Understanding Container Types: 20GP vs 40GP vs 40HQ

Choosing the right container is one of the most important decisions in sea freight logistics. The wrong choice can mean paying for empty space or, worse, not having enough room for your cargo.

What is a Shipping Container?

A shipping container is a standardized steel box used for transporting goods by sea, rail, and road. The three most common dry container types — 20GP, 40GP, and 40HQ — are designed to fit on container ships, trucks, and trains, enabling seamless intermodal freight transport.

Container Types: Quick Comparison

Specification	20GP	40GP	40HQ
Internal Length	5,890mm	12,017mm	12,017mm
Internal Width	2,342mm	2,342mm	2,342mm
Internal Height	2,388mm	2,388mm	2,693mm
Volume	28 m³	54 m³	68 m³
Max Payload	17.5 tons	17.5 tons	17.5 tons
Best For	Heavy/dense cargo	Medium-density goods	Voluminous/lightweight cargo
Typical Pallets	20-25	40-48	40-48 (extra height)

Key Takeaway: Choose 20GP for heavy cargo up to 28m³, 40GP for medium cargo up to 54m³, and 40HQ when you need the extra 305mm of height for voluminous goods.

Container Specifications at a Glance

20GP (20-foot General Purpose)

The workhorse of international shipping. Ideal for heavy, dense cargo.

• Internal dimensions: 5,890mm × 2,342mm × 2,388mm
• Internal volume: approximately 28 cubic meters
• Maximum gross weight: 17.5 tons (including container tare weight)
• Best for: heavy goods (machinery, metals, tiles, dense packaged products)
• Typical load: 20-25 standard pallets

40GP (40-foot General Purpose)

Double the length, nearly double the volume. The most common container for general cargo.

• Internal dimensions: 12,017mm × 2,342mm × 2,388mm
• Internal volume: approximately 54 cubic meters
• Maximum gross weight: 17.5 tons
• Best for: medium-density cargo (furniture, electronics, textiles, packaged consumer goods)
• Typical load: 40-48 standard pallets

40HQ (40-foot High Cube)

Same footprint as the 40GP but with an extra foot of height — crucial for voluminous cargo.

• Internal dimensions: 12,017mm × 2,342mm × 2,693mm
• Internal volume: approximately 68 cubic meters
• Maximum gross weight: 17.5 tons
• Best for: lightweight, voluminous cargo (furniture, insulation, bulky retail goods, automotive parts)
• Typical load: 40-48 standard pallets (with extra stacking height)

How to Choose: A Simple Decision Framework

1. Calculate your cargo volume in cubic meters (length × width × height × number of pieces)
2. If total volume is less than 15m³ — consider LCL (Less than Container Load)
3. If total volume is 15-28m³ — 20GP is likely your best fit
4. If total volume is 28-54m³ — 40GP
5. If total volume exceeds 54m³ or you have tall items — 40HQ

The Weight Factor

Container weight limits are often overlooked. A 40GP and a 20GP both have a maximum gross weight of 17.5 tons. If you're shipping dense, heavy products, you may max out the weight limit long before filling the volume of a 40-foot container. In such cases, multiple 20GP containers may be more cost-effective than a partially filled 40GP.

LCL: When You Don't Need a Full Container

If your cargo is less than 15 cubic meters, Less than Container Load (LCL) is often the most economical option. Your goods share a container with other shipments, and you only pay for the space you use. Apexsourc logistics offers LCL consolidation from 1m³.

Contact us for a personalized assessment of your shipping needs.