Container Shipping Explained 20GP 40HC and TEU Conversions

Navigating the world of international trade can be daunting for newcomers, especially when confronted with industry jargon like "20GP" or "40HC" on quotation forms. This guide breaks down the essential information about standard shipping containers, helping traders understand size classifications, pricing structures, and their relationship to TEU measurements.

I. Container Classification: Specifications and Applications

Shipping containers serve as the backbone of global maritime trade, with various types designed to accommodate different cargo requirements. Containers are primarily categorized by two key factors:

1. Size and Dimensions

• 20-foot containers: Commonly called "small containers," including 20GP (general purpose), 20HT (hanging garment), and 20OT (open top) variants.
• 40-foot containers: Referred to as "large containers," encompassing 40GP (general purpose), 40HC (high cube), 40RF (refrigerated), and specialized types.
• 45-foot containers: Less common but available for specific shipping needs.

2. Function and Purpose

• Dry containers (GP): Standard units for general cargo, resistant to moisture and compression.
• High cube containers (HC/HQ): Taller versions for voluminous shipments.
• Hanging garment containers (HT): Equipped with hanging rails for clothing transport.
• Open top containers (OT): Feature removable tops for overhead loading of oversized items.
• Refrigerated containers (RF/RH): Temperature-controlled units for perishable goods.
• Tank containers (TK): Designed for liquid commodities.
• Flat rack containers (FR): Open-frame design for heavy or oversized machinery.

In trade terminology, "large containers" typically denote 40-foot units (40GP or 40HC), while "small containers" refer to 20-foot units (20GP), as these represent the most commonly used standard configurations.

II. Container Sizing and TEU Equivalents

The shipping industry employs TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) as a standardized measurement. One 20-foot container equals 1 TEU, while a 40-foot container represents 2 TEU. This conversion system facilitates uniform calculations for freight charges, port fees, and capacity assessments across global shipping networks.

III. Pricing Structures: Large vs. Small Containers

Freight costs for two 20-foot containers generally exceed the price of a single 40-foot unit, though market conditions and route specifics can create significant variances. Additional charges including terminal handling fees (THC), port security fees, and loading costs also differ between container sizes. While large containers incur higher individual fees, the combined charges for two small containers typically surpass those for one large unit, even when transporting equivalent cargo volumes.

Sample fee comparisons (illustrative purposes only):

• Terminal handling: $100/20GP vs. $160/40GP
• Port security: $3/20GP vs. $5/40GP
• Loading services: $85/20GP vs. $150/40GP

IV. Standard Container Dimensions and Capacities

Understanding container specifications enables shippers to optimize cargo loading and select appropriate equipment. Below are measurements for common container types:

1. 20GP (Small Container)

• External: 20' x 8' x 8'6"
• Internal: 19'4" x 7'8" x 7'10"
• Volume: ~1,172 cubic feet (33.2 m³)
• Payload: ~990 cubic feet (28 m³)

2. 40GP (Large Container)

• External: 40' x 8' x 8'6"
• Internal: 39'5" x 7'8" x 7'10"
• Volume: ~2,390 cubic feet (67.7 m³)
• Payload: ~2,050 cubic feet (58 m³)

3. 40HC (High Cube Container)

• External: 40' x 8' x 9'6"
• Internal: 39'5" x 7'8" x 8'10"
• Volume: ~2,710 cubic feet (76.8 m³)
• Payload: ~2,400 cubic feet (68 m³)

Note: Actual loading capacity varies based on cargo characteristics and packing methods.

V. Container Code Reference Guide

This comprehensive understanding of container specifications enables international traders to make informed logistics decisions, optimize shipping costs, and streamline supply chain operations.