Choosing the right container is one of the most important decisions in sea freight logistics. The wrong choice can mean paying for empty space or, worse, not having enough room for your cargo. Here's what you need to know about the three standard dry container types.
Container Specifications at a Glance
20GP (20-foot General Purpose)
The workhorse of international shipping. Ideal for heavy, dense cargo.
- Internal dimensions: 5,890mm × 2,342mm × 2,388mm
- Internal volume: approximately 28 cubic meters
- Maximum gross weight: 17.5 tons (including container tare weight)
- Best for: heavy goods (machinery, metals, tiles, dense packaged products)
- Typical load: 20-25 standard pallets
40GP (40-foot General Purpose)
Double the length, nearly double the volume. The most common container for general cargo.
- Internal dimensions: 12,017mm × 2,342mm × 2,388mm
- Internal volume: approximately 54 cubic meters
- Maximum gross weight: 17.5 tons
- Best for: medium-density cargo (furniture, electronics, textiles, packaged consumer goods)
- Typical load: 40-48 standard pallets
40HQ (40-foot High Cube)
Same footprint as the 40GP but with an extra foot of height — crucial for voluminous cargo.
- Internal dimensions: 12,017mm × 2,342mm × 2,693mm
- Internal volume: approximately 68 cubic meters
- Maximum gross weight: 17.5 tons
- Best for: lightweight, voluminous cargo (furniture, insulation, bulky retail goods, automotive parts)
- Typical load: 40-48 standard pallets (with extra stacking height)
How to Choose: A Simple Decision Framework
- Calculate your cargo volume in cubic meters (length × width × height × number of pieces)
- If total volume is less than 15m³ — consider LCL (Less than Container Load)
- If total volume is 15-28m³ — 20GP is likely your best fit
- If total volume is 28-54m³ — 40GP
- If total volume exceeds 54m³ or you have tall items — 40HQ
The Weight Factor
Container weight limits are often overlooked. A 40GP and a 20GP both have a maximum gross weight of 17.5 tons. If you're shipping dense, heavy products, you may max out the weight limit long before filling the volume of a 40-foot container. In such cases, multiple 20GP containers may be more cost-effective than a partially filled 40GP.
LCL: When You Don't Need a Full Container
If your cargo is less than 15 cubic meters, Less than Container Load (LCL) is often the most economical option. Your goods share a container with other shipments, and you only pay for the space you use. Apexsourc logistics offers LCL consolidation from 1m³.
Contact us for a personalized assessment of your shipping needs.