When should I use a High Cube (HC) instead of a standard container?

Choose 40ft HC over 40ft standard whenever (1) cargo is volume-limited (low density, e.g. furniture, packaging, finished electronics in cartons); (2) you stack pallets two high — HC's extra 30 cm fits two euro-pallet stacks comfortably; (3) tall machinery up to ~2.65 m clear is to be loaded. The freight rate difference between 40' and 40'HC is usually only 2–5%, so default to HC unless cargo is heavy/dense.

What is the difference between a Reefer and a regular container?

A Reefer (refrigerated container, RF) has a built-in cooling unit and a power outlet at each end. It maintains a set temperature from -25 °C to +25 °C with ±0.5 °C precision and is used for perishables, pharmaceuticals, and chocolate. Reefer freight rates are 30–80% higher than dry containers because of equipment cost, fewer providers, and continuous power requirements at port and on the vessel.

How much does it cost to ship a 40ft container from China to Riga?

Indicative all-in rates as of September 2026 (port-to-port, FOB): 40'HC Shanghai → Riga roughly $3,650–$4,800; 40'HC Shenzhen → Riga roughly $3,550–$4,700. Add ~€150–€350 for delivery from Riga port to an address in Latvia, plus customs and import VAT. Spot rates can swing 30–50% in either direction during contract season changes (April / October) or capacity crunches.

A Visual Guide to Standard Sea Containers

Exploring the specifications and applications of the backbone of global trade.

By Unicore Overseas SIA teamLast updated: 5 October 2026

The Engine of Global Commerce

90%

of the world's goods are transported by the international shipping industry, with containers being the primary method.

The Workhorses: Comparing Dry Container Volume

Standard dry containers are the most common type. The 40ft container offers double the length of a 20ft, but the 40ft High Cube (HC) provides an extra foot of height, significantly increasing the internal volume for taller cargo.

Container Dimensions: Detailed Specifications

Understanding the precise dimensions of shipping containers is essential for effective cargo planning. Here are detailed specifications for standard 20ft and 40ft containers, including external and internal dimensions.

Visual representation of 20ft container key dimensions and specifications

Standard External Container Dimensions

Parameter	20ft (20 pēdu)	40ft (40 pēdu)
Container Length	6.06m	12.19m
Container Width	2.44m	2.44m
Container Height:
» Standard	2.59m	2.59m
» High cube	2.89m	2.89m

Standard Internal Container Dimensions

Parameter	20ft (20 pēdu)	40ft (40 pēdu)
Internal Length	5.87m	12.00m
Internal Width	2.33m	2.33m
Internal Height:
» Standard	2.35m	2.35m
» High cube	2.65m	2.65m
End Door Aperture Width:
	2.28m	2.28m
End Door Aperture Height:
» Standard	2.26m	2.26m
» High cube	2.56m	2.56m
Floor Area	13.93m²	28.33m²
Cubic Capacity:
» Standard	32.85m³	66.83m³
» High cube	37.09m³	75.32m³
Weight (Tare)	2.44 tonnes	4.06 tonnes

Important note: These dimensions apply to standard dry containers. Specialized containers, such as flat rack containers designed for oversized or heavy cargo transport, may have different specifications. Flat rack containers are particularly useful in freight forwarding when standard containers are not suitable due to non-standard dimensions or weight. Proper understanding of container dimensions helps optimize cargo placement and reduce transportation costs.

Need to ship a container?

Unicore arranges full container loads (FCL) by sea to Latvia, from booking vessel space to customs clearance and delivery to your warehouse. Our own licensed brokers clear customs, so you do not need a separate broker.

The sizes we book most are the 20' standard (567 since our records began) and the 40' high-cube (477). Source: Unicore company facts

If your cargo will not fill a container, it can travel as LCL (less than container load), sharing a container with other shippers' goods.

Request a quote

Tell us the place of loading, the container type and the goods.

Payload Capacity: How Much Can They Carry?

While volume is important, the maximum weight a container can hold (payload) is critical. Flat Rack containers are engineered for the heaviest loads, while standard and high cube containers have similar weight limits despite volume differences.

Weight Breakdown: Tare vs. Payload

Every container has its own weight (Tare) which, combined with the cargo (Payload), must not exceed the Max Gross Weight. This chart shows the relationship between the container's own weight and its useful load capacity.

Choosing the Right Container: A Decision Guide

Your cargo's characteristics determine the right container. This guide helps you navigate the choice for specialized goods.

Start: What is your cargo type?

Temperature sensitive?

YES

Reefer Container

Oversized or needs top/side loading?

YES

Flat Rack
(Heavy/Wide)

Open Top
(Tall)

Standard/HC Dry
(General Cargo)

Container Suitability Matrix

Different containers excel at handling different types of cargo. This radar chart visualizes the suitability of each container type for various cargo characteristics, rated on a scale of 1 (unsuitable) to 5 (ideal).

Frequently asked questions

What are the internal dimensions of a 20ft and a 40ft container?

Standard 20ft (20'GP/DC): internal 5.90 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m, ~33 m³ usable, max payload ~28,200 kg. Standard 40ft (40'GP/DC): 12.03 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m, ~67 m³, max payload ~26,500 kg. 40ft High Cube (40'HC) adds 30 cm of height: 12.03 m × 2.35 m × 2.69 m, ~76 m³. Door openings are slightly smaller — always check oversized cargo against the door, not just internal dimensions. Dimensions differ by a few centimetres between manufacturers, and payload depends on each container's rated maximum gross weight, so for a load near the limit check the actual container: its maximum gross weight and tare are marked on the doors.

What is a Flat Rack container used for?

A Flat Rack (FR) is a flat platform with two collapsible end walls. It is used for over-dimensional cargo that does not fit a standard container — heavy machinery, boats, transformers, vehicles, large pipes. Cargo can overhang the platform (out-of-gauge, OOG) at extra cost. Loading is done from above by crane, not through a door, so origin/destination ports must have heavy-lift capability.

Can Unicore arrange a full container (FCL) shipment to Latvia?

Yes, Unicore handles full container loads (FCL) by sea to Latvia: it books the container and vessel space, can collect the goods from your supplier, clears customs with its own licensed brokers and delivers the container from Riga port to your warehouse. The sizes it books most are the 20' standard (567 booked since its records began) and the 40' high-cube (477). For a quote, give the place of loading, the container type and the goods.

The Right Choice = Efficient Delivery

Choosing the right container is crucial for efficient and cost-effective shipping. Our experienced team can help you select the optimal container for your specific cargo.

💡 Tip: Always discuss your cargo requirements with a freight forwarder before booking.

Request a quote

Key Facts

A 20' GP container has ~33.2 m³ internal volume and a max payload of ~28,200 kg.
A 40' GP holds ~67.7 m³; a 40' High-Cube adds 30 cm of height for ~76.4 m³.
A 20' fits ~10 standard EUR pallets on the floor; a 40' fits ~21.
A 40' HC reefer offers ~67 m³ and holds temperatures from −25 °C to +25 °C.
Open-top and flat-rack containers carry out-of-gauge and over-height cargo.
Tare weight is ~2,300 kg for a 20' and ~3,900 kg for a 40' HC.

Related resources

Related service

Sea Freight Service

FCL and LCL container shipping via Riga port and EU hubs.