Technical Information > What is the clear height and width of doors in shipping containers?

What is the clear height and width of doors in shipping containers?

The clear height and width of a shipping container door (called “door opening”) indicate the actual size of the opening with the doors fully open, i.e. the maximum passage size through which cargo can be handled. These values are crucial particularly in logistics, transport, construction, or when converting containers (for example into offices, shipping container houses, container homes or storage units).

It is essential to distinguish these values from interior dimensions, which describe the usable space inside the container, and from exterior dimensions, which are important for transport, stacking, or placement on vehicles.

The door passage size is always smaller than the internal width/height of the container, because part of the space is taken up by the steel frame, hinges, seals, and locking mechanisms. For this reason, when planning transport you must always use the clear door dimensions, not just the internal dimensions.

Why are the door dimensions a key parameter?

  • Efficient loading and unloading: They allow you to choose the right container type for a specific cargo, for example machinery, palletised goods, or oversized items. 
  • Handling with equipment: They determine whether a forklift truck, pallet truck, or special handling equipment is required. 
  • Safety: Sufficient passage size minimises the risk of damage both to the cargo and to the container itself. 
  • Planning construction modifications: When converting containers (for example into living modules such as shipping container homes and container houses), the clear door size is the starting point for further structural design.

Overview: Table of door dimensions by container type

Basic ISO standards ensure that most containers meet certain minimum clear door dimensions. Below is an overview of the most common types and their typical clear door dimensions:

Container typeClear door width [mm]Clear door width [m]Clear door height [mm]Clear door height [m]Note
10′ Standard2 3402.342 2802.28Smaller, often used for storage
20′ Standard (DV)2 3402.342 2802.28Most commonly used, 1 TEU
40′ Standard (DV)2 3402.342 2802.28Length 12.2 m, 2 TEU
20′ High Cube (HC)2 3402.342 5802.58Increased door height
40′ High Cube (HC)2 3402.342 5802.58Suitable for taller cargo
45′ High Cube (HC)2 3402.342 5802.58Maximisation of space, pallets

Note: Dimensions may vary by manufacturer by several mm/cm; for precise transport planning always check the specific specifications!

Clear height and width of a 20′ shipping container – see illustration below:

Clear height and width of a 40’HC shipping container – see illustration below:

Extended description of individual container types

10-foot container (10’)

  • Primary uses: Short-term storage, smaller consignments, mobile units.
  • Design notes: Same door system as larger containers, but shorter length. 
  • Advantage: Easy to place in confined spaces; the doors still allow loading of palletised goods.

20-foot standard container (20’ DV)

  • Global standard: Basic unit of container transport (TEU). 
  • Handling: Passage with a forklift is usually possible, the door width accommodates standard euro-pallets as well as industrial pallets. 
  • Safety: A massive door frame provides protection against forced entry and damage during handling.

40-foot standard container (40’ DV)

  • Use: Transport of bulkier but rather lighter cargo (e.g. textiles, furniture). The door opening has the same dimensions as on a 20’ DV. 
  • Technical note: Thanks to its length, cargo can be stacked more efficiently; however, the door dimensions limit what can be loaded in one piece.

High Cube containers (HC, 20’/40’/45’)

  • Characteristics: Height increased by 1 foot (approx. 30 cm) compared to standard containers. 
  • Doors: Significantly higher passage opening – suitable, for example, for machinery, tall pallets, building components. 
  • Specific note: Increased door height can also mean greater requirements for handling equipment (e.g. higher lift of a forklift truck).

Door structure and technical details

What are container doors made of?

  • Material: High-strength Corten steel (resistant to corrosion and weather conditions). 
  • Door frame: A massive frame ensures structural strength and safety (against intrusion and deformation). 
  • Hinges: Typically 3–4 robust hinges on each leaf for easy opening and long service life. 
  • Seals: Rubber seals along the door perimeter ensure water tightness and dust tightness. 
  • Locking: Typically 2–4 locking bars with the option of using a padlock, possibly with security covers.

Practical tips for working with doors

  • Check before loading: Make sure the doors are fully functional (not deformed, hinges lubricated). 
  • Space for opening: Requires at least 2.5 m in front of the container for fully opening the door leaves. 
  • Locking: It is recommended to use security locks with protection against bolt-cutting.

Special door variants on containers

Double Door (DD, tunnel containers)

  • Doors at both ends – allow drive-through or easier handling of goods.
  • Door dimensions are the same as on standard containers of the same length.

Open Side (OS, side opening)

  • Large doors along the entire length of one side wall – maximise access and loading options.
  • Ideal for long or bulky loads that cannot be inserted through standard doors.

Open Top (OT, open roof)

  • Loading from above, typically by crane; the end doors remain standard.
  • Advantageous for single-piece oversized loads or materials that need handling from above.

Related terms – glossary

  • TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit): Standard unit corresponding to a 20’ container.
  • High Cube: Raised container (height 2.89 m, doors typically 2.58 m).
  • CSC Plate: Safety plate with data on the manufacturer, date of manufacture, load capacity, etc.
  • Standard container (DV): Height 2.59 m, door opening 2.28 m.
  • Foot container: Length designation in imperial feet (20’, 40’, 45’…).
  • Cube (volume) of a container: Important parameter when transporting light but bulky cargo.
  • Interior / Exterior dimensions: Difference between the usable interior space and the overall exterior dimensions.

Technical standards and regulations

  • ISO 668: Standardises container dimensions and designation (length, width, height, door opening).
  • EN 1990, EN 1991-1-1, EN 1993-1-1: Set rules for design, loading, and safety – particularly important for conversions and construction use.

Practical advice and frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is the door passage opening identical for all containers of the same type?

No. Although the dimensions are standardised, there are small differences between manufacturers (on the order of millimetres to centimetres). When loading close to the limit, we recommend always checking the exact dimension with the supplier.

What is the main difference between the doors of a standard and a High Cube container?

The door height of a High Cube is about 30 cm greater; the width remains the same.

Can a passenger car fit inside a container?

Yes, most passenger cars fit easily thanks to a door width of 2.34 m and height of 2.28 m (standard) or 2.58 m (High Cube). However, we always recommend checking the dimensions of the specific vehicle.

Why is the clear door width smaller than the internal width of the container?

Because of the robust door frame and seals, which are essential for the strength and tightness of the container.

What are the most common container sizes for transport?

20’ standard (DV), 40’ standard (DV), 40’ High Cube (HC); less often 10’, 45’ HC. 53’ containers are also available in the USA.

The clear height and width of the doors of shipping containers are among the most important technical parameters that have a direct impact on the efficiency of transport, safety of handling and the possibilities of using containers in various fields. A good knowledge of these specifications will allow you to choose the optimal solution for transport, storage and construction projects.

If you need exact values ​​for a specific container, we always recommend contacting a specialized supplier (for example, HZ CONTAINERS), or using the manufacturer’s technical documentation.