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Container Ship entering Port

20' DV Shipping Container

RAL 1015 //6007//7015//5010

Exterior Length: 20

Exterior Width: 8

Exterior Height: 8' 6

Interior Length: 19' 6

Interior Width: 7' 8

Interior Height: 7' 10

Capacity: 33.2 m³

MAX Payload: 28,000 kg

20ft Shipping Container – Dimensions & Capacity

The 20ft DV container has been a cornerstone of global shipping since the 1960s, valued for its compact size, maneuverability, and ability to carry dense, heavy cargo.

With external dimensions of 20’ x 8’ x 8’6” (6.06m x 2.44m x 2.59m), it offers just over 33m³ of internal space, making it ideal for industries that prioritize weight over volume.

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From construction materials and machinery parts to consumer goods and raw commodities, the 20ft DV remains the go-to choice for businesses that need reliable, versatile, and globally standardized transport.

Cargo Shipping Containers

History

1956 – The Original Container: The 20ft DV is Born

1960s–1990s – Global Standardization & Widespread Adoption

2000s–Today – From Transport Workhorse to Multi-Purpose Unit

In 1956, shipping changed forever when Malcolm McLean launched the first containerized cargo ship using a fleet of 20ft steel containers. These early models — later referred to as 20ft Dry Vans (DVs) — were designed for easy transfer between trucks, ships, and trains, solving the problems of manual loading, theft, and cargo damage.

The 20ft DV quickly became the first globally recognized container size, setting the standard for intermodal transport and paving the way for today's highly efficient global supply chains.

By the 1960s, the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) adopted the 20ft container as the baseline unit of measure for shipping – also known as the “Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit” (TEU). This made the 20ft DV the benchmark for port, ship, and terminal infrastructure worldwide.

Throughout the 1970s to 1990s, the 20ft DV container was used extensively across industries for transporting general cargo. Its compact size, durability, and ability to carry up to 28,000 kg (61,700 lbs) made it ideal for dense, heavy loads like machinery, metals, and bulk goods.

While larger containers like the 40ft and High Cubes gained popularity for volume shipping, the 20ft DV remains essential today due to its maneuverability, cost-efficiency, and ease of handling. It fits where larger units can’t — especially in urban deliveries, rural sites, or tight warehouse yards.

Modern uses for the 20ft DV include:

  • Export of heavy or dense goods

  • Mobile storage for retail, events, and construction

  • Custom builds like guard shacks, tool sheds, or pop-up booths

With its rich history and continued utility, the 20ft Dry Van stands as a core building block of global logistics and a favorite for versatile applications worldwide.

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