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Container

Container

Container rules and regulations refer to the guidelines and requirements governing the transportation, handling, and storage of cargo containers, typically in the context of international shipping and trade. These rules and regulations are essential to ensure the safety of goods, people, and the environment, as well as to facilitate efficient global trade. The primary organizations responsible for establishing and enforcing container rules and regulations include the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and various national and regional authorities. Here are some key aspects of container rules and regulations:

Container Types Regulations specify the standardized sizes and types of containers used in international trade. The most common container sizes are 20 feet (TEU) and 40 feet (FEU) in length.

1. Dry Containers:

Standard Dry Container (Dry Van or General Purpose Container): These containers come in standard sizes of 20 feet (20-foot equivalent unit or TEU) and 40 feet (40-foot equivalent unit or FEU). They are used for the general transportation of dry cargo, including goods such as electronics, textiles, machinery, and consumer goods.

High Cube Dry Container: These containers have the same standard lengths (20 feet and 40 feet) but are taller, providing extra vertical space for the cargo. High cube containers are often used for goods that require more height clearance, such as furniture or bulky items.

2. Refrigerated Containers (Reefers):

Standard Reefer Container: These containers are available in standard 20-foot and 40-foot sizes. They are equipped with refrigeration units to control temperature and humidity, making them suitable for transporting perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and pharmaceuticals.

High Cube Reefer Container: Similar to high cube dry containers, high cube reefers offer additional height clearance for temperature-sensitive cargo.

3. Open-Top Containers:

Open-Top Container: These containers have removable roof bows and a tarpaulin instead of a solid roof. They are used for transporting oversized cargo that cannot fit into standard containers or for goods that need to be loaded from the top with a crane.
4. Flat-Rack Containers:

Flat-Rack Container: Flat-rack containers have collapsible sides and no roof. They are suitable for oversized cargo, machinery, vehicles, and heavy equipment. They can be loaded from the sides or the top and are often used for out-of-gauge cargo.

5. Tank Containers:

Tank Container: These containers are designed for the transportation of liquids, chemicals, and hazardous materials. They come in various sizes and are equipped with specialized tanks for safe containment and transport.

6. Open-Side Containers:

Open-Side Container: These containers have doors along one entire side, allowing for easy access to the cargo. They are commonly used for goods that need to be loaded or unloaded quickly, such as fruits, vegetables, or textiles.

7. Double-Door Containers:

Double-Door Container: These containers have doors at both ends, facilitating easier loading and unloading of cargo. They are suitable for goods that need to be accessed from both ends.

8. Specialized Containers:

 

9. Ventilated Containers:

These containers have added ventilation to control temperature and humidity, making them suitable for goods like coffee or cocoa.

10. Insulated Containers:

Insulated containers are designed to maintain a specific temperature, making them suitable for transporting temperature-sensitive goods that do not require refrigeration.

11. Pallet wide Containers:

These containers have a wider interior, allowing for more efficient loading of palletized cargo.

Non-Standard Sizes: In addition to standard sizes, containers can come in various non-standard lengths and heights to accommodate specific cargo requirements.

Container Sizes:

 Standard shipping container sizes

10-feet, 20-feet, or 40-feet long

Most commonly, containers are around 10-feet, 20-feet, or 40-feet long, each at around 8 feet wide. The height of each shipping container varies between standard height (8 feet 6 inches) and “high cube” (9 feet 6 inches), which are often used to increase storage space or create better air circulation.

10-feet Containers

While 20-foot and 40-foot containers are the most common and widely used sizes in international shipping and logistics, 10-foot containers are less common but still available for specific purposes. These smaller containers are less frequently used compared to their larger counterparts, but they do have niche applications. Here are some key details about 10-foot containers:

 

  1. Dimensions: A standard 10-foot container typically has the following dimensions:
 External Dimensions:

 Length: 10 feet (3.05 meters)

Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)

Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters)

 
Internal Dimensions:

 Length: 9 feet 3 inches (2.79 meters)

Width: 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 meters)

Height: 7 feet 9 inches (2.36 meters)

  1. Capacity: The capacity of a 10-foot container is significantly smaller compared to larger containers. It is suitable for cargo with a volume of approximately 518 cubic feet (14.7 cubic meters). The maximum weight capacity, including the container’s weight, varies but is generally around 5,000 to 6,000 pounds (2.3 to 2.7 metric tons).

 

  1. Common Uses: 10-foot containers are relatively rare compared to standard 20-foot and 40-foot containers. They are primarily used for specific purposes and niche applications, such as:
 Storage

Storage: 10-foot containers can be used for on-site storage of equipment, tools, and materials on construction sites, events, or remote locations.

 Specialized Cargo: They may be used for transporting specialized or oversized cargo that requires a smaller container size.

 Custom Modifications: Some 10-foot containers are modified for specific uses, such as office containers, security booths, or portable restrooms.

 20-feet Containers

 A 20-foot container, often referred to as a 20-foot equivalent unit (TEU), is a standard type of intermodal container used in international shipping and logistics. It is one of the most common container sizes, along with the 40-foot equivalent unit (FEU). Here are some key details about 20-foot containers:

 
40-feet Containers

A 40-foot container, often referred to as a 40-foot equivalent unit (FEU), is one of the most common and widely used container sizes in international shipping and logistics. These containers are larger than the standard 20-foot containers and are commonly used to transport various types of cargo. Here are some key details about 40-foot containers:

1. Dimensions: A standard 40-foot container typically has the following dimensions:

External Dimensions:

Length: 40 feet (12.19 meters)
Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)
Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters)
Internal Dimensions:

Length: 39 feet 6 inches (12.04 meters)
Width: 7 feet 8 inches (2.34 meters)
Height: 7 feet 9 inches (2.36 meters)

2. Capacity: The capacity of a 40-foot container is significantly larger than that of a 20-foot container. It is suitable for cargo with a volume of approximately 2,390 cubic feet (67.6 cubic meters). The maximum weight capacity, including the container’s weight, varies but is generally around 24,000 to 28,000 pounds (10.9 to 12.7 metric tons).

3. Common Uses: 40-foot containers are versatile and are used for transporting a wide range of goods, including but not limited to:

• Consumer goods
• Electronics
• Textiles
• Machinery and equipment
• Furniture
• Bulk cargo
• Oversized cargo (when the cargo dimensions allow)

Weight Limits: Regulations prescribe weight limits for containers, including the maximum gross weight (the combined weight of the container and its cargo) and the maximum weight that can be placed on individual axles of transportation equipment (e.g., trucks, railcars). Compliance with these weight limits is crucial for safety during transportation.

Sealing: Containers are typically sealed with tamper-evident seals to prevent unauthorized access to the cargo during transit. Customs authorities and shipping companies enforce strict sealing procedures to maintain the integrity of the cargo.

Hazardous Materials: Regulations govern the transportation of hazardous materials in containers. Containers carrying dangerous goods must be properly labeled, placarded, and secured to prevent accidents and environmental contamination.

Security: Security measures, such as the Container Security Initiative (CSI) and the use of high-security seals, are in place to reduce the risk of terrorist activities involving containers.

It’s important to note that container regulations can vary from one country or region to another, so shippers and logistics professionals must be familiar with the specific rules and requirements applicable to their shipments. Staying informed about these regulations is essential for ensuring the efficient and safe movement of goods in international trade.

Dimensions: A standard 20-foot container typically has the following dimensions:

 

External Dimensions:

 Length: 20 feet (6.06 meters)

Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)

Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters)

Internal Dimensions:

 Length: 19 feet 4 inches (5.89 meters)

Width: 7 feet 8 inches (2.34 meters)

Height: 7 feet 10 inches (2.39 meters)

  1. Capacity: The capacity of a 20-foot container can vary depending on the specific design and construction of the container. However, it is generally used to carry cargo with a volume of about 1,170 cubic feet (33.1 cubic meters). The maximum weight capacity, including the container’s weight, is typically around 24,000 pounds (10.9 metric tons).

 

  1. Common Uses: 20-foot containers are versatile and widely used for transporting various types of cargo, including but not limited to:

 

  • Consumer goods
  • Electronics
  • Textiles
  • Machinery and equipment
  • Furniture
  • Food products
  • Raw materials
How much cargo weight can be safely and legally loaded in containers for highway transport in the US?

 

In a 20” container – 44,000 lbs. (19,958kg)
In a 40” container – 44,500 lbs. (20,185kg).

Shippers must be aware that when factoring in the truck, chassis and container weight, the maximum gross vehicle weight cannot exceed 80,000 lbs. (36,287kg), which is the basic legal limit for US highway transport. Even though some states allow higher weight limits, we recommend that the cargo weight is limited to the above stated maximums. Shippers must spread the weight evenly throughout the container or the container can be subject to an axle weight violation.

How much cargo weight can be safely and legally loaded in containers for rail transport in the US?

The maximum weight that US railroads will accept or deliver for rail car movement is (including container weight) 52,900 lbs. (23,995kg) in the case of a 20” container, and 67,200 lbs. (30,481kg) in the case of a 40” container. Commodities placing concentrated weight onto small areas of the container floor (such as steel coils, marble slabs etc.) are of particular concern to North American railroads because cargo can fall through the container floor and cause a derailment. Please note that containers loaded up to the rail cargo weight limit cannot move over the road as the container will exceed the 80,000 lb. highway limit.

Equipment tare weight summary
Below are approximate weights of equipment before considering cargo weight.

 

Containers
  • 20′ dry = 4,800 lbs. (2,177kg)
    20′ reefer = 6,600 lbs. (2,994kg)
    20′ reefer w/clip-on genset and full fuel tank = 9,600 lbs. (4,355kg)
    20′ dry = 4,800 lbs. (2,177kg)
    40′ standard dry = 8,400 lbs. (3,810kg)
    40′ hi-cube dry = 8,900 lbs. (4,037kg)
    40′ hi-cube reefer = 9,700 lbs. (4,400kg)
    40′ reefer w/clip-on genset and full fuel tank:
    At rail ITM ramp origin: 12,700 lbs. (5,761kg)
    At rail ITM ramp destination for on-street movement: 12,300 lbs. (5,579kg)

 

Chassis
  • 20′ 2-axle = 6,300 lbs. (2,858kg)
    20′ 3-axle = 10,500 lbs. to 10,950 lbs. (4,763kg to 4,967kg)
    40′ 2-axle = 6,800 lbs. (3,084kg)
    40′ 2-axle chassis with underslung chassis-mount genset = 8,600 lbs. to 9,000 lbs. (3,901kg to 4,082kg)
    40′ 3-axle = 10,800 lbs. (4,899kg)
    45’ 2-axle = 7,700 lbs. (3,493kg) “extendable” can be heavier
Tractor

3-axle standard, no sleeper cab = 18,500 lbs. (8,392kg) average
3-axle road (sleeper cab) tractor = 19,000 lbs. to 21,000 lbs. (8,618k to 9,526kg) average

Gensets

Clip-on genset and its fuel (full tank) = 3,000 lbs. (1,361kg)

Recommended Maximum Gross Allowable Cargo Weights
20’ Dry on slider chassis: 39,200 lbs. (17,780 kg)
20’ Dry on Tri axle slider chassis: 44,000 lbs. (19,960 kg) maximum outside California designated Overweight Corridors, i.e., Alameda Corridor in S. Calif., and Harbor Blvd/Maritime St. in Oakland
20’ RF on slider chassis: 34,900 lbs. (15,830 kg)
20’ RF on Tri axle slider chassis 39,700 lbs. (18,010 kg) maximum outside California Overweight Corridors when moving with a clip-on genset

40’ Dry on standard chassis 44,000 lbs. (19,960 kg)
40’ Hi-cube on standard chassis 43,700 lbs. (19,820 kg)
40’ RF on standard chassis 39,800 lbs. (18,050 kg) with a clip-on genset
40’ RF Hi-cube on standard chassis 39,300 lbs. (17,830 kg) with a clip-on genset

Maximum axle weights allowed when gross weight allowed is limited to 80,000 lbs. per 5-axle rig are:

12,000 lbs. front axle (tractor steer axle)
34,000 lbs. middle tandems (tractor drive axles)
34,000 lbs. rear tandems

 
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