---
title: "How Much Cargo Fits In a Container?"
description: "Provides container capacity guidelines (CBM, dimensions, door height) per container size and notes weight limits by carrier, mode, region, and palletization."
language: en
canonical: https://www.flexport.com/help/container-size-volume/
lifecycle: live
author:
  - "Flexport Editorial"
publishedAt: 2018-03-29T15:59:35.328Z
dateModified: 2026-07-31T03:22:11Z
readingTimeMinutes: 1
topics:
  - "Ocean Freight"
---

# How Much Cargo Fits In a Container?

This table shows the general container capacity guidelines -- how much cbm fits into each container, as well as dimensions and door height: 

![Table of container sizes (20', 40', 40' HC, 45' HC) with maximum cbm capacity, internal dimensions in feet and meters, and door heights.](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/ynj1yl20/development/c4caa4c01af980983130189045595765255216a8-609x357.png)

It's important to note that the capacity will be determined by the size of the cartons, [how they are packed into the container](https://www.flexport.com/help/packaging-damage-prevention-guide/) by the supplier, and whether or not [the cargo is palletized](https://www.flexport.com/help/palletizing-cargo-consideration/). The “stretch to” number is only possible with small boxes.  

## What are the weight limits?

Weight restrictions vary by carrier, mode, and region. For example, a 44,000-lb load may not exceed the 40' container weight limit set by the ocean carrier, but it *will* exceed the weight limit for a truck in some states. In this case, the shipment would require a tri-axle chassis or, potentially, an [overweight](https://www.flexport.com/help/overweight-cargo/) permit. 

Shipments being loaded onto the rail will have their own set of weight limits as well.

---

*This is a markdown version of [https://www.flexport.com/help/container-size-volume/](https://www.flexport.com/help/container-size-volume/) for AI/LLM consumption.*