Container Sizes and Dimensions: Which Box Fits Your China Shipment
The three containers you will actually book from China are the 20-foot General Purpose (20GP, about 33 CBM usable, ~28,000 kg payload), the 40-foot GP (40GP, about 67 CBM, ~26,000 kg) and the 40-foot High Cube (40HQ, about 76 CBM, ~26,000 kg). Pick by your cargo volume first: under ~28 CBM a 20GP is enough, 30-67 CBM points to a 40GP, and tall or voluminous cargo fits a 40HQ's extra height. Always check the road weight limit at destination too — a full 20GP can approach legal axle limits in some countries even though the box itself allows more. Measure your pallets, leave realistic stacking space, and compare the all-in FCL rate against LCL before committing.
- 20GP ~33 CBM, 40GP ~67 CBM, 40HQ ~76 CBM of usable space (internal volume minus stowage loss).
- Payload limits are ~26,000-28,000 kg, but road rules at destination can cap the loaded weight lower.
- Choose the box by volume; the High Cube adds height, not floor length.
- Compare one FCL rate against consolidated LCL once you are near a box's capacity.
- Palletize to the box's internal dimensions and door opening before stuffing.
On this page
The three boxes you will book
Most China exports move in one of three dry containers. The 20GP is the workhorse for smaller full loads; the 40GP doubles the floor space; the 40HQ adds about 30 cm of height for voluminous but light cargo. Internal dimensions vary slightly by manufacturer, but the usable figures below are the planning numbers most forwarders use after allowing for stowage loss.
| Type | Internal L x W x H (m) | Usable volume | Max payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP | 5.9 x 2.35 x 2.39 | ~33 CBM | ~28,000 kg |
| 40GP | 12.0 x 2.35 x 2.39 | ~67 CBM | ~26,000 kg |
| 40HQ | 12.0 x 2.35 x 2.69 | ~76 CBM | ~26,000 kg |
How to choose
Start from your total CBM and weight. If you are under about 28 CBM and well under 20 tonnes, a 20GP is usually the cheapest full box. Between 30 and 67 CBM, a 40GP fits. If the cargo is light but tall — furniture, displays, bulky cartons — the 40HQ's extra height often holds 8-10 more CBM than a 40GP for the same floor space. Do not book a 40HQ just for floor area; its advantage is height.
The weight limit that is not the box limit
A 20GP can be rated for ~28,000 kg, but many destinations cap road weight far lower — a 20GP stuffed to 28 tonnes can exceed local axle or gross-vehicle limits once the tractor and chassis are counted. If your cargo is dense, confirm the destination road limit before you stuff a full 20GP, or split the weight across a 40GP (more floor, same per-box payload) or two shipments.
Loading to avoid wasted space
- Palletize to the box width (2.35 m) so pallets sit side by side without gaps.
- Mix carton sizes to fill voids; uniform cartons leave more air at the top.
- Keep the center of gravity low and brace the load to prevent shift at sea.
- Confirm the door opening height — the 40HQ's taller opening suits tall units.
FCL or LCL at the edges
If your volume sits just under a 20GP's usable space, compare a full 20GP against a consolidated LCL shipment: the FCL gives you a sealed box and one delivery, while LCL avoids paying for empty container space. The crossover is usually around 12-15 CBM, but price both for your lane and ready date.
Common mistakes
- Booking a 40HQ for floor area alone and paying for height you do not use.
- Stuffing a 20GP to its payload rating and breaching destination road limits.
- Measuring cartons but forgetting pallet base and the door-step clearance.
Next steps
Tell us your carton dimensions, count and weight and we will recommend the right box, estimate the loaded weight against your destination road limit, and quote FCL against consolidated LCL for the same cargo.