Standard ISO Containers

ISO Containers

Standard ISO Shipping Containers Perth

ISO shipping containers such as 20′ or 40′ General Purpose are the most commonly used containers in shipping and road freight as they meet international standards. They are also built pallet wide accommodating 2 standard size pallets (side by side) and in high cube formats for an extra foot in height.

Other options may include cargo doors on one or both ends and additional side opening doors built in by the manufacturer or installed by our modifications team.

What is an ISO Container?

An ISO container—short for International Organization for Standardization container—is a freight container built to strict international standards for size, strength, and handling across all modes of transport: sea, rail, and road. These ISO standardized containers come in 20-foot and 40-foot lengths, with the most common being general purpose (GP) and high cube containers. The classification dimensions and ratings are globally recognized, ensuring interoperability across borders.

Each ISO container has a maximum gross weight, typically around 30,480 kg for a 20-foot unit and up to 32,500 kg for a 40-foot. The tare weight (empty weight) is also standardized to aid in logistics and customs documentation. These containers helped revolutionize freight movement during and after the Vietnam Wars, establishing the foundation of today’s global supply chain. As intermodal transportation evolved, ISO containers became the standard for bulk cargo handling, linking a series of services across continents.

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ISO Container Specifications

Standard ISO shipping containers are the perfect storage units in terms of their portability, security and hardiness. You can hire self storage space in our yard within any standard size ISO shipping container or combination of containers you require. Check the dimensions above to find the right size container for the job.

Shipping Container Vol
(m3)
Max. Cargo
(kg)
Tare Weight
(kg)
Internal (m) External (m)
L W H L W H
new prod layout standard 20 container20′ GP
33 28,200 2,280 5.9 2.35 2.39 6.06 2.44 2.59
new prod layout standard 20 container20′ HC
37.4 28,330 2,300 5.9 2.35 2.69 6.06 2.44 2.89
new prod layout openside 20 container20′ GP OS
31 20,800 3,200 5.9 2.29 2.39 6.06 2.44 2.59
new prod layout openside 20 container20′ HC OS
34 20,830 3,270 5.9 2.29 2.69 6.06 2.44 2.89
new prod layout standard 20 container20′ PWHC
38.4 27,920 2,560 5.9 2.42 2.69 6.06 2.49 2.89
new prod layout standard 40 container40′ GP
67.7 26,880 3,600 12.01 2.35 2.39 12.19 2.44 2.59
new prod layout standard 40 container40′ HC
76.4 26,580 3,900 12.01 2.35 2.69 12.19 2.44 2.89
new prod layout standard 40 container40′ PWHC
78.3 29,820 4,180 12.01 2.42 2.691 2.19 2.49 2.89

Advantage / Uses

Standard ISO shipping containers we have for sale offer good possibilities for cargo securing thanks to their internal space being closed on all sides. Lashing rings are also installed to secure storage from movement during transit. Internal hold rails can be used for hanging garments or suspending fragile goods. Containers like these come standard with forklift pockets, gooseneck tunnel, corner castings and grappler pockets for handling. They are also wide enough for a small forklift, with the assistance of a ramp, to drive into for loading/unloading.

Open side containers (OS) feature side opening door(s) on one or both sides. This kind of access is useful for side loading and unloading via forklift which is particularly important for handling dangerous, heavy, buky or palletized goods. An ISO container in a stack with double side and end doors could potentially open at all 4 sides without affecting structural integrity as it is the corner posts that bear the weight of containers stacked above. Side access doors are also useful for ventilation into the container, especially if the container has been modified into a storage container or portable workshop .

Modifications

Walls are built from corrugated steel which naturally offers better air flow and is easy to repair and fabricate. The main structural beams at the corner posts allow them to be stacked or to be used as building blocks for accommodation or site office projects. Containers are watertight, weather and vermin proof and are coated with rust resistant paint for longer life. Thanks to its qualities, the humble ISO shipping container has many applications when modified .

Common modifications include: Insulation Access Doors Windows Vinyl Flooring Equipment Racks Shelving Custom Painting Ventilation Partition Walls Lighting & Power Points Plumbing Mesh Platforms | Windows | Plumbing | Aircon | Lock box | Custom painting

ISO Containers: Applications Beyond Shipping

Beyond standard freight, ISO standardized containers are used in countless industries thanks to their modular design, dimensions, and strength. A 20 or 40 foot ISO container is not just for general ocean transit—it can become a mobile office, workshop, or accommodation unit. They’re often used in bulk transport, general storage, and even for a series of intermodal shipping services connecting sea and rail.

Common applications include:

  • Bulk liquids transport (especially when using ISO tank containers)
  • Temperature control solutions like refrigerated containers, also known as reefers
  • Modular buildings on mining or remote sites
  • Side-loading access for warehousing or retail setups
  • Portable shelters for disaster recovery, sometimes modified from open top or high cube containers
  • Temporary tanks for fluid containment, often used in resource and a series of industrial services
  • Long-term cargo storage solutions that comply with international transportation standards

These units, from general standard ISO containers to ISO tanks, are preferred due to consistent internal dimensions, compatibility with forklifts, and stackability—no matter whether used in Perth, Western Australia, or globally. Shipping and transport operations benefit from containers’ standard fittings, which support a series of various cargo types, from dry goods to specialized tank systems.

ISO Container Modification Options

We offer fully customised ISO container conversions that meet your industry’s exact needs, while retaining international standards for durability and compliance. Whether you’re working with a 20-foot, 40-foot, or high cube configuration, modifications can include:

  • Temperature control insulation, ventilation, and split-system aircon for use as called reefers
  • Structural changes: converting GP into open top containers for bulk loading
  • Floor reinforcements for handling maximum gross weight of heavy goods or fluid in tanks
  • Paint, branding, and anti-corrosive coatings for harsh WA environments
  • Integration of shelving, partitions, lighting, and lockboxes for general storage or intermodal cargo needs
  • Tank fittings and valves for hazardous liquids, designed for safe transport
  • Additional container doors and access points for freight flexibility and bulk cargo entry

Each modified unit is built with reference to ISO classification dimensions and ratings, ensuring stackability, safety, and transport readiness. Whether used for static storage, mobile workspaces, bulk liquid transport with tanks, or general services, every amendment ensures full compliance with standard codes and freight logistics.

Tactical Tanks: ISO Tank Containers for Bulk Liquid Freight

When it comes to specialized freight, ISO tank containers offer a powerful solution designed for the safe and efficient transport of bulk liquids, chemicals, and food-grade substances. Unlike general standard shipping units, these tanks are cylindrical stainless-steel vessels housed within a standard ISO frame, combining the resilience of ISO containers with the safety requirements of liquid freight. Every ISO tank is engineered to meet international standards, ensuring compatibility with the broader series of global intermodal services.

Our tank containers are offered in various capacities and configurations to match a wide series of industry-specific needs, whether that be hazardous chemicals, non-hazardous food-grade liquids, or even cryogenic tanks for ultra-low temperature transport. These tanks support multi-modal freight operations—seamlessly moving from road to rail to sea—without the need to transfer the contents, reducing handling risk and operational costs.

To comply with evolving global standards and client-specific requirements, each tank unit can undergo a precise amendment. These amendments range from the installation of pressure relief valves and steam heating systems, to modifications enabling temperature control or enhanced insulation. Whether you’re managing a fleet of tanks or looking for a one-off amendment for a custom build, we offer services tailored to the liquid freight sector.

Key Features of Our ISO Tank Services Include:

  • Full compliance with ISO, IMDG, and CSC certification for international freight
  • Standardized frame dimensions ensuring stackability and handling with container equipment
  • Tanks built from 316 stainless steel with protective layers for durability
  • Integrated safety features like pressure relief valves and grounding lugs
  • Fast dispatch and delivery services across WA from our Bibra Lake depot
  • Expert amendment services to customize tanks for your specific cargo

Our tanks are not limited to liquid transport alone. With proper amendment, ISO tank containers can be used for static storage, offshore energy operations, or in agricultural series requiring mobile fluid containment solutions. We also maintain a series of ready-to-go tanks in various sizes, ready for immediate deployment for freight operations across Western Australia and beyond.

Choosing the right tank container involves understanding your cargo, freight route, and regulatory environment. Our team of experts is on hand to guide you through the amendment process, help you compare tank specifications, and align you with the best possible solution from our extensive tank services catalogue.

Whether you need a single tank for seasonal freight or a series of modified tanks for year-round services, we deliver proven solutions engineered for compliance, safety, and logistical performance. From tank supply to service to strategic amendment—your ISO tank needs are covered.

Certified Quality: Built to International Standards

All of our containers—whether for hire, purchase, or modification—adhere strictly to the International Organization for Standardization codes. We provide a series of ISO standardized units classified by:

  • External and internal dimensions
  • Tare weight and maximum gross weight
  • Certified tolerances for temperature, wind, and handling pressure
  • Compatibility with intermodal transport methods across air, rail, road, and sea

Every unit passes inspection based on IICL or CIC repair standards, and we offer ISO containers suitable for every use—from static storage to transport of bulk liquids, or even temperature control goods in reefers. Our tank containers, designed for liquid or chemical freight, undergo amendment and testing to meet strict safety protocols.

Local WA Stock. Fast Perth Delivery

Our depot in Bibra Lake offers rapid access to 20-foot, 40-foot, and high cube ISO containers. Whether you’re sourcing a standard general purpose container or something more specific like an open top, our stock is suited to WA’s harsh climate and local regulations. Tank containers and bulk cargo variants are also available to support regional industry.

We offer:

  • On-site viewing by appointment
  • Quick dispatch to metro and remote areas
  • Transport-ready units meeting international standards
  • Amendment options for custom builds in general or intermodal applications

Full documentation of tare weight, payload capacity, and container type is provided, ensuring smooth integration into your transport chain. From temporary storage to permanent installations, our containers serve a wide series of transportation needs. Tanks, cargo units, and intermodal containers are always on hand—new or used—to meet evolving shipping requirements.

Get in touch to secure your unit and join hundreds of WA businesses who trust ABC Containers for ISO container solutions—used across industries, built to standard, and ready for freight, storage, and intermodal transportation.