Shipping Dimensions Guide

Planning an international shipment starts with choosing the right equipment. Whether you are shipping by sea, road or warehouse distribution, knowing the correct dimensions can save space, reduce costs and avoid delays.

This guide gives you a quick overview of common container sizes, truck types and pallet dimensions used across Europe and international trade.

We support importers and exporters with practical shipping solutions from Europe to the Middle East and beyond.

Standard Shipping Container Sizes

Ocean freight costs and loading plans often depend on the type of container selected. Below are the most common container options used in international shipping.
20s

20ft Standard

  • Internal L × W × H: 5.9 × 2.35 × 2.39 m
  • Approx. Capacity: 33 CBM
  • Common Use: General cargo
40s

40ft Standard

  • Internal L × W × H: 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m
  • Approx. Capacity: 67 CBM
  • Common Use: Larger shipments
40h

40ft High Cube

  • Internal L × W × H: 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m
  • Approx. Capacity: 76 CBM
  • Common Use: Light bulky cargo
45h

45ft High Cube

  • Internal L × W × H: 13.55 × 2.35 × 2.69 m
  • Approx. Capacity: 86 CBM
  • Common Use: Maximum volume cargo
opentop

Open Top

  • Internal L × W × H: Varies (Open roof)
  • Approx. Capacity: Varies
  • Common Use: Tall machinery
flat

Flat Rack

  • Internal L × W × H: Platform (Open sides)
  • Approx. Capacity: Varies
  • Common Use: Heavy oversized cargo

Common European Truck & Trailer Sizes

For inland transport across Europe, the right truck type depends on cargo size, weight, urgency and loading requirements.
t1

Sprinter Van

  • Length: 3 – 4.5 m
  • Payload: Light (~1.5t)
  • Common Use: Express transport and "last-mile" urban logistics.
t4

Box Truck

  • Length: 7 – 9 m
  • Payload: Medium (5t – 9t)
  • Common Use: Urban deliveries and retail distribution.
t2

Curtainsider Trailer

  • Length: 13.6 m
  • Payload: Up to 24t
  • Common Use: General palletized freight requiring side-access loading.
mega

Mega Trailer

  • Length: 13.6 m
  • Payload: High Volume (Up to 24t)
  • Common Use: Automotive and bulky cargo; features a higher internal clearance (3 m height).
t3

Frigo (Reefer) Trailer

  • Length: 13.6 m
  • Payload: Temp-controlled (Up to 22t)
  • Common Use: Perishable food and pharmaceutical transport.
t5

Flatbed Trailer

  • Length: 13.6 m
  • Payload: Heavy (25t+)
  • Common Use: Machinery, steel, and construction materials.

Standard Pallet Sizes

Pallet dimensions influence loading efficiency, warehousing and transport cost. Euro pallets remain the most common standard in Europe.
eupallet

Euro Pallet

  • Dimensions: 120 x 80 cm
  • Use Case: European standard (EPAL); most common for EU logistics.
ukpallet

UK Pallet

  • Dimensions: 120 x 100 cm
  • Use Case: Standard for the UK market; shares dimensions with Block pallets.
blockpallet

Block Pallet

  • Dimensions: 120 x 100 cm
  • Use Case: General industrial use and international export.
halfpallet

Half Pallet

  • Dimensions: 80 x 60 cm
  • Use Case: Retail-ready displays and smaller point-of-sale shipments.
industrial

Industrial Pallet

  • Dimensions: Varies
  • Use Case: Engineered specifically for heavy loads and specialized manufacturing.

How Many Euro Pallets Fit?

Equipment Euro Pallets
20ft Container 11
40ft/ 40HC Container 24
Standard Trailer 33

Actual capacity depends on cargo dimensions, stacking possibility and weight limits.

Why Size Planning Matters

Choosing the wrong equipment can lead to:
  • Paying for unused space
  • Weight restriction issues
  • Delays during loading
  • Extra handling charges
  • Damaged cargo from poor fit planning

We help you choose the right container, truck and loading setup before your cargo moves.

Need Help Choosing the Right Equipment?

Whether you need a full container, part load, road transport or export planning, bluegate helps you select the most efficient option.
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