Is a 20ft container better than a 40ft container?

22 Jul.,2024

 

20 Ft Vs 40 Ft Container Dimensions

At Pelican Containers, we offer the best quotes on new and used shipping containers. So, just in case you&#;re searching for a 20ft shipping container for sale near you, feel free to contact us. And now let&#;s decide on the dispute between 20ft vs. 40ft containers: what is the best container to use for transporting your goods, the difference in size and appearance, and find out important factors that will help you make a decision.

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If you want to ship containers as a businessman, you need to organize a full container load, known as FCL among freight forwarders. 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft-high cube containers are the most used standard containers for freight forwarding. To pick the most appropriate one, you must evaluate the number of your goods. If your items are bulky or unique, you should check with your supplier or freight forwarder to determine the best option.

Before we go into the differences between a 20ft shipping container vs. 40ft shipping container , let&#;s have a look at the sizes and types of containers.

20ft shipping containers and 40ft shipping containers are the most prevalent types of storage containers. Containers, sometimes known as general-purpose containers, may carry almost any type of cargo, including boxes, barrels, and pallets, as well as vehicles and heavy equipment.

When shipping internationally by sea, be it a new container or a used 20ft shipping container, options are numerous.

The Appearance of 20ft and 40ft Shipping Containers

48,000 bananas. 200 full-sized mattresses. If you&#;re shipping electronics, a 20ft container can hold up to 18,000 iPads. Yet, in the confrontation, 20ft vs. 40ft shipping container &#; the capacity will be higher when choosing the second option. But, this can be both an advantage and a drawback, depending on your goals and the project&#;s cost-effectiveness.

The same goes for the 20ft and 40ft container types, also known as a dry van. Dry vans are so called because they can transport almost any dry cargo. It might be anything from boxes, pallets, and barrels to garments already on hangers.

Externally, the containers are practically the same. Choosing a 20ft container vs. 40ft container, you have to understand that they have the same strength, flexibility, and waterproofing. The width of the containers is pretty much identical to make it convenient to stack them when transported by sea. A 20ft container is much more compact but holds half as much cargo, so the choice may depend on what kind of cargo and how much of it you are going to transport.

Everything inside the containers may be customized to fit and accommodate the dry cargo.

However, you should be clear on the difference in length, width, height, and capacity of 20ft and 40ft containers in terms of appearance. 20 ft vs. 40 ft container dimensions:

  • Length :5.9 m/ 19.4ft for 20ft and 12.03m/ 39.5ft for 40ft
  • Width : 2.35 m/ 7.8ft for 20ft and 2.4m/ 7.9ft for 40ft
  • Height : 2.39 m/ 7.9ft for 20ft and 2.39m/ 7.9ft for 40ft
  • Weight : kg/ .5 Ibs for 20ft and kg/.8 for 40ft
  • Payload Capacity : kg/ .9 Ibs for 20 ft and kg/ Ibs for 40ft
  • Cubic Capacity : 33.2 m2/ cu ft for 20ft and 67.7m2/ cu for 40ft

If you&#;ve made up your mind on buying a container, get a 40ft shipping container for sale at Pelican containers.

Now that we have an idea of what the capacity of these containers is, let&#;s see what the price range looks like.

How Much Do 20ft vs. 40ft Containers Cost?

The cost of a container varies greatly depending on the location of the container. If the containers are in a deficit area, you will have to pay a far higher price than if they are purchased from a surplus location. Because of this, it is quite challenging to determine the exact price. Accordingly, if you decide on a 40ft vs. a 20ft container, the second option will cost you more anyway.

Do you already have a specific location where you want to buy your next containers? Then reach out to our team and get a 15 minutes free call. They will guide you on the exact cost of a 20ft shipping container along with the cost of a 40ft shipping container.

How to Choose Between 20ft and 40ft Container Size

When deciding which option is better, 20ft vs. 40ft container, consider more than just the loading room. Basically, there are 3 aspects to consider if you want to make a cost-effective, transportation-efficient decision.

Price

The first point to remember is that 20ft shipping containers are not less expensive than 40ft containers. Contrary to common misconception, a 20ft container does not cost half as much as a 40ft. A 20ft container is usually around 75% of the price of a 40ft. Therefore, if you are going to transport a large amount of cargo, the best choice between a 40ft vs. 20ft container is to purchase a 40ft. So, even if you need a few units, your solution will be much more cost-effective. Depending on what you&#;re shipping and where it&#;s going, there may be various methods to save money. To receive a quote, please contact us immediately.

Storage & Loading

Because larger containers provide bigger room, you should consider your storage and loading needs when selecting a shipping container. When shipping pallets in a container, we recommend that they should be loaded in one row along the container&#;s length and another row along the container&#;s width. Pallets may be piled up easily.

Volume vs. Weight

Based on parameters like weight to volume ratio and weight distribution, each container is built to hold certain cargo. If you intend on shipping large cargoes, keep in mind that you might not be able to fill the container to capacity.

One of the reasons why 20ft containers are better for transporting dense materials and big cargo like machinery, metals, cement, and sugar is because of this. Due to the limited space, it may not be the ideal alternative for large goods.

A 40ft container is usually the best option for shipments like furniture or steel pipes. A 40&#; container can&#;t hold twice as much weight as a 20ft container, but it can hold more than twice as much volume.

Are you still contemplating a 20 ft vs 40 ft container cost? 40ft shipping container price or a 20ft shipping container price? Contact Pelican Containers if you require exceptional pricing and a competitive offer on shipping containers.

Final Thoughts

When choosing a 40ft vs. 20ft shipping container, you should base your decision on three main parameters. The volume and weight of the load play a significant role. If you need to transport heavy cargo, then the best choice is to buy 20ft standard shipping containers. If you need to carry a bulky but not so heavy load, buy 40ft standard shipping containers. In addition, a 40-foot container costs only 25% more on average and not twice as much as many think. Based on these findings, you can choose the right option for your needs.

Besides, we suggest you use the best container delivery services from us! We offer a wide range of new and used containers worldwide. Call or contact us in any convenient way, and we will be happy to help you make the right 40ft vs. 20ft container choice!

20ft vs 40ft Container, How to Choose the Right Shipping ...

When shipping internationally by sea, and having enough goods to fill up a whole container, a FCL shipment will be your most indicated option. The most commonly used type of shipping containers are named &#;Dry Storage Containers&#;. They come in different dimensions, standardized by ISO, with two main sizes: 20ft and 40ft container. Also known as general-purpose containers, they can store almost any kind of cargo from boxes, barrels, pallets, to vehicles and heavy equipment.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website 40 tank container.

20ft and 40ft containers not only differ in terms of size, but maximum loading weight, usage, and cost. Depending on what your shipping requirements are, you will also find various other types of containers, from refrigerated to specialty containers, available in different shapes and sizes.

That is why you must pay special attention to the type and size of container selected for your shipment, as it not only helps ensure the safety of your freight but can also impact your budget.

Understanding Standard 20ft vs 40ft Container

Most companies only offer 20ft and 40ft containers. So, let&#;s first take a closer look at these two sizes of containers, how they are used, and how much cargo can fit in.

About Steel Containers and ISO Standards

Most shipping containers used today are made from steel or aluminum. They come with corrugated walls, hinged doors (on one, both, or all sides), and are welded to the end frames and rails.

They are required to meet certain standards and ISO requirements. The standard for these containers is ISO :. This identification system gives each container a specific or unique marking. This code, however, can be broken into more parts: an ISO (BIC) code, a size code, and a type code, with the option to add additional markings.

Standard 20ft & 40ft Container Dimensions

40ft containers are also called Forty-foot Equivalent Units (or FEUs for short) and 20ft containers Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). While their dimensions or size greatly differ, they offer the same level of strength.

20 feet Container Dimensions

  • Length: 19&#;4&#; / 5.89m.
  • Width: 7&#;9&#; / 2.35m.
  • Height: 7&#;10&#; / 2.39m.
  • Tare weight: 4,894 lbs / 2,220 kg.
  • Payload capacity: 48,171 lbs / 21,850 kg.
  • Cubic capacity: 1,170 ft³ / 33.2 m³.

40 feet Container Dimensions

  • Length: 39&#;6&#; / 12.03m.
  • Width: 7&#;9&#; / 2.35m.
  • Height: 7&#;10&#; / 2.39m.
  • Tare weight: 8,245 lbs / 3,740 kg.
  • Payload capacity: 58,996 lbs / 26,760 kg.
  • Cubic capacity: 2,391 ft³ / 67.7 m³.

*All dimensions are internal. 20ft and 40ft container dimensions can vary slightly by steamship line and manufacture.

High Cube Containers Options

Those who want more space can go for a high cube container. These are similar to standard steel containers but taller. They offer a maximum height of 9&#;6&#; or 8.96m.

High cube containers are available in both 20ft and 40ft sizes. You may also find some high cube containers that are 45&#; long.

How Much Can I Fit in a 20ft vs a 40ft Container?

A 40&#; container can fit more than twice what a 20&#; container can fit:
  • In a 20ft Container
    A 20ft container can hold a total of 11 Euro-Pallets (1.2m x 0.8m), or up to 10 standard pallets in one-tier.
  • In a 40ft Container
    A 20ft container can hold a total of 24 Euro-Pallets (1.2m x 0.8m), or up to 21 standard pallets in one-tier.

How to Choose Between 20&#; and 40&#;? 3 things to keep in mind

Loading space is not the only factor to consider when selecting the size of your container. If you want to make a budget-friendly, transport-efficient decision, there are some facts that you have to take into consideration.

1. Cost

The first fact to consider is that 20ft containers are not more cost-efficient than 40ft containers. Contrary to popular belief, a 20ft does not cost half of a 40ft. The usual price for a 20ft container is around 75% of a 40ft container. There can be some ways to save money based on what you are shipping and where. Get in touch with us today to get a quote.

2. Loading & Storage

Bigger containers offer more space, that is why you should consider your storage and loading requirements when choosing a shipping container. As a rule, when shipping pallets in a container, we strongly suggest loading them in one row along the container&#;s length and another row along the width. Pallets can be easily stacked. However, if the merchandise is heavy, stacking may not always be recommended, which may change your container size requirements.

To efficiently use your containers, you need to carefully consider the volume and the height of your cargo. To accommodate bigger or taller items, you may choose a high cube container. It increases height by 27cm, adding up to a total extra volume of 9cbm. The extra height offered could save you from having to book an additional shipment.

3. Weight vs Volume

Each container is designed to carry specific cargo based on factors such as weight to volume ratio and weight distribution. If you plan on shipping heavy loads, keep in mind that you may not be able to utilize all the available space of the container.

This is one of the reasons why 20&#; containers are more suitable to transport dense items and heavy cargo such as machinery, metals, cement, and sugar.  And it might not be the best option for voluminous cargo due to limited space.

For such shipments as furniture or steel pipes, a 40&#; container is usually the best option. A 40&#; container cannot handle twice the amount of weight a 20&#; container can; however, it can fit more than double the volume.

Here&#;s a generic example for a better understanding:
  • a 20&#; container can pack up to 1.53 m³ of cargo for every ton of weight.  Up to 21.85 tons of cargo can be loaded on a 20&#; container that offers only 33.50 m³ of cargo space.
  • a 40&#; container can pack up to 2.53 m³ of cargo for every ton of weight. Only 26.76 tons of cargo can be loaded on a 40&#; container that offers up to 67.70 m³ of cargo space.

We must also mention that while high cube containers offer more volume (76m³ of cargo can be loaded), weight capacity is fixed at around 26.80 tons, same as a standard 40ft container.

20ft vs 40ft Container? What About Other Options?

Technically speaking, a 40ft container is almost always a better option as it offers more space, but that is not the only benefit. There can be loading and timing issues with 20ft containers as they can run some delays when sent by train or truck to reach the cargo vessel. 20ft containers are usually mounted on the rail by pairs.

Do not forget that in some cases, dry storage containers may not be possible to use if you have specific requirements for your cargo: temperature-regulated containers or open-top containers for specific goods. These containers are available in different sizes and are suitable for specific products. For more information, please take a look at our Containers Guide.

When shipping containers overseas, make sure to choose your freight forwarder carefully since their expertise and knowledge will directly affect the effectiveness of your business.

Contact Latin American Cargo today, our team of experts will bring you the best freight solutions and help you pick the right container for your shipment.

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