Nice to have?
Download a program donated by ECT to the SMDG members. This program allows you to type in an ISO size/type code, old or new table, and it will display the length, height and description. Download it here.

Sizetype coding
Here is the description of the 'old' numeric coding. The total number of characters is 4 (four), which are all numeric. The first character depends on the length, the second character on the height. The 3rd and 4th character indicate the type.

First size code character depends on container length:

10'

2991mm

20'

6068mm

30'

9125mm

40'

12192mm

Unassigned

35'

10668mm

45'

13716mm

Second size code character depends on container height:

2438mm

tunnel

8'6

2591mm

8'6

2591mm

tunnel

> 8'6

> 2591mm

> 8'6

> 2591mm

tunnel

> 4' & <= 4'3

> 1219mm & <= 1295mm

> 4' & <= 4'3

> 1219mm & <= 1295mm

tunnel

> 4'3 & <= 8'

> 1295mm & <= 2438mm

The third and fourth character depends on container type:

DV General purpose containers, Opening(s) at one or both ends

DV General purpose containers, Opening(s) at one or both ends, plus 'full' opening(s) on one or both sides

DV General purpose containers, Opening(s) at one or both ends, plus 'partial' opening(s) on one or both sides

DV General purpose containers, Opening(s) at one or both ends, plus opening roof

DV General purpose containers, Opening(s) at one or both ends, plus opening roof and opening(s) at one or both sides

DV General purpose containers, Spare

General purpose containers, Spare

DV Closed containers vented, Passive vents at upper part of cargo space. Total vent cross-section area < 25cm2/m of nominal length

DV Closed containers vented, Passive vents at upper part of cargo space. Total vent cross-section area >= 25cm2/m of nominal length

VE Closed containers vented, Vented, Spare

VE Closed containers Ventilated, Non mechanical system, vents at lower and upper parts of cargo space

DV Closed containers Ventilated, Spare

DV Closed containers Ventilated, Mechanical ventilation system, located internally

DV Closed containers Ventilated, Spare

Closed containers Ventilated, Mechanical ventilation system, located externally

DV Closed containers Ventilated, Spare

I* Dry bulk containers, Non-pressurized, Box type, Closed

I* Dry bulk containers, Non-pressurized, Box type, Vented

I* Dry bulk containers, Non-pressurized, Box type, Ventilated

Dry bulk containers, Non-pressurized, Box type, Airtight

Dry bulk containers, Non-pressurized, Box type, Spare

Named cargo containers, Livestock carrier

Named cargo containers, Automobile carrier

Named cargo containers, Spare

R* Thermal containers, Refrigerated, Expendable refrigant

R* Thermal containers, Mechanically refrigerated

R* Thermal containers, Refrigerated and heated

Thermal containers, Heated

Thermal containers, Self powered mechanically refrigerated

R* Thermal containers, Self powered refrigerated and heated

Thermal containers, Self powered heated

Thermal containers, Self powered refrigerated/heated, Spare

I* Thermal containers, Refrigerated and/or heated with removable equipment located externally

I* Thermal containers, Refrigerated and/or heated with removable equipment located internally

I* Thermal containers, Refrigerated and/or heated with removable equipment located externally

Thermal containers, Refrigerated and/or heated with removable equipment, Spare

Thermal containers, Insulated

Thermal containers, Insulated, Spare

OT Open top containers, Opening(s) at one or both ends

OT Open top containers, Opening(s) at one or both ends plus removable top member(s) in end frame(s)

OT Open top containers, Opening(s) at one or both ends plus opening(s) on one or both sides

OT Open top containers, Opening(s) at one or both ends plus opening(s) on one or both sides plus removable top member(s) in end frame(s)

OT Open top containers, Opening(s) at one or both ends plus 'partial' opening on one side and 'full' opening on the other side

OT Open top containers, Spare

Open top containers, Spare

HT Open top containers, Spare

FB Platform (container)

FL Platform based containers with incomplete superstructure with complete and fixed ends

FL Platform based containers with incomplete superstructure with fixed free-standing posts

FL Platform based containers with incomplete superstructure with folding complete end structure

FL Platform based containers with incomplete superstructure with folding free-standing posts

OS Platform based containers with complete superstructure with roof

OS Platform based containers with complete superstructure with open top

OS Platform based containers with complete superstructure with open top, open ends (skeletal)

Platform based containers with complete superstructure, Spare

T* Tank containers, Non dangerous liquids, test pressure 45 kPa

T* Tank containers, Non dangerous liquids, test pressure 150 kPa

T* Tank containers, Non dangerous liquids, test pressure 265 kPa

T* Tank containers, Dangerous liquids, test pressure 150 kPa

T* Tank containers, Dangerous liquids, test pressure 265 kPa

T* Tank containers, Dangerous liquids, test pressure 400 kPa

T* Tank containers, Dangerous liquids, test pressure 600 kPa

T* Tank containers, Dangerous gases, test pressure 1050 kPa

T* Tank containers, Dangerous gases, test pressure 2200 kPa

T* Tank containers, Dangerous gases, test pressure unassigned

BK Dry Bulk container, Non pressurized, hopper type, Closed

BK Dry Bulk container, Non pressurized, hopper type, Vented

BK Dry Bulk container, Non pressurized, hopper type, Ventilated

Dry Bulk container, Non pressurized, hopper type, Airtight

Dry Bulk container, Non pressurized, hopper type, Spare

Dry Bulk container, Pressurized, Horizontal discharge, test pressure 150 kPa

FL Dry Bulk container, Pressurized, Horizontal discharge, test pressure 265 kPa

Dry Bulk container, Pressurized, Tipping discharge, test pressure 150 kPa

Dry Bulk container, Pressurized, Tipping discharge, test pressure 265

Dry Bulk container, Pressurized, Spare

Air/surface containers, Spare

CO Air/surface containers, Spare

Go to top