40 ft Container Freight Shipping - Cheapest & Fastest Transport

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Container freight is by far the most cost-effective method of shipping heavy cargo. However, there are subcategories within this type of freight. Notably, containers can be of various sizes; two are the most common - 20-ft containers and 40-ft ones. This article will explain the details of 40-ft container freight. We will show you exactly how much cargo this transport container can carry and other useful info.

What Is a 40-Ft Container?

A 40-ft container is a type of shipping container with an outer length of 40 feet. Its other dimensions - width and length, are standard, i.e., the same as those of a 20-ft container. Therefore, it’s eight feet wide, with a height of eight feet and six inches.

The numbers above are outside measurements. The usable space inside a 40-ft container is smaller, at 39’ 6” long x 7’ 9” wide x 7’ 10” high. However, it’s sized exactly right to fit 21 American-type pallets. Just ensure the load doesn’t stick out of the pallet’s sides.  

Regarding max weight, you usually won’t have to worry. In theory, these containers can carry up to 29 tons of cargo. However, there’s also the question of the cargo ship’s total weight capacity. Therefore, contact a couple of container shipping companies to find out what each can offer in terms of max weight. 

What Are the Postage Rates for a 40-Ft Container?

Postage rates depend on many factors. However, we can safely say that a 40-ft container is the cheapest way to ship heavy cargo. 40-ft full container load shipping is especially cost-effective, but it does mean that you’ll need to fill up the container completely. The low price of 40-ft container freight is especially evident when working with container shipping carriers.

If a 40-ft container is too large for your needs, try packing your cargo to fit in a 20-ft container shipment. It’s exactly half the length, making the filling much more manageable.

Regarding transport time, we must admit that it initially doesn’t seem too quick. After all, sea container freight shipping depends on slow-moving cargo ships. However, since a 40-ft container is often the only way to ship heavy loads, it’s usually the fastest way by default.

Conclusion

Container freight shipping is usually the smartest way to ship heavy cargo, whether inside the country or overseas. The large 40-ft containers are ideal for the biggest shipments, as they have ample cargo space and a huge weight-bearing capacity. Therefore, they provide the cheapest way to send large loads of goods. However, you can feel the benefits of container freight even if your cargo can’t fill a 40-ft container. Simply choose the smaller, 20-ft container, and you’ll get a chance to save even with fewer goods to transport.