Technical information on containers

Containers play a crucial role in modern logistics. They are the backbone of international goods transport and enable goods of all kinds to be shipped safely and efficiently. But what are the technical features of a container? What standards must be met and how are they constructed to ensure maximum efficiency and safety? In this section, we look at the technical aspects of containers, from the basic dimensions and capacities to special requirements and safety standards.

Haalboom - Hamburg Internationale-Spedition Incoterms

General standards

Haalboom International Freight Forwarding’s containers meet the latest technical requirements and current safety standards. They are ISO-certified and fulfil international standards.

Efficiency through palletising

To simplify the handling of shipments and increase efficiency, pallets are used to load containers. This is particularly important in countries with high labour costs.

Pallet capacity

Weight restrictions & dimensions

The permissible total weight of containers varies from country to country and is often higher than the maximum permissible weight for road and rail transport.

20 ft container standard

Internal dimensions 589 x 235 x 239 cm
Door opening BXH 234 x 229 cm
Empty weight 2250 kg
Max. Payload 28200 kg

40 ft Container dry High Cube

Internal dimensions 1202 x 235 x 269 cm
Door opening BXH 234 x 259 cm
Empty weight 4020 kg
Max. Payload 26410 kg

40 ft Open Top

Internal dimensions 1202 x 235 x 237 cm
Door opening BXH 233 x 228 cm
Roof opening LXB 1155 x 219 cm
Empty weight 3850 kg
Max. Payload 26700 kg

20 ft Flat

Internal dimensions 598 x 223 x 225 cm
Unladen weight 2500 kg
Max. Payload 27800 kg

20 ft Platform

Internal dimensions 605 x 243 cm
Empty weight 2520 kg
Max. Payload 27960 kg

20 ft Reefer

Internal dimensions 548 x 229 x 225 cm
Door opening BXH 229 x 222 cm
Unladen weight 3160 kg
Max. Payload 27320 kg

40 ft Reefer High Cube

Internal dimensions 1164 x 229 x 250 cm
Door opening BXH 229 x 252 cm
Empty weight 4150 kg
Max. Payload 30480 kg

40 ft Container Standard

Internal dimensions 1202 x 235 x 239 cm
Door opening BXH 234 x 229 cm
Empty weight 3780 kg
Max. Payload 26700 kg

20 ft Open Top

Internal dimensions 589 x 235 x 237 cm
Door opening BXH 233 x 228 cm
Roof opening BXH 223 x 534 cm
Empty weight 2250 kg
Max. Payload 28200 kg

40 FT Open Top High Cube

Internal dimensions 1202 x 235 x 264 cm
Door opening BXH 235 x 268 cm
Roof opening LXB 1152 x 219 cm
Unladen weight 4100 kg
Max. Payload 26420 kg

40 ft Flat

Internal dimensions 1201 x 223 x 198 cm
Unladen weight 4200 kg
Max. Payload 40800 kg

40 ft Platform

Internal dimensions 1219 x 224 cm
Unladen weight 5700 kg
Max. Payload 39300 kg

40 ft Reefer

Internal dimensions 1156 x 229 x 226 cm
Door opening BXH 4200 kg
Unladen weight 4600 kg
Max. Payload 29400 kg

Interesting facts about containers

Containers have revolutionised the world of transport and have become an indispensable part of global logistics. Their history began as early as the 18th century in England, where wooden outer packaging crates were used to facilitate the transport of goods from the railway to horse-drawn carriages. In the 19th century, special container shapes were added for railway transport.

However, the big breakthrough came in the 20th century. The first standardised rail containers were introduced in the Netherlands. In 1956, the first 58 containers were shipped to the USA, marking the beginning of a new era in international trade. Since 1961, ISO has set standards for container dimensions, which have further facilitated global trade.

Today, containers are an indispensable tool for the efficient and safe transport of goods of all kinds. They have not only had a significant impact on logistics, but also on global trade.