What is an ISO shipping container?
ISO shipping containers are globally standardized freight containers designed for intermodal transport and long-term use. Their defined external dimensions (10, 20 or 40 feet) ensure predictable logistics, safe stacking and worldwide compatibility. Depending on the intended use, variants such as High Cube, Double Door or Open Side offer additional flexibility – whether for pure storage, frequent loading cycles or later technical conversion.
Which Shipping Container Variant Fits Your Project?
Choosing the right container starts with one key question: How will it be used in daily operation? For straightforward storage, a standard dry container is often sufficient. For conversion projects, bulky goods or high-frequency access, details such as internal height, door configuration or full side access become decisive.
- Standard (Dry Van): Reliable all-round solution for storage and transport
- High Cube: Extra internal height – ideal for conversions or maximum volume
- Double Door: Access from both ends – efficient for logistics flow
- Open Side: Full side access – practical for pallets or machinery
- 10 / 20 / 40 feet: Standard lengths simplify footprint and site planning
ISO, CSC, Corten Steel – What Does It Mean in Practice?
ISO containers follow internationally defined standards for dimensions and corner fittings. This guarantees compatibility across ship, rail and truck transport worldwide. The CSC plate confirms approval for international freight use (depending on condition and certification status). Most ISO containers are built from Corten steel, engineered to withstand extreme weather, heavy stacking loads and long service life – one reason they are widely used far beyond maritime transport.
- Standardized dimensions & stacking capability
- Transport certification (CSC) where required
- Durable Corten steel construction
- Stackable (commonly up to six-high, depending on condition)
Condition & application: used, like-new, or new?
With shipping containers, condition must always be evaluated in relation to application. “Used” does not mean structurally weak. Many containers remain technically sound for decades. The key question is whether the container will serve storage, transport, technical conversion or visible long-term installation.
- For storage: Watertightness and structural integrity are key
- For transport: CSC approval and structural condition are critical
- For conversions: Variant selection (High Cube / Open Side) matters more than appearance
- For visible locations: Refurbished or like-new units may be preferable
ISO Shipping Containers - Sizes & Variants
Our ISO shipping containers are suitable for transport and storage – and are often used as a robust base for conversions. The following overviews assist with pre-selection based on dimensions, volume, payload, and door variants. Which models are available at short notice depends on current stock.
ISO Shipping Containers - Size & Variant Comparison
The following data assists with pre-selection (dimensions, volume, payload, door variants). Actual availability depends on stock.
CHV-200
Shipping container 20 ft
External Dimensions (L × W × H)
20 ft (6.06 m)
6,058 x 2,438 x 2,591 mm
Internal Volume
33.2 m³
Max Payload
28,230 kg
Tare Weight
2,185 kg
Stacking Capability
Up to 6-high
Standard Features
Steel double door
3-bar Easy-Open
locking system
CSC certification plate
Electrical Preparation
Optional
CHV-400
Shipping container 40 ft
External Dimensions (L × W × H)
40 ft (12.19 m)
12,192 x 2,438 x 2,591 mm
Internal Volume
67.7 m³
Maximum Payload
26,740 kg
Tare Weight
3,740 kg
Stacking Capability
Up to 6-high (subject to condition and load distribution)
Standard Features
Steel double door
4-bar locking system
Secure locking mechanism
CSC certification plate
Electrical Preparation
Optional
CHV-200LC
Low Cube Container
External Dimensions (L × W × H)
20 ft (6.06 m)
6,058 x 2,438 x 2,438 mm
Internal Volume
31.3 m³
Max Payload
30,480 kg
Tare Weight
2,160 kg
Stacking Capability
Up to 6-high
Standard Features
Steel double door
4-bar locking system
SC certification plate
Electrical Preparation
Optional
CHV-200HC
High Cube Container
Available Sizes
20 ft High Cube
6,058 x 2,438 x 2,896 mm
Volume: 37.4 m³
Tare Weight: 2,250 kg
40 ft High Cube
12,116 x 2,438 x 2,896 mm
Volume: 76.4 m³
Tare Weight: 4,020 kg
Stacking Capability
Up to 6-high
Standard Features
Steel double door
4-bar locking system
CSC certification plate
Electrical Preparation
Optional
CHV-200DD
Double Door Container
Available Sizes
20 ft Double Door
6,058 x 2,438 x 2,591 mm
Volume: 33.1 m³
Tare Weight: 2,300 kg
40 ft Double Door
12,116 x 2,438 x 2,591 mm
Volume: 67.7 m³
Tare Weight: 3,700–4,700 kg
Stacking Capability
Up to 6-high
Standard Features
Double door access on both ends
4-bar locking system
CSC certification plate
Electrical Preparation
Optional
CHV-200OS
Open Side Container
External Dimensions (L × W × H)
20 ft (6.06 m)
6,058 x 2,438 x 2,591 mm
Internal Volume
30.4 m³
Max Payload
27,200 kg
Tare Weight
2,940 kg
Stacking Capability
Up to 6-high
Standard Features
4 x steel double door
4-bar locking system
CSC certification plate
Electrical Preparation
Optional
ISO Shipping Containers - Size & Variant Comparison
The following data assists with pre-selection (dimensions, volume, payload, door variants). Actual availability depends on stock.
CHV-200
Shipping container 20 ft
External Dimensions (L × W × H)
20 ft (6.06 m) • 6,058 x 2,438 x 2,591 mm
Max Payload: 28,230 kg • Volume: 33.2 m³
Tare Weight: 2,160 kg • Stackable 6-high
Standard Features
Steel double door • 3-bar Easy-Open locking system • CSC certification plate
Electrical Preparation
Optional
CHV-400
Shipping container 40 ft
External Dimensions (L × W × H)
40 ft (12.19 m) • 12,192 x 2,438 x 2,591 mm
Max Payload: 26,740 kg • Volume: 67.7 m³
Tare Weight: 3,740 kg • Stackable 6-high
Standard Features
Steel double door • 4-bar locking system • CSC certification plate
Electrical Preparation
Optional
CHV-200LC
Low Cube Container
External Dimensions (L × W × H)
20 ft (6.06 m) • 6,058 x 2,438 x 2,438 mm
Max Payload: 30,480 kg • Internal Volume: 31.3 m³
Tare Weight: 2,160 kg • Stackable 6-high
Standard Features
Steel double door • 4-bar locking mechanism • CSC certification plate
Electrical Preparation
Optional
CHV-200HC
High Cube Container
Available Sizes
20 ft (6.06 m) • 6,058 x 2,438 x 2,896 mm
Volume: 37.4 m³ • Tare Weight: 2,250 kg
40 ft (12 m) • 12,116 x 2,438 x 2,896 mm
Volume: 76.4 m³ • Tare Weight: 4,020 kg
Stackable 6-high
Standard Features
Steel double door • 4-bar locking system • CSC certification plate
Electrical Preparation
Optional
CHV-200DD
Double Door Container
Available Sizes
20 ft (6.06 m) • 6,058 x 2,438 x 2,591 mm
Volume: 33.1 m³ • Tare Weight: 2,300 kg
40 ft (12.12 m) • 12,116 x 2,438 x 2,591 mm
Volume: 67.7 m³ • Tare Weight: 4,000 kg
Stackable 6-high
Standard equipment
Double door access on both ends • 4-bar locking system • CSC certification plate
Electrical Preparation
Optional
CHV-200OS
Open Side Container
External Dimensions (L × W × H)
20 ft (6.06 m) • 6,058 x 2,438 x 2,591 mm
Max Payload: 27,200 kg • Volume: 30.4 m³
Tare Weight: 2,940 kg • Stackable 6-high
Standard Features
Full side opening via multi-door system • 4-bar locking system • CSC certification plate
Electrical Preparation
Optional
Used ISO Shipping Containers – inspected, ready for use, and economical
Our used ISO containers are not surplus stock – they are inspected units with clearly defined quality standards. Depending on requirements, we supply wind- and watertight (WWT) containers for storage or CSC-capable units for continued transport use. Each container is checked for floor condition, door functionality, structural integrity and watertightness before delivery. This gives you a cost-effective solution with the durability ISO containers are known for – ready for immediate deployment.
ISO Shipping Containers with Integrated Refrigeration Unit (Reefer)
Reefer containers combine ISO-standard construction with integrated refrigeration technology for temperature-controlled transport and storage. Approved for intermodal use (ship, rail and truck), they enable precise temperature management for sensitive goods – from food and pharmaceuticals to technical products. Available in 10, 20 and 40 feet, they provide a reliable solution for both mobile logistics and stationary cooling applications.
Storage Containers in Lightweight Construction – flexible, mobile, and economical
In addition to ISO containers, CHV also offers storage containers in lightweight steel construction. These units are not CSC-certified and not designed for stacking, but they offer lower weight and increased mobility. They are particularly suitable for construction sites, company premises or temporary storage solutions with frequent relocation, where maritime certification is not required.
Purchase Like-New Shipping Containers – robust, available, predictable
A like-new ISO shipping container is the right choice when you want the stability and transport capability of a classic shipping container – but in a condition also suitable for long-term locations, clean storage, or later conversion. At CHV, you receive like-new containers in common sizes (10/20/40 feet) and variants such as High Cube, Double Door, or Open Side. This allows footprint, access, and internal height to be planned from the start to suit your project.
In short: You choose the variant – we take care of availability, transport, and customizations upon request.
CHV Full Service – from selection to placement
Selecting a container is straightforward. Ensuring it performs reliably on-site requires experience. With over three decades in container trading, logistics and custom builds, CHV supports you through the complete process:
- Consultation on size and configuration (Standard/HC/DD/OS)
- Selection aligned with use case
- Coordination of delivery, unloading and placement
- Technical documentation and planning support
Equipment & Conversion – When a Container Becomes the Solution
ISO containers are more than transport units – they are highly robust structural platforms for individual applications. At CHV, containers can be customized technically, functionally or visually. Typical upgrades include insulation, interior construction, electrical installations, lighting, climate systems, additional doors or access points and project-specific interior fit-out. This transforms a standard container into a technical unit, workshop, controlled storage solution or fully customized installation.
- Insulation and interior lining
- Electrical installation and lighting
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
- Additional doors, hatches and openings
- Branding, paintwork and interior fit-out
Frequently Asked Questions About Planning
ISO shipping containers are transport-certified (CSC), highly durable, and in many cases stackable. Storage containers in lightweight construction are lighter, not transport-certified, and not stackable – but particularly mobile and flexible for stationary use. The choice depends on the intended purpose.
For fit-out projects (technical, office, catering, laboratory, etc.), High Cube variants are often recommended due to greater internal height. Open Side or Double Door containers also facilitate later interior fit-out. We support you in selecting the optimal base.
An ISO shipping container is designed for extreme transport conditions and can be used for decades with proper use. Location, maintenance, and any conversions are decisive factors. Even used containers offer a long remaining service life.
Standard shipping containers are not insulated and follow the outside temperature. For temperature-sensitive storage, we recommend insulated containers, refrigerated containers, or individual conversions with insulation and heating or climate systems. We are happy to advise you on the appropriate solution for your location.
