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# What are the different containers sizes and codes?

## What do the container sizes and codes mean?

**Container Types and Capacity – A Quick Guide**

While there are many different grades and specifications for containers, they generally fall into two main **height categories**:

### 📦 Container Height Types

* **GP (General Purpose)** – These are the **standard containers**, with an external height of **2.6m (8’6”)**
* **HC (High Cube)** – These containers offer extra vertical space, with an external height of **2.9m (9’6”)**

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### 📊 Market Trends by Container Type

* In the **20ft market**, **GP containers** are more common due to cost-efficiency and shipping line preferences.
* In the **40ft market**, **HC containers** are more common, as shipping lines typically purchase 40’HC containers over 40’GPs due to minimal cost differences and increased capacity.

Although the height difference is just **one foot**, it can make a **significant difference** in volume, particularly for bulky cargo.

**Tip:** You can often spot a **High Cube container** by the **reflective tape on its doors**.

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### 📐 Average Capacity (CBM – Cubic Meters) by Container Type

| Container Type | Approx. Capacity (CBM) |
| --- | --- |
| 20' GP | 33 CBM |
| 20' HC | 37 CBM |
| 40' GP | 66 CBM |
| 40' HC | 76 CBM |
| 45' HC | 85 CBM |