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20 Foot Shipping Container

Dimensions, Capacity & Costs

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Understanding 20ft shipping container dimensions is essential when planning an international move from Canada. Although Canada uses the metric system, 20-foot container specs are often referenced in feet, both for internal and external measurements. Not to worry, we will also show you the measurements in meters. This guide covers everything you need to know about 20ft container dimensions, capacity in cubic meters, weight, and how much furniture fits. You’ll also learn how to pack efficiently and estimate moving costs so your shipment is stress-free.

Key Takeaways

  • A 20ft container has ~33 m³ total capacity, with 25–28 m³ usable space, enough for a 2–3 bedroom move.
  • The empty (tare) weight is ~2,300 kg, while the maximum loaded weight is ~25,400 kg.
  • You can fit furniture, appliances, and belongings for a full household move, including outdoor equipment.
  • Moving cost for a 20ft container starts at around CAD $2,000, depending on route, season, and carrier.

20 ft Container Specs

Though Canada uses the metric system, the 20 feet shipping container dimensions are usually measured in feet, looking at the internal and external dimensions.

The 20 ft shipping container dimensions are:

  • Exterior: 20 feet long (6.10 meters) x 8 feet wide (2.44 meters) x 8 feet 6 inches high (2.59 meters)
  • Interior: 19 feet 4 inches long (5.89 meters) x 7 feet 9 inches wide (2.35 meters) x 7 feet 10 inches high (2.39 meters)

If you need extra height, high-cube containers provide an additional foot, with an interior height of about 8 feet 10 inches (2.69 meters).

The capacity you can use within a 20 ft shipping container is 32.6 cubic meters (1,152 cubic feet). This fits up to 10 American pallets or 11 European pallets. 20-feet shipping containers are often used to move furniture, household items, machinery, food and beverages, and heavy cargo.

20 Foot Shipping Container Weight

The tare (or empty) weight of a 20-foot shipping container is 2,300 kg (2.5 tons). When fully loaded, the total weight can reach up to 25,400 kg (28 tons). Check with your shipping company which weight restrictions they have.

Factors affecting weight capacity include:

  • Shipping regulations and transport restrictions
  • Cargo type and density
  • Import laws of the destination country
  • Type of transport (ship, truck, rail)

How Many Cbm for 20 ft Container?

A 20 ft shipping container has a total capacity of 33 cubic meters (1,172 cubic feet), with around 25 to 28 cbm of usable space.

The 20-foot container dimensions are enough to move the contents of a small 3-bedroom house or a large 2-bedroom apartment. Oversized furniture, irregularly shaped items, and your packing method can impact how much actually fits.

How Much Furniture Can Fit In a 20-Foot Container?

In a 20-foot shipping container, you can easily move an entire 3-bedroom apartment, totalling up to 63,500 lbs (28,800 kg) of goods. A 20-foot shipping container typically holds:

  • Furniture (sofas, beds, dining tables, wardrobes)
  • Kitchen appliances (fridge, oven, dishwasher)
  • Personal belongings (clothes, boxes, bikes)
  • Outdoor equipment (barbecue grills, lawnmowers)
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How to Pack a Container for Overseas

Packing a 20-foot container efficiently requires strategic placement, so you can maximize space and prevent damage.

  • Place large, heavy furniture and appliances against the walls to create a stable base.
  • Use soft items like pillows, blankets, or cushions to fill spaces and prevent shifting.
  • Put lighter items on top and wrap breakable items in bubble wrap or padding.
  • Avoid placing all heavy items on one side to maintain balance.
  • Secure items with straps and tie-downs to avoid shifting during transport.
  • Check customs and the destination country import laws. Certain items could be restricted or need special documentation.

How Much Does a 20 Foot Shipping Container Cost for Moving?

The price for renting a 20 ft shipping container for moving overseas is based on delivery, pickup, and customs fees. Different moving companies will quote different prices, but generally start at CAD 2,000.

Read about costs when shipping your furniture and items overseas.

The price of a 20-foot shipping container varies based on:

  • Container type (standard 20-foot, high cube, specialized)
  • Freight volume
  • Distance between Canada and the destination
  • Route popularity
  • Port fees for (un)loading
  • Season (high or off-peak, holidays, end-of-year period)
  • Weather conditions (extreme weather)
  • Market trends (fuel surcharges, global trade, etc.)

Frequently asked questions

What are the exact 20ft container dimensions in meters?

How many cubic meters fit in a 20 foot container?

What is the weight of a 20ft shipping container?

How much furniture can fit in a 20 foot container?

How much does a 20ft container cost for moving?