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FCL full container: how to choose 20', 40' or HQ depending on your cubicage
Choosing the right size of a full FCL (Full Container Load) container can mean the difference between optimizing costs or paying for space you didn't use. The decision depends on three main factors: the total volume of your cargo in cubic meters (CBM), the gross weight and the type of merchandise you are going to transport. In this article, we explain how to calculate your needs and select between a 20-foot, 40-foot standard or 40-foot High Cube container depending on your operation.
Typical capacities: 20', 40' and 40' HQ
Maritime containers follow international standards established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ensuring global compatibility in ports, terminals and transport equipment. The three most used options in international trade have different capabilities that you should know before booking your shipment.
The 20-foot container offers approximately 33.2 cubic meters of internal capacity and supports up to 28,200 kg of gross cargo, although the net useful weight is usually limited to 21,700 kg. Its internal dimensions are 5.90 m long × 2.35 m wide × 2.39 m high. This option is ideal for dense loads such as metal products, machinery or construction materials.
The standard 40-foot container reaches 67.7 cubic meters of capacity with internal dimensions of 12.03 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m. The gross weight limit is similar (30,480 kg), although the net useful weight drops to approximately 26,700 kg. This configuration works well for balanced loads that require greater longitudinal space.
The 40-foot High Cube (40' HQ) container represents the option with the highest useful volume: 76.4 cubic meters thanks to its 2.69 m of internal height. It maintains the same weight restrictions as the standard 40-foot, but allows you to stack higher merchandise or use vertical storage racks. It is the preferred choice for textiles, furniture and appliances.
Note for operations in Nicaragua: Dual-axle chassis in Nicaragua has a maximum capacity of 21,700 kg, while triple-axle chassis allow up to 23.100 kg. Even if your 40-foot container holds 26,700 kg, check local ground transportation restrictions with your carrier to avoid problems with the final delivery.
How to choose according to CBM, weight and type of pallet
Selecting the right container starts with calculating the total volume of your cargo. To calculate the CBM of each package, multiply length × width × height in meters. If you have multiple packages, add up all the individual volumes. For example: 50 boxes of 1.2 m × 0.8 m × 0.6 m = 50 × 0.576 = 28.8 m³ in total.
However, the calculated volume is not the only factor. You should also consider the volumetric weight and the density of the load. A rule of thumb: if your cargo is over 15 m³ but weighs less than 10,000 kg, you'll probably need a 40-foot container. If it exceeds 60 m³, the High Cube becomes necessary. For loads smaller than 25 m³ weighing more than 18,000 kg, the 20-foot container is more economical.
The stowage factor also plays a role. Irregular goods such as furniture or industrial machinery create dead spaces that reduce useful capacity by up to 20%. In these cases, adding 15-20% to the calculated volume will give you a more realistic estimate.
Consider these examples: a coffee exporter with 800 60-kg bags (48 total tons, 40 m³) must divide the cargo into two 20-foot containers, since it exceeds the weight limit of a single 40-foot container. A textile manufacturer with 120 m³ of packaged garments (8,000 kg) requires two 40' HQ containers to take advantage of the height. An appliance supplier with 55 m³ of palletized cargo (12,000 kg) can use a standard 40-foot container.
Major shipping companies such as Maersk, MSC and CMA CGM offer online calculators to estimate the type of container based on your cargo specifications.
Pallets and compatibility with storage systems
Palletizing goods is the standard method in international logistics, but not all pallets are compatible with all containers. The European pallet (EUR or EPAL) measures 1.20 m × 0.80 m and allows 11 units to be placed in a 20-foot container or 23-25 units in a 40-foot container.
The American pallet measures approximately 1.22 m × 1.02 m. A 20-foot container can fit 9-10 American pallets, while a 40-foot container can fit 20-21 units. The difference in utilization can represent up to 15% of capacity loss if you don't plan properly.
For operations that require storage with racks inside the container, the 40' HQ container offers clear advantages. Standard adjustable rack systems require at least 2.50 m of free height to allow for two secure levels. A High Cube provides this height with a margin of safety, while a standard container limits the options.
Safety during shipping requires considering the center of gravity and weight distribution. Palletized loads must be secured with corners, straps or airbags to prevent movement. International regulations recommend that no single pallet should exceed 1,000 kg when stacked more than two levels of height.
Conclusions
Choosing the right FCL complete container requires balancing volume, weight and type of merchandise. These are the keys:
- Always calculate the total CBM by adding length × width × height of each package, and add 15-20% to compensate for dead spaces in irregular loads.
- Use 40' HQ containers when working with bulky loads, two-level rack systems or stacked pallets that exceed 2.20 m in height.
- Consider the compatibility between the type of pallet (European vs American) and internal dimensions of the container to maximize space utilization.
The correct container selection not only optimizes freight costs, but also reduces risks of damage during transport and improves loading and unloading times.
Do you need help calculating the exact cubicle size of your next export? At ACONISA we offer you free advice to size your cargo, select the optimal container and quote your entire shipment. Ask for your cubicage calculation without obligation and ensure that every cubic meter counts.
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