences in measurements result in a reduced usable volume compared to the external cubic volume.

To ensure accurate cargo planning and cost estimates, it’s crucial to work with the interior dimensions when calculating cubic volume. For example, a 40ft standard shipping container with exterior dimensions of 40 feet by 8 feet by 8.5 feet may have a slightly reduced interior volume due to the thickness of the container’s steel walls and floor. This reduction in internal space should be factored in when determining how much cargo can fit inside the container.

Container Condition and Modifications

The condition of a shipping container and any modifications made to it can also impact its cubic volume. Containers that have been used extensively or are old may experience wear and tear, such as rust, dents, or warping. These issues could reduce the effective usable space inside the container. For example, if a container is damaged in transit or has been exposed to harsh environmental conditions, its internal dimensions may no longer be perfectly uniform. This can result in slight reductions in volume, especially in the case of damaged or deformed walls.

Additionally, modifications to a container can further affect its cubic volume. For instance, adding insulation to the interior of a container, as is done with refrigerated or reefer containers, reduces the amount of internal space available for cargo. Insulation materials, refrigeration units, or any additional internal structures (such as shelving or supports) can all occupy valuable space, decreasing the effective volume. In contrast, modifying a container for specific use, such as converting it into an open-top container or adding ventilation for certain goods, may also alter the volume available for transport.

Businesses need to take these factors into account when renting or purchasing containers. When dealing with modified or older containers, always verify the internal dimensions and consider whether the volume will be sufficient for your cargo needs.

Impact of Container Type (e.g., Refrigerated, Open-Top)

The type of shipping container being used plays a significant role in determining its cubic volume. Containers are designed for different purposes, and each type may have different internal configurations that affect the volume calculation.

• Refrigerated Containers (Reefers): These containers are equipped with refrigeration units to maintain a specific temperature, making them ideal for shipping perishable goods. While the external dimensions of a reefer container are similar to those of a dry container, the interior volume is slightly reduced because the refrigeration unit and insulation take up space. This reduction in usable space can vary depending on the model and the cooling system, but typically, refrigerated containers offer slightly less cubic volume than their dry counterparts. For example, a 40ft reefer container may have a cubic volume of around 64 cubic meters, compared to the 67 cubic meters of a standard 40ft container.

• Open-Top Containers: Open-top containers, which have no roof and are instead covered with a tarpaulin, are ideal for transporting oversized or irregularly shaped cargo. Since these containers are designed with an open top for easy loading and unloading, their volume is calculated in the same way as a standard dry container, but they have different characteristics when it comes to actual cargo space. While the open design provides additional flexibility in terms of cargo type and loading methods, the cubic volume may be less relevant in some cases, as the open-top design doesn’t enclose the cargo like a regular shipping container.

• Flat Racks: Flat rack containers are designed for carrying heavy or large cargo like machinery, vehicles, or construction materials. These containers do not provide any enclosed space, so the cubic volume calculation for flat racks is not as important. Instead, businesses focus on the external dimensions and weight capacity. The volume calculation for flat racks typically refers to the area available for loading rather than the internal space.

Understanding the specific type of shipping container being used is crucial for determining the cubic volume, as each type is designed with different internal configurations, cooling or structural systems, and load-bearing capacities. Whether using a dry container, refrigerated container, open-top, or flat rack, the container’s intended purpose directly affects how much usable space is available for cargo, making it essential to choose the right container for the right type of shipment.

Common Cubic Volumes for Different Shipping Containers

A 20ft shipping container, often referred to as a TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit), is one of the most widely used containers in the shipping industry. It is typically used for smaller shipments, such as consumer goods, machinery, or furniture. The standard dimensions for a 20ft container are:

• Length: 20 feet (6.06 meters)

• Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)

• Height: 8.5 feet (2.59 meters)

To calculate the cubic volume of a 20ft container, we multiply the interior length, width, and height:

• In feet:

  $$CubicVolume=20feet\times 8feet\times 8.5feet=1,360cubicfeet$$

  So, the cubic volume of a 20ft container is 1,360 cubic feet.

• In meters:

  $$CubicVolume=6.06meters\times 2.44meters\times 2.59meters=33.2cubicmeters$$

  Therefore, the cubic volume of a 20ft container is approximately 33.2 cubic meters.

This size is ideal for shipments that do not require large amounts of space but still need a standard container for easy handling and transport.

40ft Container Volume

The 40ft shipping container is another widely used option in global trade. It offers double the length of a 20ft container, making it perfect for larger shipments. A standard 40ft container typically has the following dimensions:

• Length: 40 feet (12.19 meters)

• Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)

• Height: 8.5 feet (2.59 meters)

The cubic volume of a 40ft container is calculated similarly by multiplying its internal length, width, and height:

• In feet:

  $$CubicVolume=40feet\times 8feet\times 8.5feet=2,560cubicfeet$$

  So, the cubic volume of a 40ft container is 2,560 cubic feet.

• In meters:

  $$CubicVolume=12.19meters\times 2.44meters\times 2.59meters=67.7cubicmeters$$

  Therefore, the cubic volume of a 40ft container is approximately 67.7 cubic meters.

The 40ft container is widely preferred for transporting larger loads, making it more cost-effective for businesses with bigger cargo volumes. In case you are interested in this type of article, here is our top recommended article: How Many Cubic Feet is a 12x12x12 Box?

High Cube Container Volume

A high cube container is a variation of the standard 40ft or 20ft container. The key difference lies in its increased height, which provides more internal volume, particularly beneficial for transporting bulkier or taller cargo. The typical dimensions of a 40ft high cube container are:

• Length: 40 feet (12.19 meters)

• Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)

• Height: 9.5 feet (2.90 meters)

To calculate the cubic volume of a high cube container, we multiply the interior dimensions:

• In feet:

  $$CubicVolume=40feet\times 8feet\times 9.5feet=3,040cubicfeet$$

  So, the cubic volume of a 40ft high cube container is 3,040 cubic feet.

• In meters:

  $$CubicVolume=12.19meters\times 2.44meters\times 2.90meters=76.1cubicmeters$$

  Therefore, the cubic volume of a 40ft high cube container is approximately 76.1 cubic meters.

The added height of the high cube container—about 1 foot taller than a standard container—means it offers up to 10% more capacity. This makes it especially useful for goods that require additional vertical space or for businesses seeking to maximize the use of every cubic meter.

Summary of Cubic Volumes:

• 20ft Standard Container:
  1,360 cubic feet (33.2 cubic meters)

• 40ft Standard Container:
  2,560 cubic feet (67.7 cubic meters)

• 40ft High Cube Container:
  3,040 cubic feet (76.1 cubic meters)

By understanding the cubic volume of different container types, businesses can optimize their shipping strategies, ensuring they select the right container for their cargo and ultimately reducing shipping costs and inefficiencies.

Practical Applications of Shipping Container Cubic Volume

Optimizing Storage and Shipping

Understanding the cubic volume of shipping containers is essential for optimizing storage and shipping processes. By knowing the exact volume available inside a container, businesses can strategically plan how to pack goods, ensuring maximum use of the container’s space. This practice is especially important in industries like logistics, e-commerce, and manufacturing, where space efficiency directly correlates with cost savings.

When cargo is loaded into a container, the goal is to utilize every available inch of space without exceeding weight limits. Calculating the cubic volume allows businesses to determine exactly how much product can fit, helping to reduce wasted space and avoid the need for additional containers. For instance, if a company has multiple shipments to make, understanding the cubic volume of each shipment allows for better planning and more efficient container selection. It can also help businesses avoid underutilizing containers or overloading them.

By efficiently packing containers, businesses can lower shipping costs, reduce fuel consumption, and make transportation more environmentally friendly. This is particularly crucial in industries that require frequent shipping, where even small improvements in space usage can result in significant financial and environmental benefits. Additionally, optimizing storage space can streamline warehouse operations, improve inventory management, and reduce the number of containers needed, further enhancing operational efficiency.

Calculating Shipping Costs

Cubic volume plays a vital role in determining shipping rates and logistics costs. Most shipping companies and freight carriers use a combination of weight and volume to calculate the price for transporting goods. While the weight of the cargo is a major factor, the cubic volume often takes precedence for lighter, bulkier shipments, which occupy more space but may not be very heavy. For example, a container full of pillows or Styrofoam will have a much larger cubic volume than a similar-weighted shipment of compact items like books or electronics.

Shipping rates are often calculated based on the chargeable volume, which refers to the larger of the actual weight or the volume-based weight (also known as dimensional weight). Dimensional weight is calculated using the formula:

Dimensional Weight=Length×Width×HeightVolume FactorDimensional\ Weight = \frac{Length \times Width \times Height}{Volume\ Factor}Dimensional Weight=Volume FactorLength×Width×Height​

The volume factor is typically a standard figure (e.g., 1,000 for international air shipping), and the result gives the chargeable weight, which is used to calculate shipping costs. This means that if a shipment has a large cubic volume but is relatively light, the shipping cost may be higher than expected due to the larger space it occupies in the shipping container.

For businesses looking to optimize shipping costs, knowing the cubic volume of their containers allows them to make more informed decisions. For example, if a company understands that they can save money by packing goods in a way that minimizes unused space, they can avoid the need for larger containers and lower their overall shipping expenditure. Conversely, if a container is filled inefficiently, companies might end up paying for unused space, increasing their shipping costs unnecessarily.

Tools for Calculating the Cubic Volume of Shipping Containers

For businesses, shippers, and logistics professionals who need to quickly calculate the cubic volume of shipping containers, online volume calculators are a convenient and efficient solution. These tools are widely available and can help save time by performing the necessary calculations instantly based on the container’s dimensions.

Most online calculators work by allowing users to input the length, width, and height of the container. After entering the data, the calculator will automatically compute the cubic volume in various units, such as cubic feet or cubic meters, depending on the user’s preference. Some calculators also offer the option to calculate both interior and exterior volumes, which can be particularly useful when comparing usable space against the total container size.

For example, websites like ContainerExchanger or CargoWiz offer calculators where users simply input the container’s size and the tool delivers results in a matter of seconds. These online tools are great for quick calculations and are ideal for small businesses, freight forwarders, or companies that only need occasional volume calculations.

Software Used in the Shipping Industry

For larger logistics companies or organizations that need to regularly calculate cubic volume for multiple shipments, specialized shipping software is commonly used. These software systems not only calculate the cubic volume of shipping containers but also offer a range of additional features to help optimize shipping and manage logistics.

1. Freight Management Software: Many logistics companies use freight management software to handle the entire shipping process, including volume calculation. Programs like Freightos and Transporeon can help businesses calculate the cubic volume of containers, select the best containers for shipments, and manage freight rates based on volume. These platforms are often used by freight forwarders to streamline the shipping process, track shipments, and calculate costs based on both weight and volume.

2. Supply Chain Optimization Software: Some advanced software, like SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) and Oracle Transportation Management (OTM), includes tools for managing the entire supply chain, from inventory management to shipping logistics. These systems often incorporate sophisticated algorithms that take cubic volume, weight, shipping routes, and other factors into account, providing businesses with the most efficient and cost-effective shipping options. Volume calculation is just one aspect of the broader logistics optimization process that these tools offer.

3. Container Loading Software: For companies that need to maximize the space inside containers, specialized container loading software like CargoWiz and EasyCargo helps plan the most efficient loading configuration. These programs calculate cubic volume, then simulate how to best load goods within the container to minimize unused space. With advanced 3D visualization features, logistics managers can see how different packages fit within the container, ensuring that the cubic volume is fully optimized. These software solutions are widely used by shipping companies, freight forwarders, and warehouse managers.

4. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Many Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), such as Manhattan Associates or JDA Software, include tools for calculating the cubic volume of containers as part of their broader inventory and shipping functionalities. These systems are designed to help businesses manage inventory, track shipments, and optimize storage space in warehouses and shipping containers, which includes calculating the volume of available space.

These software solutions can provide deeper insights into volume calculation by integrating them with other logistical factors, such as weight, shipping routes, and carrier rates. In this way, they can help businesses optimize their operations by not only calculating cubic volume but also planning the most efficient and cost-effective shipping strategies.

Conclusion:

Understanding the cubic volume of shipping containers is crucial for optimizing logistics, maximizing storage space, and managing shipping costs. The cubic volume is calculated using the simple formula:
Cubic Volume = Length × Width × Height. This helps businesses determine the amount of usable space inside a container, whether it’s a standard 20ft, 40ft, or high cube container. These calculations are essential for accurately assessing how much cargo can fit inside a container and ensuring that shipping operations are as efficient as possible.

We’ve explored how cubic volume impacts storage and shipping, allowing businesses to make smarter decisions in maximizing space, reducing waste, and lowering costs. Additionally, the role of cubic volume in calculating shipping rates is significant, as many carriers base their charges on volume as well as weight. By understanding these factors, businesses can optimize their shipments, avoid paying for unused space, and make better use of available containers.

Different types of containers, such as refrigerated or open-top containers, also have specific volume calculations that may differ from standard shipping containers. Knowing these differences can help businesses choose the right container for their specific needs.