The container you book decides how much you can ship, what it costs per tonne, and whether the cargo arrives intact. Choosing it is part of the trade, not an afterthought.
The main types
- 20-foot standard: best for heavy, dense cargo such as steel, cement, tiles or stone, where weight limits are reached before space runs out.
- 40-foot standard: twice the space but not twice the weight allowance. Good for lighter, bulkier goods.
- 40-foot high cube: about 30 cm taller, for voluminous cargo such as textiles, furniture or polymers on pallets.
- Reefer: temperature-controlled, for fresh produce, frozen food and some chemicals.
- Open top: loaded from above by crane, for tall machinery or cargo that cannot go through doors.
- Flat rack: no roof or side walls, for oversized machinery, vehicles and heavy equipment.
Weight comes before volume
Road limits at origin and destination often cap the cargo weight below the container’s rated maximum. Check both before promising a quantity per container.
Stuffing and securing
Load evenly, block and brace cargo so it cannot shift, and use desiccants for moisture-sensitive goods on long voyages. Since 2016, a verified gross mass must be declared before a container is loaded on a ship.
Not sure which container fits your cargo? Share the product and quantity in a logistics enquiry.
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Updated October 2026.