Logistics terms · Logistics terms

What does ISO container (20 ft, 40 ft, 40 ft HC) mean in logistics?

Short answer

A standard steel shipping container built to ISO dimensions. The 20 ft and 40 ft general-purpose boxes are 8 ft 6 in high; the 40 ft high cube is 9 ft 6 in high. Internal volume is roughly 33 CBM, 67 CBM and 76 CBM respectively.

The 20 ft box suits dense cargo that reaches its weight limit before its volume; 40 ft and high cube suit light, bulky cargo. Ask our desk how this applies to your consignment.

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026. How we count

We publish no freight rates. Our desk confirms your price within minutes.

The numbers behind this answer

Also called
shipping container, dry van, 40 HC
Category
Air, sea & rail
Related terms
TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit), FEU (forty-foot equivalent unit), FCL (full container load), Reefer container

Sources

  1. SSL logistics glossary

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026.

Need this for your own load?

Send the details to our desk. It confirms your price within minutes.

Chat with SSL

Talk to a person