Nederlandse Containerhandel

Expert Advice from Rotterdam

Shipping Container Buyer’s Guide

Everything you need to know about container grades, standard dimensions, site preparation, and offloading logistics across the Netherlands and Europe.

Standard Container Sizes & Capacities

Compare the most common intermodal container configurations to determine the right unit for your storage or shipping needs.

10ft Standard Dry

Ideal for compact storage, construction site tool cribs, and small residential gardens.
External Length2.99 m (9'11")
External Width2.44 m (8'0")
External Height2.59 m (8'6")
Internal Volume~15.9 m³
Tare Weight~1,250 kg
Fits approx. 4–5 Euro Pallets (120 x 80 cm)
Most Popular

20ft Standard Dry

The international industry standard. Perfect balance between footprint and storage capacity.
External Length6.06 m (19'10")
External Width2.44 m (8'0")
External Height2.59 m (8'6")
Internal Volume~33.2 m³
Tare Weight~2,200 kg
Fits approx. 11 Euro Pallets (ground layer)

40ft Standard Dry

Maximum horizontal capacity for large commercial shipments and extensive warehouse storage.
External Length12.19 m (40'0")
External Width2.44 m (8'0")
External Height2.59 m (8'6")
Internal Volume~67.7 m³
Tare Weight~3,750 kg
Fits approx. 24–25 Euro Pallets

40ft High Cube (HC)

Extra 30 cm vertical headroom. Preferred for vehicle storage, machinery, and container conversions.
External Length12.19 m (40'0")
External Width2.44 m (8'0")
External Height2.89 m (9'6")
Internal Volume~76.4 m³
Tare Weight~3,940 kg
Fits approx. 25 Euro Pallets + Extra Vertical Space

New vs. Used: Which Grade Do You Need?

Understanding container grading helps you balance aesthetic preferences with your project budget.

Top Tier

New (One-Trip)

Manufactured overseas and transported with a single dry cargo load to Europe before gate-in at our Rotterdam depot.

  • Pristine exterior paint with zero structural rust.
  • Clean, unmarked marine plywood or bamboo flooring.
  • Smooth operating locking bars and factory door seals.
  • Ideal for company branding, retail spaces, and offices.
Export Certified

Cargo Worthy (CW)

Inspected and certified to meet international maritime safety standards under the Convention for Safe Containers (CSC).

  • Structurally certified for international ocean and rail freight.
  • Valid CSC plate inspection stamp included.
  • Minor surface rust, small scratches, and cosmetic dents.
  • Cost-effective choice for international export logistics.
Best Value

Wind & Watertight (WWT)

Retired from active ocean shipping fleets but guaranteed structurally intact, leak-free, and secure for stationary use.

  • Guaranteed 100% leak-proof: keeps contents dry and pest-free.
  • Functional double doors with intact rubber gaskets.
  • Visible wear, patches, surface oxidation, and paint variations.
  • The most economical choice for construction and farm storage.

Our 7-Point Container Inspection Protocol

Every container leaving our Bunschotenweg depot undergoes rigorous verification against these seven critical checkpoints:

Check 01

Roof & Panel Integrity

Tested for micro-pinholes, severe panel bowing, or localized rust spots by complete dark-room light inspection.

Check 02

Door Gaskets & Seals

Double rubber gaskets are inspected to ensure an airtight seal that prevents water, humidity, and pests from entering.

Check 03

Floorboard Condition

28mm heavy-duty marine plywood floors checked for structural strength, rot, deep gouges, or hazardous chemical residues.

Check 04

Locking Gear & Handles

Locking bars, cams, keepers, and handles are aligned and lubricated so doors swing freely and lock tightly.

Check 05

Corner Castings

All eight ISO corner castings are inspected for twistlock compatibility, structural alignment, and crane lifting safety.

Check 06

Understructure Crossmembers

Underbody steel I-beams and crossmembers checked for corrosion or impact deflection to ensure maximum payload support.

Check 07

CSC Plate Validation

Metal safety plate data verified for max gross weight, tare, payload capacity, and valid certification date.

Guarantee

100% Quality Assurance

All units delivered comply with Dutch Container Trading (DCT) B.V. warranty standards.

Preparing Your Site for Crane Delivery

Container delivery trucks in the Netherlands weigh between 25 and 40 tons. Here is how to prepare your delivery location:

1

Verify Roadway Clearances

The crane truck needs at least 3.2 meters of width and 4.2 meters of vertical clearance. Ensure trees are pruned and there are no low overhead cables or narrow gates along the approach route.

2

Prepare a Solid, Level Base

Never place a container directly on soft soil or wet turf. The weight must rest evenly on the four corner castings using concrete slabs, steel plates, or hardwood railway sleepers to keep the doors aligned.

3

Specify Door Orientation

Decide in advance whether you want the container doors facing toward the cab of the truck or toward the rear. Inform our logistics dispatcher before the truck is loaded at our Rotterdam depot.

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