Choosing the right container type is a fundamental step in booking ocean freight. The wrong choice wastes money or creates logistical problems. Here is everything you need to know about standard container types.
Standard Dry Containers
20GP — 20-foot General Purpose
The classic "TEU" (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) — the standard measure of container shipping capacity.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| External Length | 6.058 m |
| Internal Length | 5.898 m |
| Internal Width | 2.352 m |
| Internal Height | 2.395 m |
| Max Payload | ~28,180 kg |
| Internal Volume | ~33.2 CBM |
| Door Opening | 2.34 m × 2.28 m |
Best for: Dense, heavy cargo where weight is the limiting factor (e.g., steel, machinery, stone). At ~33 CBM, it is ideal when your cargo is heavy enough to reach the weight limit before filling the volume.
40GP — 40-foot General Purpose
Twice the length of a 20GP but with a slightly lower payload-to-volume ratio per unit cost.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Internal Volume | ~67.7 CBM |
| Max Payload | ~26,680 kg |
Best for: Light-to-medium density cargo where volume is the constraint — furniture, garments, electronics, plastics. The 40GP is the most widely used container globally.
40HC — 40-foot High Cube
Same length as the 40GP but 30 cm taller (2.70 m internal height vs 2.40 m). This extra height adds approximately 8–10 CBM of usable space.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Internal Volume | ~76.4 CBM |
| Internal Height | 2.700 m |
| Max Payload | ~26,300 kg |
Best for: Voluminous, lightweight cargo that benefits from extra height — mattresses, sofas, bulky furniture, inflatable products. The 40HC is increasingly the default for general cargo on many trade lanes.
45HC — 45-foot High Cube
Five feet longer than a 40HC with the same height. Offers the maximum volume of any standard dry container.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Internal Volume | ~86 CBM |
| Internal Height | 2.700 m |
Best for: Maximum-volume, lightweight cargo. Less common — not all ports and inland routes accept 45HC containers due to dimensional restrictions. Always confirm availability on your specific trade lane.
Groupage (LCL)
LCL (Less than Container Load) is not a container type — it is a service where cargo from multiple shippers is consolidated into a single container at a CFS (Container Freight Station).
LCL is charged per CBM (or per ton if heavier than 1 ton per CBM). It is ideal for shipments under 12–15 CBM that don't justify the cost of a full container.
Bulk Shipments
Bulk shipping refers to unpackaged commodities shipped in large quantities — grains, coal, ore, fertilizers, liquids. Bulk cargo uses specialized vessel types (bulk carriers, tankers), not standard containers. It is typically arranged directly with ship owners or specialized brokers.
Special Container Types
While not listed in standard booking systems, these types are worth knowing:
- Open Top: No roof — for oversized cargo loaded by crane
- Flat Rack: Collapsible sides for over-dimensional cargo
- Reefer: Refrigerated container for temperature-sensitive goods
- Tank Container: For liquid bulk chemicals and food-grade liquids
Quick Decision Guide
Cargo < 15 CBM → LCL
Cargo 15–33 CBM, heavy → 20GP
Cargo 15–67 CBM, light → 40GP
Cargo > 67 CBM, tall → 40HC or 45HC
Commodity/unpackaged → Bulk
Always measure your cargo before booking. Accurate dimensions prevent costly re-measurements and cargo holds at the terminal.
