# ISO container

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> An ISO container is a standardized steel box whose dimensions, load capacity, corner castings and locking mechanisms are defined by ISO 668 and related standards.

An ISO container is a standardized steel box whose dimensions, load capacity, corner castings and locking mechanisms are defined by ISO 668 and related standards. The two dominant sizes are the 20-foot container—the basis of the TEU unit—and the 40-foot container (FEU); specialized variants include High Cube, Flat Rack, Open Top and refrigerated units (reefers). Standardization is the backbone of modern containerized trade: uniform dimensions allow mechanized terminal handling, secure multi-tier stacking on vessels and seamless interchange between ocean, rail and road transport without reloading cargo. In day-to-day freight forwarding, ISO containers are the primary equipment unit in ocean shipping—bookings, freight rates and customs declarations routinely reference their standard sizes.

**Source:** [https://www.iso.org/standard/76912.html](https://www.iso.org/standard/76912.html)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | ISO container |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 110 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://www.iso.org/standard/76912.html |

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