Side-by-Side Comparison
Shipping, Boxes & Logistics
Standard Carrier Shipping Boxes vs. Intermodal Shipping Containers
Comparing 2 standards across 15 specifications. 15 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Standard Carrier Shipping Boxes
Intermodal Shipping Containers
Standard parcel carriers (USPS, FedEx, UPS) define standardized rigid carton tiers, flat rate boxes, and dimensional weight divisor formulas (e.g. Length × Width × Height ÷ 139) that determine billable freight charges across domestic and international logistics networks.
Standard ISO ocean freight containers are engineered under ISO 668 and ISO 1496 into 20-foot and 40-foot standardized modular lengths with 8-foot widths and 8'6" standard or 9'6" High Cube heights. Equipped with ISO corner castings, they enable seamless transfer across cargo ships, trains, and semi-trucks.
Specification Comparison Table
15 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
USPS Domestic Mail Manual / FedEx Express / UPS Ground Standards | ISO 668 (Classification & Dimensions) / ISO 1496 (Testing) / CSC Convention |
|
USPS Small Flat Rate Box
|
8-11/16" × 5-7/16" × 1-3/4" (22.1 × 13.8 × 4.4 cm) | Max 70 lbs (31.8 kg) | — |
|
USPS Medium Flat Rate (Side)
|
11-1/4" × 8-3/4" × 6" (28.6 × 22.2 × 15.2 cm) | Top-loading standard carton | — |
|
USPS Medium Flat Rate (Top)
|
14" × 12" × 3-1/2" (35.6 × 30.5 × 8.9 cm) | Shallow wide footprint for clothing/books | — |
|
USPS Large Flat Rate Box
|
12-1/4" × 12-1/4" × 6" (31.1 × 31.1 × 15.2 cm) | Max 70 lbs domestic | — |
|
FedEx Small / Medium / Large Box
|
Small: 12.25×10.9×1.5" | Medium: 13.25×11.5×2.38" | Large: 17.5×12.38×3" | — |
|
Standard Dimensional Weight Divisor
|
DIM Divisor = 139 (Domestic Commercial & International) | DIM Wt (lbs) = (L × W × H in inches) ÷ 139 | — |
|
Maximum Standard Parcel Size
|
Maximum Length: 108" (274 cm) | Maximum Length + Girth: 130" (UPS/FedEx Ground) or 165" (Freight) | — |
|
20ft Standard (1 TEU)
|
— | External: 20'0" × 8'0" × 8'6" (6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m) | Internal: 19'4" × 7'8" × 7'10" (5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m) |
|
20ft Tare & Payload
|
— | Tare Weight: ~2,300 kg (5,070 lbs) | Max Payload: 28,180 kg (62,130 lbs) | Volume: 33.2 m³ (1,172 cu ft) |
|
40ft Standard (2 TEU)
|
— | External: 40'0" × 8'0" × 8'6" (12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m) | Internal: 39'5" × 7'8" × 7'10" (12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m) |
|
40ft Tare & Payload
|
— | Tare Weight: ~3,750 kg (8,268 lbs) | Max Payload: 26,730 kg (58,930 lbs) | Volume: 67.7 m³ (2,390 cu ft) |
|
40ft High Cube (HQ)
|
— | External Height: 9'6" (2.89 m) | Internal Height: 8'10" (2.69 m) | Volume: 76.4 m³ (2,700 cu ft) |
|
Door Opening Dimensions
|
— | Width: 7'8" (2.34 m) | Standard Height: 7'6" (2.28 m) | High Cube Height: 8'6" (2.58 m) |
|
Pallet Capacity
|
— | 20ft: 11 Euro pallets / 10 GMA pallets | 40ft: 25 Euro pallets / 20–21 GMA pallets |
Other Alternatives to Compare
Compare Standard Carrier Shipping Boxes vs. Barcode Types & Symbologies →
Compare Standard Carrier Shipping Boxes vs. Box Strength & Burst Ratings (ECT vs Mullen) →
Compare Standard Carrier Shipping Boxes vs. Corrugated Cardboard Flute Profiles →
Compare Standard Carrier Shipping Boxes vs. ISO Standard Pallet Sizes →