How much does a 20ft shipping container weigh?
An empty 20ft shipping container weighs about 2,200 kg (4,850 lb), usually between 2,100 and 2,400 kg depending on the manufacturer. That empty weight is its tare weight. A 20ft can carry about 28,200 kg (62,170 lb) of cargo, for a maximum gross weight of 30,480 kg (67,200 lb). Road limits in many countries allow less.
20ft container weight at a glance
| 20ft container type | Empty (tare) | Max cargo (payload) | Max gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard (20GP) | 2,200 kg / 4,850 lb | 28,200 kg / 62,170 lb | 30,480 kg / 67,200 lb |
| 20ft high cube | 2,300 kg / 5,071 lb | 28,180 kg / 62,126 lb | 30,480 kg / 67,200 lb |
| 20ft reefer (20RF) | 3,000 kg / 6,614 lb | 27,400 kg / 60,407 lb | 30,480 kg / 67,200 lb |
| 20ft open top (20OT) | 2,450 kg / 5,401 lb | 30,050 kg / 66,249 lb | 32,500 kg / 71,650 lb |
| 20ft flat rack | 2,900 kg / 6,393 lb | about 42,100 kg | 45,000 kg |
| 20ft side door / open side | 2,800–3,300 kg | 20,800–27,700 kg | 24,000–30,480 kg |
| 10ft container (for comparison) | 1,300 kg / 2,866 lb | 8,860 kg | 10,160 kg |
How much weight can a 20ft container hold?
By its rating, a standard 20ft can hold about 28,200 kg (62,170 lb) of cargo. Many newer 20ft containers are rated for 30,480 kg gross, and some heavy-tested units for more. In practice, the limit is usually the road, not the container:
- United States: with a standard chassis and tractor under the 80,000 lb gross limit, a 20ft usually carries around 38,000–44,000 lb (17–20 t) of cargo; tri-axle chassis allow more in some states.
- Europe: 40–44 t gross vehicle limits typically leave about 25–28 t for cargo.
- Elsewhere: limits vary widely. Ask your forwarder for the local maximum before you load.
A 20ft fills up by weight before it fills by volume when cargo is denser than about 851 kg per m³: tiles, steel, stone, paper and bagged goods.
How much does a loaded 20ft container weigh?
Add the cargo gross weight to the tare. Example: 800 cartons of 22 kg = 17,600 kg, plus 2,200 kg tare = 19,800 kg (43,652 lb). That total is the figure you declare as the VGM before the container goes on a ship.
Why 20ft containers weigh different amounts
- Manufacturer and year: newer boxes with lighter panels and floors can be 100–200 kg lighter.
- Floor: standard 28 mm plywood floors vs. steel or reinforced floors.
- Type: high cube, reefer and side-opening models are heavier.
- Repairs and modifications: patched panels, added doors or shelving add weight.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an empty 20ft container weigh in kg?
About 2,200 kg, typically 2,100–2,400 kg.
How much does a 20 foot shipping container weigh in pounds?
About 4,850 lb empty.
What is the max weight for a 20ft container?
About 28,200 kg of cargo and 30,480 kg (67,200 lb) gross, unless road limits are lower.
How heavy is a 20ft container fully loaded?
Up to about 30,480 kg (67,200 lb) including the container, if loaded to its rating.