Container and ULD dimensions at a glance
Whether your goods fit into a container or onto an air cargo pallet decides price and routing. Here are the common dimensions for ocean and air freight.
A 20′ container holds about 33 m³, a 40′ about 67 m³ and a 40′ high cube about 76 m³. In air freight the standard PMC pallet measures 318 × 244 cm. The permitted height depends on the aircraft and the deck.
Ocean containers
| Type | Internal L × W × H | Door W × H | Volume | Max. payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20′ standard | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | 2.34 × 2.28 m | approx. 33 m³ | approx. 28,000 kg |
| 40′ standard | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | 2.34 × 2.28 m | approx. 67 m³ | approx. 26,500 kg |
| 40′ high cube | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m | 2.34 × 2.58 m | approx. 76 m³ | approx. 26,500 kg |
| 20′ reefer | 5.44 × 2.29 × 2.27 m | 2.29 × 2.26 m | approx. 28 m³ | approx. 27,000 kg |
| 40′ reefer high cube | 11.58 × 2.29 × 2.50 m | 2.29 × 2.57 m | approx. 67 m³ | approx. 29,000 kg |
Typical values. Dimensions and payload vary slightly by manufacturer and shipping line, and road transport adds its own weight limits.
A 20′ container takes 11 Euro pallets (120 × 80 cm) in one layer, a 40′ container 24 to 25. Plan for about 85 % volume utilisation, because packages rarely stand without gaps. For cargo that does not fit standard containers there are open top and flat rack units; more at OOGsea.
Air cargo ULDs
In air freight, goods are loaded onto pallets or into containers known as unit load devices (ULD). The base is standardised; the permitted height depends on the aircraft contour.
| ULD | Base | Typical height | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| PMC (P6P) | 318 × 244 cm | 163 cm lower deck, up to 300 cm main deck | Standard pallet, widebody and freighter |
| PAG (P1P) | 318 × 224 cm | 163 cm lower deck, up to 300 cm main deck | Pallet, widebody and freighter |
| PLA | 318 × 153 cm | 163 cm | Half-size pallet, lower deck |
| AKE (LD3) | 156 × 153 cm | 163 cm, approx. 4.3 m³, max. 1,588 kg | Lower-deck container |
Maximum height and weight depend on aircraft type, deck and position. On the main deck of freighters, contours up to 244 cm or up to 300 cm in height are common.
What this means for your price
In air freight the higher of actual and volumetric weight is charged, using a factor of 1:6000 (1 m³ equals 167 kg). In LCL ocean freight 1 m³ = 1,000 kg applies, with a minimum of 1 m³. Our weight calculator works this out for several package sizes at once.
Will your goods fit?
Send us dimensions and weights. We plan the container or ULD and send you a quote.