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Sea Freight Reference

Container Size Guide

Standard ISO container specifications for sea freight via Colombo Port. Use this guide to choose the right container type for your cargo.

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ISO Standard Containers

Full Container Load (FCL)

FCL means you book an entire container for your cargo. Faster, more secure and preferred for large shipments.

Most Common
20' General Purpose 20' GP / TEU
External Dimensions
Length6.058 m 19'10½"
Width2.438 m 8'0"
Height2.591 m 8'6"
Internal Dimensions
Length5.898 m 19'4"
Width2.352 m 7'9"
Height2.393 m 7'10"
Capacity
Volume33.2 CBM
Max Payload28,230 kg
Tare Weight2,230 kg
Gross Weight30,480 kg
Door Opening
Width2.343 m 7'8"
Height2.280 m 7'6"
Best For
General cargoMachineryFMCG ElectronicsPalletised goods
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High Volume
40' General Purpose 40' GP / FEU
External Dimensions
Length12.192 m 40'0"
Width2.438 m 8'0"
Height2.591 m 8'6"
Internal Dimensions
Length12.032 m 39'6"
Width2.352 m 7'9"
Height2.393 m 7'10"
Capacity
Volume67.7 CBM
Max Payload26,480 kg
Tare Weight3,750 kg
Gross Weight30,480 kg
Door Opening
Width2.343 m 7'8"
Height2.280 m 7'6"
Best For
Bulk goodsFurnitureVehicles Industrial equipmentLarge volume shipments
Get a Quote for 40' GP
Most Popular
40' High Cube 40' HC
30cm extra height vs standard 40' GP
External Dimensions
Length12.192 m 40'0"
Width2.438 m 8'0"
Height2.896 m 9'6"
Internal Dimensions
Length12.032 m 39'6"
Width2.352 m 7'9"
Height2.698 m 8'10"
Capacity
Volume76.3 CBM
Max Payload26,330 kg
Tare Weight3,900 kg
Gross Weight30,480 kg
Door Opening
Width2.343 m 7'8"
Height2.585 m 8'6"
Best For
Tall machineryMotorbikesOversize items Garments on hangersLight bulk cargo
Get a Quote for 40' HC
Temperature Controlled
40' Reefer 40' RF
External Dimensions
Length12.192 m 40'0"
Width2.438 m 8'0"
Height2.591 m 8'6"
Internal Dimensions
Length11.590 m 38'0"
Width2.286 m 7'6"
Height2.248 m 7'4"
Capacity
Volume59.5 CBM
Max Payload27,700 kg
Tare Weight4,800 kg
Temperature−30°C to +30°C
Special Features
Cooling UnitIntegrated refrigeration
PowerShore power / genset
Best For
Perishable foodPharmaceuticals FlowersDairy productsFrozen cargo
Enquire About Reefer
Shared Container Load

Less than Container Load (LCL)

LCL lets you share container space with other shippers - ideal when your cargo doesn't fill a full container. You pay only for the space you use.

How LCL Works

OGL consolidates your cargo with other shippers' goods into a single container. This is called groupage or consolidation. You pay only for your CBM (cubic metres) used.

Charged By CBM or W/M (Weight or Measure)
Min. Charge Typically 1 CBM
Transit Time Slightly longer than FCL (consolidation adds 2–5 days)
Ideal When Cargo is less than ~15 CBM or under 5,000 kg
Lower cost for small shipments
No need to wait for a full load
Flexible dispatch schedule
Ideal for samples & trial orders
Get an LCL Quote
Quick Reference

Container Comparison

Type External Length External Height Internal Volume Max Payload Best For
20' GP 6.058 m 2.591 m 33.2 CBM 28,230 kg General, FMCG, machinery
40' GP 12.192 m 2.591 m 67.7 CBM 26,480 kg Bulk goods, furniture, vehicles
40' HC ★ 12.192 m 2.896 m 76.3 CBM 26,330 kg Tall cargo, garments, bulk light
40' RF 12.192 m 2.591 m 59.5 CBM 27,700 kg Perishables, pharma, frozen
LCL Shared space - pay per CBM Your CBM Your cargo Small shipments <15 CBM

★ 40' HC (High Cube) is the most requested container type at Colombo Port for general cargo.

Quick Tool

CBM Calculator

Estimate your cargo's cubic metre volume to help choose the right container.

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Cubic Metres (CBM)

This is an estimate. Contact our team for an accurate quote including packaging, loading and port handling.

Not sure which container to choose?

Our freight team will recommend the most cost-effective option for your specific cargo.

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