General containers are also known as dry cargo containers. They are closed containers, i.e. they are closed on all sides. A distinction may be drawn between the following types of standard container:

Standard containers with doors at one or both end(s);
Standard containers with doors at one or both end(s) and doors over the entire length of one or both sides;
Standard containers with doors at one or both end(s) and doors on one or both sides.

In addition, the various types of standard container also differ in dimensions and weight, resulting in a wide range of standard containers. Standard containers are mainly used as 20′ and 40′ containers. Containers with smaller dimensions are very seldom used. Indeed, the trend is towards even longer dimensions, e.g. 45′.

	20′ Standard	40′ Standard
Max. Gross Weight	30,480 kg (67,200 lb)	32,500 kg (71,650 lb)
Tare Weight	2,220 kg (4,890 lb)	3,720 kg (8,200 lb)
Payload	28,260 kg (62,310 lb)	28,780 kg (63,450 lb)
External Dimensions
Length	6,058 mm (19′-10″)	2,192 mm (40′-0″)
Width	2,438 mm (8′-0″)	2,438 mm (8′-0″)
Height	2,591 mm (8′-6″)	2,591 mm (8′-6″)
Internal Dimensions
Length	5,898 mm (19′-2″)	12,032 mm (39′-1″)
Width	2,352 mm (7′-6″)	2,352 mm (7′-6″)
Height	2,393 mm (7′-8″)	2,393 mm (7′-8″)
Door Opening
Width	2,352 mm (7′-6″)	2,352 mm (7′-6″)
Height	2,280 mm (7′-4″)	2,280 mm (7′-4″)
Cube
Cubic Capacity	33.2 m3 (1,170 ft.3)	67.7 m3 (2,390 ft.30