Container weight limits: payload vs. road limit
A 40' container may carry around 26.5 t at sea – but the truck that brings it to the port usually may not. For planning, the road limit is what counts.
Key facts
- Max. payload (CSC plate): 20' ≈ 28 t, 40' ≈ 26.5 t
- Germany: 40 t total vehicle weight, 44 t in combined transport
- Practical cargo per container on the road: about 22 t
- VGM (SOLAS): the verified gross mass must be declared before loading on the vessel
Max. payload of the container
| Container | Inside L × W × H (cm) | Door W × H (cm) | Volume (m³) | Max. payload (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' GP (Standard) | 590 × 235 × 239 | 234 × 228 | 33.1 | 28,000 |
| 40' GP (Standard) | 1,203 × 235 × 239 | 234 × 228 | 67.6 | 26,500 |
| 40' HC (High Cube) | 1,203 × 235 × 269 | 234 × 258 | 76.0 | 26,500 |
| 45' HC | 1,355 × 235 × 269 | 234 × 258 | 85.7 | 27,500 |
| 20' RF (Reefer) | 545 × 229 × 227 | 229 × 226 | 28.3 | 27,400 |
| 40' HC RF (Reefer) | 1,158 × 229 × 255 | 229 × 256 | 67.6 | 29,200 |
Max. payload = max. gross weight minus tare weight. These values are shown on the CSC plate on the container door.
Why about 22 t is the practical limit
In Germany a truck with semi-trailer may weigh 40 t in total, in combined transport (truck leg to or from a rail/port terminal) 44 t. Tractor and container chassis weigh roughly 12–14 t, the empty container 2.2–3.9 t. At 40 t that leaves roughly 22–25 t for the cargo – less with heavier equipment or in countries with stricter limits.
That is why plan4cargo uses 22 t per container as the default road limit. You can change it with ▲▼ in the planner, for example for combined transport or rail.
Weight distribution
- Keep the centre of gravity close to the middle of the container – both lengthwise and crosswise.
- Never place heavy pieces on light ones; put the heaviest cargo at the bottom.
- Very heavy, small pieces create concentrated loads on the floor – spread them with timber.
- The CTU Code (IMO/ILO/UNECE) is the reference for packing and securing cargo in containers.
VGM – verified gross mass
Since 2016 (SOLAS) the shipper must declare the verified gross mass of every export container – either by weighing the packed container (method 1) or by adding up cargo, packing material and tare (method 2). Without VGM, the container is not loaded on the vessel.
Values are typical figures for standard equipment. Actual dimensions and limits vary by carrier, container and country – always check with your carrier.
Frequently asked questions
How much weight can you put in a 40ft container?
The container itself is rated for about 26.5 t of cargo, but for road transport in Germany about 22 t is the practical maximum because of the 40 t total vehicle limit.
Is a 20ft or 40ft container better for heavy cargo?
For dense, heavy cargo a 20' is usually better: it has a higher payload (about 28 t) and the road limit is reached before the space is full anyway.
What is the 44 t rule?
In Germany vehicles in combined transport (road leg to/from a rail or port terminal) may weigh up to 44 t instead of 40 t, which allows a few more tons of cargo.