Standard container door dimensions
| Container | Door Width | Door Height |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 234 cm (7'8") | 228 cm (7'6") |
| 40ft Standard | 234 cm (7'8") | 228 cm (7'6") |
| 40ft High Cube | 234 cm (7'8") | 258 cm (8'6") |
Why door clearance matters
A container's door aperture is smaller than its internal cavity because of the corner posts, sill and header. Planning cargo against internal dimensions alone is a common cause of loading failures, demurrage and last-minute repacks at the terminal.
High Cube vs Standard
A 40ft High Cube adds roughly 30 cm of vertical clearance at the door, which is the deciding factor for tall machinery, palletised stacks and specialised equipment that would foul a standard 228 cm door header.
Tips for oversized cargo
- Measure cargo including any pallet, cradle or protective packaging.
- Add a safety margin of 2–5 cm on each dimension for wrapping, strapping and safe handling.
- Consider Open Top or Flat Rack containers when height or width exceeds the door opening.
- Always confirm the actual container's data plate before final loading.
Frequently asked questions
What are the door dimensions of a standard 20ft container?
A standard 20ft ISO dry container has a door opening of approximately 234 cm wide and 228 cm high (7'8" × 7'6").
What are the door dimensions of a standard 40ft container?
A standard 40ft ISO dry container shares the same door opening as the 20ft: about 234 cm wide by 228 cm high.
What are the door dimensions of a 40ft High Cube container?
A 40ft High Cube container has a taller door opening of about 234 cm wide by 258 cm high, giving roughly 30 cm of extra vertical clearance.
Why does cargo fit inside the container but not through the door?
The internal cavity of a container is slightly larger than the door frame. Corner posts and the door header reduce the usable opening, so oversized cargo can be blocked at the entrance even when internal volume is sufficient.
What is the difference between internal and door dimensions?
Internal dimensions describe the full cargo cavity, while door dimensions describe the loading aperture. Always check cargo against the door opening first when planning stuffing.