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Container knowledge you need to know for foreign trade

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Industry Encyclopedia

Time of issue：

2025-06-06 17:54

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The following is a detailed explanation of container-related terminology, specifications, container codes, and markings to help you fully understand container knowledge in international logistics:

I. Interpretation of Commonly Used Container Terms

1. Large container, small container, double-stacked

• Large container Usually refers to 40 40-foot container ，common types include:

◦ 40GP （ 40 40-foot standard container） ：Standard dry cargo container, approximately 12.192 × 2.35 × 2.6 meters ，volume approximately 58 CBM （cubic meters）。

◦ 40HQ/HC （ 40 40-foot high cube container） ：Higher than standard container by 0.3 meters（approximately 2.9 meters），volume approximately 68 CBM ，suitable for light and bulky cargo.

◦ 45HC （ 45 40-foot high cube container） ：Special container, length up to 13.716 ，volume approximately 75 CBM ，used for extra-long or oversized cargo.

• Small container Refers to 20 20-foot container（ 20GP ） ，standard size approximately 6.058 × 2.35 × 2.6 meters ，volume approximately 28 CBM ，suitable for small and medium-sized cargo.

• Double-stacked Refers to Transporting two 20 20-foot small containers at once, common in:

◦ Trailer transport ：A trailer simultaneously loads two 20GP ，reducing transportation costs.

◦ Port operations ：Lifting equipment handles two 20GP at once / on and off the ship, improving efficiency.

2. Less than container load（ LCL ）and full container load（ FCL ）

• Less than container load（ Less Than Container Load, LCL ）

◦ Definition: Small batches of cargo from multiple shippers are consolidated into one container, usually less than a full container (e.g., several cubic meters).

◦ Operating mode: Shippers deliver goods to the LCL company's warehouse, which consolidates, declares, and transports them. At the destination port, they are split and delivered to different consignees.

◦ Applicable scenarios: Small orders, sample goods, loose cargo, more flexible cost sharing.

• Full container load（ Full Container Load, FCL ）

◦ Definition: A container carries only one shipper's cargo, enough to fill a whole container (e.g., 28 CBM or more).

◦ Operating mode: The shipper uses the entire container, which can be loaded and sealed directly from the factory and delivered directly to the destination port, making transportation more efficient and secure.

◦ Applicable scenarios: Large quantities of goods, high-value goods, or goods requiring fast transportation.

II. Common Container Specifications and Volumes

Container type	Dimensions (Length × Width × Height, meters)	Volume ( CBM ）	Payload (tons)	Usage description
20GP (Standard container)	6.058 × 2.35 × 2.6	Approximately 28	Approximately 22	General dry cargo, suitable for heavy cargo
40GP (Standard container)	12.192 × 2.35 × 2.6	Approximately 58	Approximately 27	General dry cargo, high cost performance
40HQ/HC (High cube container)	12.192 × 2.35 × 2.9	Approximately 68	Approximately 26	Suitable for light and bulky cargo
45HC (High cube container)	13.716 × 2.35 × 2.9	Approximately 75	Approximately 29	Extra-long cargo, requires advance booking

III. Container Type Codes and 95 Codes (taking 20 40-foot

Container type	as an example)	95 Container type code	Code
Features and uses	GP	22G1	Most common, general dry cargo transportation
High cube dry cargo container	GH （ HC/HQ ）	25G1	Increased height, larger volume
Clothes hanging box	HT	22V1	Built-in clothes rack, suitable for clothing transport
Open top container	OT	22U1	Top openable, for loading extra-high goods
Refrigerated container	RF	22R1	Temperature-controlled transport, suitable for fresh produce and pharmaceuticals
High refrigerated container	RH	25R1	High refrigerated container, larger volume
Tank container	TK	22T1	Transport liquids and chemicals
Frame container	FR	22P1	No top and side panels, for loading extra-long and extra-wide goods

IV. Complete Explanation of Container Markings

1. 11 Container number

• Structure ： Owner code ( 4 4 letters) + Serial number ( 6 6 digits) + Check digit ( 1 1 digit, with a box)

◦ Owner code The first three digits are customized by the owner (such as shipping company, leasing company), and the fourth digit is fixed as U (representing container). Example: COSCO's owner code may be "COS U"

◦ Serial number Unique identification code, assigned by the owner.

◦ Check digit Generated by algorithm, used to verify the correctness of the container number and prevent input errors.

2. Weight and volume markings

• MAX.GROSS Rated gross weight (container + Maximum allowable weight of goods, unit: tons or kilograms).

• TARE Tare weight (unit: tons or kilograms).

• NET Payload (maximum allowable cargo weight, i.e. MAX.GROSS - TARE ).

• CU.CAP. Volume (unit: cubic meters or cubic feet).

3. Seal number (seal)

• Function After loading, the container doors are locked with a seal, and each seal has a unique number. Seal damage during transportation indicates that the goods may have been opened, which can serve as evidence of cargo security.

• Application scenarios Applicable to sea, land, rail and air transport, ensuring end-to-end security tracking across different modes of transport.

V. Key Application Scenarios and Precautions

1. Cargo selection suggestions ：

◦ Light and bulky goods (such as textiles and foam products) should prioritize high containers 40HQ/45HC to make full use of the volume.

◦ Heavy goods (such as machinery and stone) should choose 20GP to avoid overloading 20GP Load ratio 40 higher than standard containers).

1. Double-stacking operation restrictions ：

◦ Some ports or road transport have height and weight restrictions on double-stack trailers, which need to be confirmed in advance.

1. LCL risk warning ：

◦ Goods should be properly classified and labeled to avoid mixing with odorous, fragile or dangerous goods.

◦ It is recommended to purchase insurance to prevent cargo damage or delays during transportation.

Through the above analysis, we can clearly understand the classification, specifications and operation points of containers in international logistics, helping to optimize transportation schemes, reduce costs and ensure cargo safety. For specific transportation needs, you can further combine the characteristics of the goods and route requirements to choose the appropriate container type.

Keywords:

Logistics knowledge sharing - the meaning of "cutoff", "VGM cutoff", "weight cutoff", and "release cutoff"

Customs Release: HS Code Interpretation and Domestic and Foreign Code Search