Before transporting goods, it is essential to determine how much a steel shipping container weighs for safety reasons. An overloaded or unbalanced shipping vessel may place both the ship and shippers in danger. Accurately assessing the load prior to transport is critical for ensuring the secure passage of cargo across oceans.
In 2016, the (IMO) International Maritime Organization created a requirement for shippers to submit Verified Gross Mass (VGM) information about the shipping container weighing system before it can be loaded up and transported overseas. This rule was in response to an alarming number of accidents caused by shipments that exceeded their weight limits.
Before diving into the exact weight of different shipping container sizes, it is critical to understand the Tare Weight, Gross Weight, and Payload Weight of a shipping container. Here is a step-by-step instruction on how to accurately compute each measurement.
Referred to as the unladen weight, the tare weight is the weight of an empty shipping container. This number can be determined by subtracting the payload from its maximum gross limit; however, this technique may not always produce an accurate result when calculating a whole truck’s weight since other factors such as gasoline have to be taken into account.
After a shipping container has been manufactured, the tare weight is securely welded on the doors. This number determines how much payload can be safely added to an otherwise empty vessel. With this in mind, it’s vital that you find out your container’s exact tare weight before loading any items inside for shipment.
Gross Weight is the sum of a container’s weight and its maximum carrying capacity.
Tare weight = Maximum Gross weight – Maximum Payload weight
Known as a general-purpose container, the Dry Van shipping container is an ideal solution for transporting manufactured goods and materials across multiple platforms. Its intermodal design provides efficient transport while keeping your cargo safe and secure.
With a weight of 2,850lb and the ability to carry up to 22,360 lb., the 10 ft. dry container is perfect for those seeking space efficiency! Not only does it have a standard exterior height of 8ft 6in – ideal for small area storage purposes – but its dimensions are equivalent to that of an average one-car garage. As these containers may be cut from either 40 or 20-ft. shipping varieties due to their scarcity in supply, they make great options when limited resources restrict your choices.
At its lightest, an empty 20ft shipping container weighs 5,071 lbs. However, when fully loaded it can reach up to 55,126 lbs. Due to its ideal proportions and strength capabilities, many people prefer this size for transporting goods across the globe.
The 40ft shipping container is a popular option for shipments, job sites, and storage. It has an impressive weight capacity of 8,554 lbs in tare weight – the maximum gross weight is 67,196 lbs and with 58,642 lbs as its max payload capability! This container makes it easy to transport large cargo amounts safely and efficiently.
Standing tall at 9ft 6in, the 45ft high cube container is a vital component of intermodal freight transportation. Weighing in at 10,362 lbs., it can handle up to 71,650 lbs. of cargo with ease making it perfect for commercial and industrial storage purposes that require a large amount of space.
The 53 ft high cube dry van shipping container stands at 9 ft 6 inches tall and 60% larger than a 40 ft. one. Its tare weight is 11,110 lbs., with its maximum gross capacity reaching 67,200 lbs making it one of the biggest shipping containers available today. Although this large size limits international use to some extent, it’s a great option for domestic services along railroads or roads alike.
High cube containers are a full inch taller than their standard-sized counterparts, thus weighing considerably more due to increased metallic content. A typical high cube container reaches 9ft 6 inches in height, while the usual size stands at 8ft 6in tall.
Regular shipping containers have a single door on one side, but double doors (DD) are fitted with two entrances at both ends. This addition of extra metal means that DD units tend to be weightier than the standard variety.
The latest advancements in manufacturing techniques have enabled new shipping containers to be built more efficiently, resulting in lighter but equally strong containers. Thus, compared to older models of the same size, modern containers are often significantly lighter.
If you’re in need of reliable new or used storage containers, On-Site Storage Solutions has got it all for you! We offer a wide range selection of shipping containers for sale or for rent available in different sizes, types, or container grades. We deliver to over 60+ depo locations in the United States and Canada with our expert team providing fast and safe transportation.
Give us a call at (888) 405-8772 and customer service will be more than glad to assist you with your needs or you can also use our free online quote here.
An empty 20-foot container weighs approximately 1.8 to 2.2 metric tonnes (3,970 to 4,850 pounds), while an empty 40-foot container weighs around 4,500 to 8,200 pounds. It’s important to note that these weights can vary, and the total weight can increase significantly when loaded with cargo.
The tare weight of an empty shipping container falls within the range of 2.5 to 4.79 metric tonnes, equivalent to approximately 5,071 to 8,554 pounds. The exact weight is influenced by factors like the container’s dimensions and construction characteristics.
The weight of a shipping container can vary depending on its size and type. A standard 20-foot container weighs around 5,071 lbs, while a standard 40-foot container weighs approximately 9,590 lbs.
To weigh a shipping container, use a weighbridge or a portable weighing system. Drive the container onto the weighbridge or place it on the portable scale to get the weight measurement. Ensure the container is empty for an accurate reading. This weight is crucial for calculating shipping expenses and adhering to weight limitations.
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