When shipping goods by sea, choosing the right container depends on both volume (CBM) and weight. Many shipping issues occur because customers only provide CBM, without understanding container weight limits.
Important:
⚠️ CBM (cubic meters) does NOT equal weight.
The same volume of cargo can weigh very differently depending on the product.
Container Volume & Weight Limits
🚢 20ft Standard Container (20GP)
- Internal volume: approximately 33 CBM
- Maximum cargo weight (payload): up to 28,000 kg
- Recommended working load: 20–25 tons
- Best suited for: Heavy or dense cargo such as metal products, tiles, stone, machinery, sinks, and construction materials
🔹 Key advantage: Handles heavy cargo better without exceeding road and port weight limits
🔹 Common mistake: Filling the full 33 CBM with heavy goods and exceeding weight limits
🚢 40ft Standard Container (40GP)
- Internal volume: approximately 67 CBM
- Maximum cargo weight (payload): up to 26,000 kg
- Recommended working load: 18–23 tons
- Best suited for: Light to medium-weight, bulky cargo such as furniture, cartons, consumer goods, textiles, and packaged products
🔹 Key advantage: Lower cost per CBM for bulky shipments
🔹 Limitation: Reaches weight limits faster than a 20ft container
🚢 40ft High Cube Container (40HC)
- Internal volume: approximately 76 CBM
- Maximum cargo weight (payload): 25–26,000 kg
- Recommended working load: 18–22 tons
- Best suited for: Tall cartons, oversized products, or cargo requiring extra internal height
🔹 Key advantage: Extra height (about 30 cm)
🔹 Note: Same weight limits as a standard 40ft container
Why Weight Matters
Even if your cargo fits by volume:
- Overweight containers may be rejected at port
- Trucking companies may refuse pickup
- Overweight surcharges and delays may apply
- Repacking may be required at additional cost
For this reason, we always assess both CBM and total gross weight before confirming a booking.
Industry Reference (Important for Customers)
In international freight:
- 1 CBM is often compared to 1,000 kg for pricing purposes
- Carriers charge based on whichever is higher:
- Actual weight (kg)
- Volumetric weight (CBM × 1,000)
This is why weight information is critical, even for small volumes.
Real-World Examples
✅ Example 1: Heavy Goods Shipment
Product: Stainless steel kitchen sinks
Total volume: 15 CBM
Total weight: 14,000 kg
Even though the cargo only uses 15 CBM, the weight is already high.
👉 Correct container choice: 20ft container
👉 A 40ft container would reach weight limits too quickly and risk overweight charges.
Result: Safe loading, compliant transport, no delays.
✅ Example 2: Light but Bulky Goods
Product: Packaged furniture and home décor
Total volume: 55 CBM
Total weight: 12,000 kg
The cargo is bulky but relatively light.
👉 Correct container choice: 40ft container
👉 Allows full use of volume without exceeding weight limits.
Result: Lower cost per CBM and efficient space usage.
What We Need to Quote Accurately
To provide the correct container, pricing, and routing, please share:
- Product description
- Total volume (CBM)
- Total gross weight (kg)
- Packing method (cartons, pallets, loose cargo)
If you’re unsure, our team will review your cargo and recommend the most cost-effective and compliant container option.