How much does a shipping container weigh? I Bison Blog (2024)

FAQs

How much does a shipping container weigh? I Bison Blog? ›

Typically an empty 20 foot shipping container weighs between 1.8-2.2 metric tonnes (about 3,970 - 4,850 lb) and an empty 40 foot shipping container weighs 3.8 - 4.2 tonne (8,340 - 9,260 lb) depending on what kind of container it is.

As we've discussed, an empty 20ft shipping container will typically weigh under 5,000lbs or mostly hover between 3,970lbs and 4,850lbs or between 1.8 and 2.2 metric tonnes.

20-Foot Reefer Shipping Container

Due to the insulation and refrigeration equipment, the tare weight of a reefer container is significantly higher, approximately 6,791 lbs (3,080 kg). This type of container can manage a maximum gross weight of about 67,200 lbs (30,480 kg), similar to the high cube.

A tractor can help you with moving your shipping container short distances. It will have to be a tractor that has a high towing capacity, and the container will need to be secured on a trailer bed. Check your tractor's towing capacity before moving a shipping container. If it's too low, don't attempt it.

Manual tools such as levers, rollers, and pulleys offer cost-effective solutions for moving shipping containers without heavy equipment. Levers help lift containers off the ground, while rollers reduce friction, enabling smoother movement across surfaces.

To lift them, it is recommended to use a forklift with a higher load capacity and, in some cases, a cargo hook. The hook is attached to the top edge of the container, and the forklift lifts it to the desired height.

The correct method will depend on the size of your container. Shipping containers that are 20-feet long or shorter should be lifted with a forklift that has 6-foot tines and is able to hold the weight of the container. Keep in mind that standard warehouse forklifts should never lift a shipping container.

53 ft Shipping Containers

Our largest shipping container size, these 53 ft steel containers are considered high cube, which means they are one foot taller than standard shipping containers and six inches wider than standard shipping containers.

How much does a fully loaded 40ft container weigh? ›

Standard Shipping Container Weigh? A 40 ft. shipping container has a tare weight of approximately 8,159 lbs and has a maximum payload capacity of about 59,039 lbs. Its maximum laden weight is about 67,199 lbs.

In most states, shipments can be classified as 'heavy' when cargo exceeds: 20 ft dry container that has a cargo weight above 37,500 pounds (with some exceptions) 40 ft dry or High Cube container that has a cargo weight above 43,500 pounds (with some exceptions)

Typically an empty 20 foot shipping container weighs between 1.8-2.2 metric tonnes (about 3,970 - 4,850 lb) and an empty 40 foot shipping container weighs 3.8 - 4.2 tonne (8,340 - 9,260 lb) depending on what kind of container it is. For example, high cube containers tend to be heavier.

A 20-foot container's unloaded weight is 2,300 kg and can, in theory, be loaded to a maximum weight of 28 tons (25,400kg).

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.

A 20-foot container's unloaded weight is 2,300 kg and can, in theory, be loaded to a maximum weight of 28 tons (25,400kg).

40' Container Max Load: 59,200 lbs.

Due to similarities in cargo capacity between a 20ft container and 40ft container, it is important to know which size to choose to meet your requirements.