A standard 20-foot shipping container, often referred to as a TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit), is one of the most widely used containers in the global shipping industry. It is designed for transporting a wide range of cargo across sea, rail, and road and is known for its efficient size and sturdy build.
 
The external dimensions of a 20-foot container are approximately 20 feet in length (6.058 meters), 8 feet in width (2.438 meters), and 8 feet 6 inches in height (2.591 meters). Internally, it offers a usable length of about 19 feet 4 inches (5.898 meters), a width of 7 feet 8 inches (2.352 meters), and a height of 7 feet 10 inches (2.393 meters). The door opening is roughly 7 feet 8 inches wide (2.343 meters) and 7 feet 5 inches high (2.280 meters), allowing easy access for loading and unloading cargo.
 
In terms of capacity, a 20-foot container provides an internal volume of around 1,170 cubic feet, or 33.2 cubic meters. It typically has a maximum gross weight of 55,126 pounds (25,000 kilograms), a tare weight of approximately 4,850 pounds (2,200 kilograms), and a maximum payload (the weight of cargo it can carry) of around 50,276 pounds (22,800 kilograms).
 
Constructed mainly from corrosion-resistant corten steel, the container is built to withstand harsh marine environments. It features marine-grade plywood or bamboo flooring supported by steel cross members. Double swing doors are located at one end, and small ventilation grills are usually included to allow airflow. These containers are stackable, often up to 6 to 8 units high, depending on load and type.