Wondering about the biggest shipping container size? This guide covers all standard container sizes — from 20ft to 45ft HC — to help Canadian importers choose the right option.
20-Foot Standard Container (20ft): Internal dimensions of approximately 5.9m (L) x 2.35m (W) x 2.39m (H). Capacity of around 33 cubic metres and up to 28,000 kg payload. Best for dense, heavy cargo. Commonly used for machinery, construction materials, and industrial goods.
40-Foot Standard Container (40ft): Internal dimensions of approximately 12.03m (L) x 2.35m (W) x 2.39m (H). Capacity of around 67 cubic metres and up to 30,000 kg payload. The most commonly used container size for international shipping. Ideal for a wide range of products including consumer goods, apparel, furniture, and electronics.
53-Foot Container: Used primarily for domestic North American trucking. Not a standard international ocean freight container and therefore not commonly used for China-to-Canada imports.
Full Container Load (FCL) vs Less Than Container Load (LCL)
FCL (Full Container Load): You book an entire container for your shipment. Best for large volume orders. More cost-effective per unit for big orders. Faster transit times and lower risk of cargo damage.
For most Canadian businesses importing from China, the 40ft HC is the most practical and cost-effective choice for full container loads. It maximises cargo space, is widely available at all major Chinese ports, and fits standard Canadian port and rail infrastructure.
What is the biggest shipping container size? The 40-foot High Cube (40HC) is the largest standard ISO container used in international ocean freight. The 45ft HC is larger but mainly used for domestic North American trucking.
How many CBM is a 40ft HC container? A 40-foot High Cube container holds approximately 76 cubic metres (CBM) of cargo.
Need Help Importing from China to Canada? Book a free consultation with Epic Sourcing Canada and our team will help you plan your shipment, negotiate with suppliers, and choose the right logistics solution.
