Container Types
Shipping containers come in various types designed for different cargo needs. Understanding these options helps you choose the most cost-effective solution for your shipments.
📦 Dry Containers
- Standard for general cargo
- Weatherproof steel construction
- Available in 20ft and 40ft
- Most economical option
📏 High Cube (HC)
- Extra 1 foot height (9'6" vs 8'6")
- Ideal for voluminous cargo
- 40ft HC most popular
- Same footprint, more capacity
Standard Sizes & Capacity
20ft Standard (TEU)
Internal: 5.9m × 2.35m × 2.39m | Capacity: 33 CBM | Max Weight: 21,700 kg
40ft Standard
Internal: 12.0m × 2.35m × 2.39m | Capacity: 67 CBM | Max Weight: 26,700 kg
40ft High Cube
Internal: 12.0m × 2.35m × 2.69m | Capacity: 76 CBM | Max Weight: 26,460 kg
💡 TEU vs FEU
TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) is the standard measure. One 40ft container = 2 TEU (also called FEU - Forty-foot Equivalent Unit).
Special Containers
Reefer Containers
Temperature-controlled (-25°C to +25°C). Essential for seafood, fruits, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals requiring cold chain.
Open Top Containers
Removable roof for overhead crane loading. Ideal for heavy machinery and over-height cargo.
Flat Rack Containers
Collapsible sides for oversized cargo. Used for heavy equipment, vehicles, and construction machinery.
Tank Containers (ISO Tank)
For liquid cargo - chemicals, food-grade liquids, hazardous materials. Capacity: 21,000-26,000 liters.
CBM Calculation
Cubic Meter (CBM) is the standard unit for measuring cargo volume:
📐 Formula
CBM = Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m)
Example: 10 cartons of 0.5m × 0.4m × 0.3m = 10 × 0.06 = 0.6 CBM
FCL vs LCL Decision
FCL (Full Container Load)
- Book entire container
- Best for 15+ CBM shipments
- Faster, less handling
- Lower per-CBM cost at volume
LCL (Less than Container)
- Share container space
- Best for <15 CBM
- Higher per-CBM rate
- Additional handling at CFS
Loading Best Practices
- Weight Distribution: Spread weight evenly; keep center of gravity low
- Heavy Items First: Load heavy items at bottom, lighter on top
- Fill Gaps: Use dunnage bags, plywood, or pallets to prevent shifting
- Document Loading: Photograph loading sequence for insurance claims
- Check Weight Limits: Respect road weight limits (varies by country)
⚠️ VGM Requirement
SOLAS regulations require Verified Gross Mass (VGM) declaration before loading. Either weigh the packed container or sum individual cargo weights + container tare weight.
Explore Our Products
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Conclusion
Choosing the right container and loading it properly can significantly impact your shipping costs and cargo safety. For most general cargo, 40ft HC offers the best value per CBM, while special containers serve niche requirements.
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