1. Common Container Types
International standard containers are mainly divided into the following common types:
| Type | External Dimensions (L×W×H) | Internal Dimensions (L×W×H) | Internal Capacity | Maximum Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP (20ft Dry Container) | 6.06×2.44×2.59m | 5.90×2.35×2.39m | ~33 CBM | ~28,000kg |
| 40GP (40ft Dry Container) | 12.19×2.44×2.59m | 12.03×2.35×2.39m | ~67 CBM | ~26,500kg |
| 40HQ (40ft High Cube) | 12.19×2.44×2.89m | 12.03×2.35×2.69m | ~76 CBM | ~26,500kg |
| 45HQ (45ft High Cube) | 13.72×2.44×2.89m | 13.56×2.35×2.69m | ~86 CBM | ~26,000kg |
Note: The above are reference values. Containers from different shipping lines/owners may vary by ±5cm. Actual loading space should be reserved when packing.
Container Selection Tips
Based on cargo volume to choose container type:
├─ <28 CBM → LCL (consolidation with other shippers)
├─ 28-55 CBM → 20GP (if cargo is heavy) or 40GP (if cargo is light/bulky)
├─ 55-70 CBM → 40GP (light/bulky cargo) or 40HQ (medium-high volume)
├─ 70-80 CBM → 40HQ (most popular choice)
└─ >80 CBM → 45HQ or multiple 40HQ
2. Container Weight Limits
Container weight limits are restricted by two factors:
1. Container Structural Weight Limit
Each container has a Maximum Gross Weight (MGW), which is the maximum weight the container structure can bear (container weight + cargo weight).
| Type | Tare Weight | Maximum Gross Weight (MGW) | Maximum Cargo Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP | ~2,300kg | 30,480kg (67,200lbs) | ~28,000kg |
| 40GP | ~3,800kg | 30,480kg (67,200lbs) | ~26,500kg |
| 40HQ | ~3,900kg | 30,480kg (67,200lbs) | ~26,500kg |
2. Road Weight Limits
This is a more common restriction factor in actual maritime shipping. Each country has limits on the maximum gross weight of trucks (tractors) travelling on roads:
- China: Total vehicle + cargo weight not exceeding 49 tons (tractor head + chassis + container + cargo)
- USA: Depends on the state, typically 36,000-40,000kg (total weight)
- Europe: Usually does not exceed 40-44 tons (total weight)
3. Shipping Line Weight Limits
Different shipping lines have their own weight limit policies. Overweight cargo incurs additional charges. Common thresholds for overweight surcharges (20GP):
| Shipping Line | 20GP Weight Limit | Overweight Surcharge (Reference) |
|---|---|---|
| COSCO | 21-26 tons | ¥200-500/ton |
| MSC | 20-24 tons | $50-150/ton |
| Maersk | 20-24 tons | $75-150/ton |
3. Container Structure
A standard dry container is composed of the following main components:
┌──────────────────────────┐
│ Roof Sheet │
│ ┌────────────────────┐ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ Interior Space │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ │ │
│ └────────────────────┘ │
│ Floor │
├──────────────────────────┤
│ Corner Casting ×8 │
└──────────────────────────┘
Door - Right door opening
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Corner Casting | Standard fittings at the 8 corners of the container, used for lifting, securing, and stacking |
| Door | Usually double doors, with CSC plate and container number on the right door panel |
| Floor | Typically hardwood floor, load capacity approx. 3-5 tons/axle |
| Side Wall | Corrugated steel panel structure, providing structural strength |
| Roof Sheet | Corrugated steel panel, withstands stacking pressure |
4. Container Number Interpretation
Each container has a unique identification number (compliant with ISO 6346 standard), structured as follows:
MSCU 482104 5
││││ └───┬─ ─┬
││││ │ └── Check Digit (1 digit)
││││ └────── Serial Number (6 digits)
│││└─────────── Category Identifier (U = container)
││└──────────── Sequence Code (assigned by container owner)
│└───────────── Owner Code (3 uppercase letters)
└─────────────── Container Owner Code
Example: MSCU 482104 5
- MSC = Owner (Mediterranean Shipping Company)
- U = Container
- 482104 = Serial Number
- 5 = Check Digit (verified by ISO 6346 algorithm)
5. CSC Plate
Every container used for international transport must have a CSC Safety Approval Plate, fixed on the left lower part of the container door (or inside the right door), containing the following information:
| Field | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CSC SAFETY APPROVAL | Convention name |
| GB/XXXX/XX | Approving country code + approval number |
| DATE MANUFACTURED | Manufacturing date |
| IDENTIFICATION No. | Container number |
| MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT | Maximum gross weight (kg/lbs) |
| ALLOWABLE STACKING WEIGHT | Allowable stacking weight |
| TRANSVERSE RACKING TEST FORCE | Transverse rigidity test force value |
CSC inspections fall into two systems:
- PES (Periodic Examination Scheme): Inspection within 5 years of initial manufacture, and subsequently every 30 months
- ACEP (Alternate Continuous Examination Program): Continuous inspection during the operational cycle, with intervals not exceeding 30 months
In 2025, the IMO updated the CSC regulations: ACEP audits are every 5 years, with a comprehensive review by the national competent authority every 10 years.
💡 Need to ship containerized cargo? Send the item name/weight/volume/ destination port to Bofeng Logistics, and we will provide an ALL-IN all-inclusive quote, a fixed price with no hidden fees. 20 years of international shipping experience.
📞 Get a Quote: +86-13075678958 | info@zhbfwl.com
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