How much weight can a shipping container carry?
A standard 20ft container can carry about 28,200 kg of cargo, a 40ft about 26,700 kg and a 40ft high cube about 26,500 kg. Road weight limits in your country are often lower than these container limits, so check the maximum truck weight on both ends of the trip.
Payload, tare and gross weight
| Container | Max payload | Tare (empty) | Max gross | Break-even density |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' Standard (20GP) | 28,200 kg | 2,200 kg | 30,400 kg | 851 kg/m³ |
| 40' Standard (40GP) | 26,700 kg | 3,750 kg | 30,450 kg | 395 kg/m³ |
| 40' High Cube (40HQ) | 26,500 kg | 3,900 kg | 30,400 kg | 348 kg/m³ |
| 45' High Cube (45HQ) | 27,700 kg | 4,800 kg | 32,500 kg | 323 kg/m³ |
| 20' Reefer (20RF) | 27,400 kg | 3,000 kg | 30,400 kg | 969 kg/m³ |
| 40' High Cube Reefer (40RH) | 29,000 kg | 4,480 kg | 33,480 kg | 437 kg/m³ |
Typical values. The exact limits are printed on the container door (CSC plate) and vary by container.
Will your cargo “weigh out” or “cube out”?
Divide your total cargo weight by its total volume. If the result is higher than the container's break-even density, you will reach the weight limit before the space is full: the container weighs out. If it is lower, you will run out of space first: it cubes out.
- Tiles, steel, paper, liquids and machinery usually weigh out; a 20ft is often the efficient choice.
- Furniture, textiles, toys and plastics usually cube out; a 40ft or 40HQ is usually cheaper per unit.
Weight distribution
Spread weight evenly along the container floor, keep heavy items low, and avoid concentrating weight at one end. The load calculator stops filling a container when its payload is reached and shows the weight used per container.
VGM
Under the SOLAS rules, the shipper must declare the Verified Gross Mass (VGM), the total weight of cargo, packaging, dunnage and the container, before the container is loaded on the ship.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum weight for a 20ft container?
About 28,200 kg of cargo (payload), or about 30,400 kg gross including the container.
What is the maximum weight for a 40ft container?
About 26,700 kg of cargo for a 40GP and 26,500 kg for a 40HQ.
Why does a 40ft container carry less than twice a 20ft?
Containers share the same maximum gross weight class, and a 40ft is heavier empty, so its payload is similar to a 20ft even though it has twice the space.