Ocean freight uses standardized intermodal containers so cargo can move efficiently between ship, terminal, rail and truck. Selecting the right container depends on cargo weight, volume, dimensions, temperature requirements and handling needs—not simply the lowest freight quote.
Common Container Types
| Equipment | Typical use | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Dry | Dense/heavier general cargo | Weight may become limiting before volume |
| 40ft Dry | Higher-volume general cargo | Useful for relatively lighter bulky cargo |
| 40ft High Cube | Voluminous cargo needing extra internal height | Greater cube, but road/weight limits still apply |
| Reefer | Temperature-controlled food, pharmaceuticals and other sensitive goods | Set point, ventilation, pre-trip condition and power |
| Open Top | Cargo loaded from above or exceeding normal door height | Securing, weather protection and out-of-gauge charges |
| Flat Rack | Machinery and oversized/project cargo | Dimensions, lashing and out-of-gauge approval |
| Tank container | Compatible bulk liquids/gases | Product compatibility and dangerous-goods rules where applicable |
TEU and FEU
A TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) is the standard capacity measure based on a 20-foot container. A 40-foot container represents roughly two TEU and is sometimes referred to commercially as an FEU.
Standard Height vs High Cube
Common standard dry equipment is around 8 ft 6 in external height, while a high-cube container is typically around 9 ft 6 in. Exact internal dimensions, door openings, tare and maximum payload vary by equipment design and carrier, so the carrier’s equipment specification should be checked before loading.
20ft vs 40ft: Weight vs Volume
A 40ft container has much more volume than a 20ft container, but it does not necessarily permit twice the cargo weight. Dense commodities can therefore reach road, axle or container payload limits before cube is fully used. Voluminous light cargo may benefit more from 40ft high-cube equipment.
Container Selection Checklist
- Total gross cargo weight and volume
- Individual piece dimensions and door-opening limits
- Floor loading and point-load requirements
- Temperature or ventilation needs
- Dangerous-goods classification
- Lashing / securing requirements
- Road and axle-weight limits at origin/destination
- Equipment availability and freight/handling surcharges
VGM
For packed export containers moving by sea, the shipper is responsible for providing the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) in accordance with SOLAS requirements before the container can be loaded on the vessel, subject to the applicable process and cut-off.
Related: Freight Charges, Hazardous Materials in Supply Chains, and Shipping Wheat Flour: Moisture, Contamination, Packaging, Container & Quality Controls.
Interview Question
Question: Why might a 20ft container be preferable to a 40ft container for a very dense commodity?
Answer: Dense cargo often reaches weight or axle limits before it fills the available cube. A 20ft container may therefore provide a better weight-to-volume fit, subject to the carrier and local road limits.
Reference
Maersk — current container equipment types and size guidance; SOLAS VGM requirements.
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