Standard Shipping
Specialized & Access
Reefer & Open Top
- Home
- About Us
- Shop All Containers
- Buyer's Guide
- Testimonials
- FAQs
-
Standard ShippingSpecialized & AccessReefer & Open Top
- Contact & Depot
Sales Desk: verkoop@dutchcontainertrading.com
KvK Number: 28101685
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
| External Length | 2.99 m (9'11") |
| External Width | 2.44 m (8'0") |
| External Height | 2.59 m (8'6") |
| Internal Volume | ~15.9 m³ |
| Tare Weight | ~1,250 kg |
20ft Standard Dry
| External Length | 6.06 m (19'10") |
| External Width | 2.44 m (8'0") |
| External Height | 2.59 m (8'6") |
| Internal Volume | ~33.2 m³ |
| Tare Weight | ~2,200 kg |
40ft Standard Dry
| External Length | 12.19 m (40'0") |
| External Width | 2.44 m (8'0") |
| External Height | 2.59 m (8'6") |
| Internal Volume | ~67.7 m³ |
| Tare Weight | ~3,750 kg |
40ft High Cube (HC)
| External Length | 12.19 m (40'0") |
| External Width | 2.44 m (8'0") |
| External Height | 2.89 m (9'6") |
| Internal Volume | ~76.4 m³ |
| Tare Weight | ~3,940 kg |
New vs. Used: Which Grade Do You Need?
Understanding container grading helps you balance aesthetic preferences with your project budget.
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.
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.
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:
Roof & Panel Integrity
Tested for micro-pinholes, severe panel bowing, or localized rust spots by complete dark-room light inspection.
Door Gaskets & Seals
Double rubber gaskets are inspected to ensure an airtight seal that prevents water, humidity, and pests from entering.
Floorboard Condition
28mm heavy-duty marine plywood floors checked for structural strength, rot, deep gouges, or hazardous chemical residues.
Locking Gear & Handles
Locking bars, cams, keepers, and handles are aligned and lubricated so doors swing freely and lock tightly.
Corner Castings
All eight ISO corner castings are inspected for twistlock compatibility, structural alignment, and crane lifting safety.
Understructure Crossmembers
Underbody steel I-beams and crossmembers checked for corrosion or impact deflection to ensure maximum payload support.
CSC Plate Validation
Metal safety plate data verified for max gross weight, tare, payload capacity, and valid certification date.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Ready to Select Your Container?
Speak with our container specialists in Rotterdam and Wassenaar for personalized advice, tailored quotes, and fast delivery scheduling.
Request an Instant Quote →