Shipping containers play a key role in global trade by moving goods across oceans. They are built to be strong, safe, and easy to handle. However, one thing that is often overlooked is the weight of the container itself. Knowing how much an empty shipping container weighs is important, not just for figuring out shipping costs, but also for making sure the goods inside are transported safely.
Types of Shipping Containers
There are several types of shipping containers, with the most common being standard ISO containers and high cube containers.
Standard ISO containers are the most commonly used type of shipping container, and they come in different sizes. The two most popular sizes are the 20ft and 40ft containers. These containers are the industry standard for transporting goods around the world.
On the other hand, High Cube containers, which are usually 40 feet long, are designed to be taller than the standard containers. This extra height gives them more internal space, allowing for larger or taller cargo to be loaded.
However, the added height also means the tare weight, or the weight of the empty container, is slightly higher than that of a regular container. While the extra height provides more cargo space, it does come with a small increase in weight, which is an important factor when calculating the total shipping weight.
The Average Weight of an Empty Shipping Container
The tare weight is the weight of an empty shipping container, and it’s an important factor when figuring out the total weight of a shipment. For example, a standard 20ft shipping container usually weighs around 2,300 kg (which is about 5,000 lbs), while a 40ft shipping container is heavier, typically weighing about 3,700 kg (around 8,000 lbs).
High cube containers, which are also usually 40ft long, are a bit taller than regular containers, so they weigh a little more—around 3,900 kg. This extra height adds a bit to the container’s overall weight. Understanding tare weight is key for calculating how much cargo a container can safely carry and helps with accurate shipping costs.
Shipping Container Weight: What Affects It?
Several things can affect how much a shipping container weighs:
- Materials: Most containers are made of steel, which is strong but heavy. The type of material used affects the tare weight (the weight of the empty container).
- Design and Purpose: A high cube container, which is taller than regular containers, has more space for cargo but can also weigh a bit more. The container’s design—whether it’s a standard or high cube—affects its tare weight.
- Modifications: Some containers are customized with extra features, like insulation or refrigeration units. These additions can make the container heavier.
Verified Gross Mass (VGM) and Its Importance
The Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is the total weight of a shipping container, including both the container itself and the cargo inside. This measurement is crucial for safety, as it is part of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) guidelines, which are global rules set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Before a shipping container is loaded onto a ship, the shipper is required to accurately declare the VGM. If the VGM is incorrect or not properly declared, it can create serious safety risks.
For example, overloaded or unbalanced shipping containers can lead to accidents, delays, or even damage to the cargo and ship. Ensuring the correct VGM is declared helps prevent these dangerous situations.
Maximum Gross Weight and Maximum Payload
The maximum gross weight is the total weight a shipping container can hold, including both the container’s empty weight (tare weight) and the weight of whatever is inside. For example, a 40ft shipping container usually has a maximum gross weight of around 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs).
The maximum payload is the weight of the cargo that can be placed inside the container. To figure it out, you subtract the tare weight from the maximum gross weight. For instance, if a 20ft shipping container has a tare weight of 2,300 kg and a maximum gross weight of 24,000 kg, its maximum payload would be 21,700 kg.
The Importance of Weight in Shipping Costs
The weight of a shipping container has a big effect on shipping costs. Heavier containers need more fuel to move and might come with higher handling fees at ports. Also, if a container is overloaded or not balanced properly, it can cause safety problems and delays. That’s why it’s important to accurately calculate the total weight of the container, including both its empty weight (tare weight) and the weight of the cargo, to ensure the right pricing and safe transport.
Conclusion
Understanding the weight of an empty shipping container is important for both safety and shipping costs. Whether it’s a 20ft, 40ft, or high cube container, knowing the tare weight and maximum gross weight helps avoid issues like overloaded or unbalanced shipping, which can lead to delays or safety risks.
The Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is also key to following international shipping rules set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). By considering factors that affect a container’s weight, shippers can ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective shipping.
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