Freight glossaryContainersInternational Shipping
20-ft Container
Definition
A 20-ft container is a standard shipping container about 20 feet long and 8 feet wide, equal to one TEU, and often used for heavy, dense cargo.
What it means
On one major carrier's published specifications, a 20-ft standard dry container measures 5,896 x 2,350 x 2,393 mm inside, holds about 33 m³ (1,165 cu ft), weighs 2,280 kg empty and can carry up to 28,200 kg.[1] It is the unit behind the TEU, the standard measure of container volume.[2]
The 20-footer carries almost as much weight as a 40-footer in half the space, so heavy goods often fill a 20 by weight long before they fill it by volume; see why heavy cargo ships in 20-ft containers. By floor space it takes 8 standard 48 x 40 in. pallets in one tier, as worked out in container vs. trailer capacity.
Example
An exporter of ceramic tiles books 20-ft containers rather than 40s. The tiles reach the container's weight limit when the box is only partly full, so a 40 would carry little more weight for a higher freight cost.
Related
Related terms
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- TEUA TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) is the standard unit for counting containers: one 20-ft container is 1...Glossary
- Verified Gross MassThe verified gross mass (VGM) is the total weight of a packed container, cargo plus packaging plus the...Glossary
Related questions
- Why Is Heavy Cargo Shipped in 20-ft Containers?Because a 20-ft container carries nearly as much weight as a 40-ft one in half the space. On one carrier's...Answer
- What Is the Difference Between Gross, Net and Tare Weight?Net weight is the goods alone. Tare weight is the weight of the empty container, packaging or vehicle. Gross...Answer
- FCL vs. LCL: Which Should You Choose?Choose FCL (full container load) when you have enough cargo to justify a whole container, want it sealed from...Answer
Related tools
Sources
- Maersk, “Our fleet: equipment specifications, dry containers (PDF),” Carrier equipment specification. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- United Nations ESCWA, “TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit), SD Glossary (Eurostat definition),” Intergovernmental glossary. Accessed September 30, 2026.
General operational information, not legal, customs or regulatory advice. Rules and rates change; confirm current requirements with the agency, carrier or contract that governs your shipment.