Containers are the main Cargo Transport Units (CTU) in international transportation. They are used to carry Unit Loads (ULD) safely and securely.
The most widely used Unit Loads in international transportation are pallets.
Euro pallets (1200 mm x 800 mm) and Industrial Pallets (1200 mm x 1000 mm) are two most frequently used pallets in international transportation.
Refrigerated container, also known as reefer container or reefer, is a type of container which is equipped with an electrical appliance (mechanical compressor) for the purposes of cooling or heating the air within the container.
Refrigerated containers are designed for the transport of perishable goods in a temperature-controlled environment (from -35°C to +35°C).
Two main sizes of reefer containers are very popular in international logistics: 20′ reefer container and 40′ high-cube reefer container.
20′ reefer container has the following internal dimensions: Length: 5450 mm, Width: 2280 mm and Height: 2159 mm.
On this post I will explain how many Euro pallets (1200 mm x 800 mm) and Industrial Pallets (1200 mm x 1000 mm) fit in to a 20′ reefer container.
As it is shown on the above figure it is possible to fit 9 pcs of industrial pallets and 10 pcs of euro pallets in to a 20′ reefer container.
Containers are the main Cargo Transport Units (CTU) in international transportation. They are used to carry Unit Loads (ULD) safely and securely.
The most widely used Unit Loads in international transportation are pallets.
Euro pallets (1200 mm x 800 mm) and Industrial Pallets (1200 mm x 1000 mm) are two most frequently used pallets in international transportation.
40′ high-cube containers have been becoming popular in international logistics in the last 20 years with the following interior dimensions: Length: 12032 mm, Width: 2350 mm and Height: 2700 mm.
On this post I will explain how many Euro pallets (1200 mm x 800 mm) and Industrial Pallets (1200 mm x 1000 mm) fit in to a 40′ high-cube dry container.
As it is shown on the above figure it is possible to fit 21 pcs of industrial pallets and 24/25 pcs of euro pallets in to a 40′ high-cube dry container.
Important Note: 25 euro pallet stuffing plan shows maximum amount of pallets that can be fitted in to a 40′ high-cube container by disregarding container deformations and safety gap that must be left between each pallet. 24 euro pallet stuffing plan is a safer one.
Containers are the main Cargo Transport Units (CTU) in international transportation. They are used to carry Unit Loads (ULD) safely and securely.
The most widely used Unit Loads in international transportation are pallets.
Euro pallets (1200 mm x 800 mm) and Industrial Pallets (1200 mm x 1000 mm) are two most prevalent pallet types in international transportation.
A 20′ container is one of the most frequently used container type in international logistics with the following interior dimensions: Length: 5900 mm, Width: 2352 mm and Height: 2395 mm.
On this post I will explain how many Euro pallets (1200 mm x 800 mm) and Industrial Pallets (1200 mm x 1000 mm) fit in to a 20′ standard dry container.
As it is shown on the above figure it is possible to fit 10 pcs of industrial pallets and 11 pcs of euro pallets in to a 20′ standard dry container.
Containers are the main Cargo Transport Units (CTU) in international transportation. They are used to carry Unit Loads (ULD) safely and securely.
The most widely used Unit Loads in international transportation are pallets.
Euro pallets (1200 mm x 800 mm) and Industrial Pallets (1200 mm x 1000 mm) are two most frequently used pallets in international transportation.
A 40′ container is one of the most frequently used container type in international logistics with the following interior dimensions: Length: 12032 mm, Width: 2352 mm and Height: 2395 mm.
On this post I will explain how many Euro pallets (1200 mm x 800 mm) and Industrial Pallets (1200 mm x 1000 mm) fit in to a 40′ standard dry container.
As it is shown on the above figure it is possible to fit 21 pcs of industrial pallets and 24/25 pcs of euro pallets in to a 40′ standard dry container.
Important Note: 25 euro pallet stuffing plan shows maximum amount of pallets that can be fitted in to a 40′ container by disregarding container deformations and safety gap that must be left between each pallet. 24 euro pallet stuffing plan is a safer one.
Containers are the main Cargo Transport Units (CTU) in international transportation. They are used to carry Unit Loads (ULD) safely and securely.
Unit Loads makes the handling and storage of the goods easier, increases the safety and contributes to a more efficient logistics operations.
The most widely used Unit Loads in international transportation are pallets.
Exporting companies usually packed their goods into cartoon boxes and then place them on to wooden or plastic pallets. Then the cartons, that have been placed on to the pallets, are shrink-wrapped to secure the cargo.
Palletized goods that are shipped in containers increase not only loading and unloading efficiency, but also navigates through the distributions channels with minimum labor costs.
So it is very wise both exporters and importers to use pallets and containers at the same time. But standard containers have one disadvantage.
It is not possible to load maximum number of pallets in to the standard containers, because of a width constraint.
Pallet Dimensions
Euro pallets (1200 mm x 800 mm) and industrial pallets (1200 mm x 1000 mm) are two most frequently used pallets in international transportation.
Standard Dry Container Internal Width
Internal width of a standard containers is around 2352 mm.
It is not possible to load two pallets side-by-side in a standard dry container. ( 1200 mm + 1200 mm = 2400 mm > 2352 mm)
Pallet Wide Containers
Pallet wide containers introduced to eliminate inefficiency in the palletized container shipments.
Pallet wide containers and standard dry containers are actually the same containers except one difference. Pallet wide containers have thinner side panels.
Thinner side panels provide wider inside and this equipment is able to cover 2xEuropallet in wide. (1)
A Pallet Wide Container is manufactured approx 4 inches (10.2 cm) wider than a standard width container to enable the stowage of more pallets in a single tier thus eliminating the unused space that can occur in a standard width container. (2)
Please keep in mind that 40′ and 45′ pallet wide containers mainly available in high-cube format.
20′ Standard Dry Container vs 20′ Dry Pallet Wide Container
On below figure you can find container loading plans for 20′ standard dry container and 20′ dry pallet wide container.
How many euro pallets or industrial pallets fit into a 20ft pallet wide container?
Both containers can be loaded with 10 pcs of industrial pallets ( 1200mm x 1000mm) maximum.
But a 20′ pallet wide container can take 3 more euro pallets (1200mm x 800mm) than a standard 20′ dry container.
Note: Both calculations are based on 1 tier loading without stacking.
40′ Standard Dry Container vs 40′ Dry High-Cube Pallet Wide Container
On below figure you can find container loading plans for 40′ standard dry container and 40′ dry high-cube pallet wide container.
How many euro pallets or industrial pallets fit into a 40′ dry high-cube pallet wide container?
A 40′ high-cube pallet wide container can take more pallets than a 40′ standard container.
In terms of industrial pallets a 40′ high-cube pallet wide container can take 24 pallets, where as a 40′ standard container can only take 21.
In terms of euro pallets a 40′ high-cube pallet wide container can take 30 pallets, where as a 40′ standard container can only take 25.
Note: Both calculations are based on 1 tier loading without stacking.
45′ Dry High Cube Pallet Wide Container
A 45′ dry high-cube pallet wide container has the same width as other pallet wide containers around 2420 mm, but is the longest available container in service around 13624 mm internal length.
How many euro pallets or industrial pallets fit into a 45′ dry high-cube pallet wide container?
A 45′ dry high-cube pallet wide container can take 26 industrial pallets and 33 euro pallets.
Dry containers, also known as general purpose containers, are by far the most common type of containers used in international sea transportation.
Almost every consumer goods that does not require a special transportation temperature can be carried out with dry containers.
Dry containers are mainly available in two sizes: 20 feet (20′) dry containers and 40 feet (40′) dry containers.
40′ dry containers are also divided into two forms: 40′ Standard Dry Containers and 40′ High-Cube Dry Containers.
On this post you can find the main differences between these two container types.
40′ Standard Dry Container vs 40′ High-Cube Dry Container
External dimensions of a 40′ standard dry container is 40′ length, 8′ width and 8’6″ height. Whereas external dimensions of a 40′ high-cube dry container is 40′ length, 8′ width and 9’6″ height.
The main difference between 40′ standard dry container and 40′ high-cube dry container is the height. 40′ high-cube container is 1′ higher than 40′ standard container in terms of external dimensions.
This external height difference also differentiates the internal height and volume of these two containers.
It is possible to load more goods into a 40′ standard high-cube container if the goods do not pass the allowed payload limit. Because the payload limit of a 40′ standard high-cube container is slightly less than a 40′ standard dry container.
You can find detailed comparison between these two containers on above figure.
Standardization is one of the key elements of our modern civilization. By standardization we increase productivity, decrease costs and improve quality of the goods and services.
Standardization changed almost every sector more or less, but it has an huge impact to the international transportation by means of containerization.
The pattern of cargo reception and shipment has dramatically changed with the use of the freight container.
The use of containers, which started more than 50 years ago, in intercontinental traffic is now available in most seaports worldwide.
In the 1960’s, many seaports either had inadequate container facility or none at all. Consequently, export shipments often relied on conventional (break-bulk) vessels.
The cargoes were placed alongside a vessel for hoisting on board. The stevedores (longshoremen) were often employed to carry cargoes on and off the vessel.
The loading and unloading of vessels consumed too much time, which caused dockside bottlenecks and delayed shipments. With the increased use of containers, the congestion was decentralized.
The problem of congestion was transferred from the docks or piers to the container freight stations or terminals. (1)
Classification of Freight Containers:
Containers are available in configurations to take almost every kind of cargo and mode of transportation (ocean, air, road, and rail). (2)
Dry Containers:
A dry container is a type of freight container, totally enclosed and weatherproof, with a rigid roof, rigid side walls, and floor, having at least one of its end walls equipped with doors and intended to be suitable for the transport of cargo of the greatest possible variety.
This is by far the most common type of container. It is suitable for the carriage of most types of “Dry” goods, including those packed in boxes, cartons, cases, bags, bales, pallets, drums etc. (3)
Dry container are available with standard height and high cube formations. The internal height of standard dry containers are 2395 mm (7′ 10 1/4″) whereas the internal height of high cube containers are 2700 mm (8′ 10 1/4″)
Dry Container Dimensions: 20′ Dry Container, 40′ Dry Container, 40′ Dry High Cube and 45′ Dry High Cube dimensions.
On this post you can find the differences between a 40′ Standard Dry Container and a 40′ High-Cube Dry Container in terms of external dimensions, internal dimensions and allowed payloads.
Pallet wide containers introduced to eliminate inefficiency in the palletized container shipments. It is possible to load two or three pallets side by side to these containers.
On this post I am explaining how many Euro pallets (1200 mm x 800 mm) and Industrial Pallets (1200 mm x 1000 mm) fit in to a 20′ standard dry container.
On this post I will explain how many Euro pallets (1200 mm x 800 mm) and Industrial Pallets (1200 mm x 1000 mm) fit in to a 40′ standard dry container.
On this post I will explain how many Euro pallets (1200 mm x 800 mm) and Industrial Pallets (1200 mm x 1000 mm) fit in to a 40′ high-cube dry container.
Refrigerated Containers (Reefer Containers):
A refrigerated container is a type of container which is equipped with an electrical appliance (mechanical compressor) for the purposes of cooling or heating the air within the container.
Refrigerated containers designed for the transport of perishable goods in a temperature-controlled environment (from -35°C to +35°C). (4)
What kind of goods should be shipped with reefer containers?
Generally foodstuff and some pharmaceuticals are transported via reefer containers.
Fresh Vegetables and Fruits: Lychees, grapes, grapefruits, mango, avocados, bananas, kiwi, apples, stone fruits etc.
Frozen Vegetables and Fruits: IQF frozen vegetables and fruits such as IQF ocras, IQF artichokes, IQF spinach, IQF green peas, IQF Strawberry, IQF Figs, IQF Apricots etc.
On this post I will explain how many Euro pallets (1200 mm x 800 mm) and Industrial Pallets (1200 mm x 1000 mm) fit in to a 40′ high-cube reefer container.
Hardtop Containers:
Hardtop container shares common features with standard dry container, except that it has a removable steel roof.
The walls of hard-top containers are generally made of corrugated steel. The floor is made of wood.
Removable steel roof of some hardtop containers has points for accommodating forklift trucks, allowing the roof to be lifted by forklift. The roof weighs approx. 450 kg. In addition, the door header may be swing out. (6)
Hardtop Container Dimensions: 20′ Hardtop Container, 40′ Hardtop Container and 40′ Hardtop High Cube Container dimensions.
Open-Top Containers:
Open-top container is a type of a freight container which has no rigid roof, but has a flexible and movable or removable cover.
Such containers may have movable or removable top end transverse members above their end doors.
Open-top containers are primarily used to carry heavy and/or bulky finished products, which handling and loading can only be performed with a crane or a rolling bridge.
Tiltable half-height open top containers are specially designed to carry bulk minerals.
Flatrack containers consist of a floor structure with a high loading capacity composed of a steel frame and a softwood floor and two end walls, which may either be fixed or collapsible.(7)
The end walls are stable enough to allow cargo securing means to be attached and several flatracks to be stacked on top of one another.
Flatracks are available in 20′ and 40′ sizes.
The flat racks with collapsible ends also permit the transportation of over length cargo.
Flatrack Container Dimensions: 20′ Open Top Container, 40′ Open Top Container and
40′ Open Top High Cube Container dimensions.
Platforms consist solely of a reinforced floor structure with extremely high loading capacity; they have no side or end walls. (8)
Platform containers are ideally suited to oversized, heavy load and awkward project cargoes which cannot be transported in other container types such as high cube or open top containers. (9)
Platform containers can be lashed together to create a larger platform for oversized and heavy loads which exceed the standard platform container specifications.
Platform containers are available in 20ft and 40ft sizes.
Bulk containers have three loading hatches in the roof, each of a diameter of approx. 455 mm (1 3/4′).
On the door side, there are two discharge hatches, which are sometimes equipped with short discharge tubes for guiding the bulk cargo.
Alternatively, two unloading hatches may be mounted in the doorways, for emptying the containers.
Such containers may also be used for general cargo. Lashing rings are mounted in the top side rails for securing the cargo. Some bulk containers are equipped with forklift pockets, which allow handling by forklift trucks. (10)
It is possible to load more goods into a 40′ standard high-cube container if the goods do not pass the allowed payload limit. Because the payload limit of a 40′ standard high-cube container is slightly less than a 40′ standard dry container.
