The container itself has a weight limit.

Each container's maximum weight limit is labeled on the container door, such as MAX GROSS: 30480KGS. This means that the weight of both the container and its contents cannot exceed this weight. The tare weights are 2200KGS for 20GP, and 3720-4200KGS for 40HQ, with some HQ containers having a MAX GROSS of 32000KGS.

This is the maximum strength that the container can bear. If the cargo exceeds this limit, there could be damage to the container, such as deformation of the box body, detachment of the bottom plate, or bending of the top beam. All resulting losses will be borne by the shipper. Currently, most professional container terminals in China have installed automatic weighing scales. Therefore, if the cargo exceeds the weight limit of the container body, the terminal will refuse to accept the container. It is recommended to check the weight limit on the container body before loading to avoid unnecessary return container and reloading operations.

If the cargo is indeed overweight and cannot be divided, an overweight container can be chosen. This will incur additional fees, usually referred to as overweight fees. The general practice at the port/yard is to stack ordinary dry containers together, and if you want to choose a particular heavy container (such as the 20' overweight container discussed earlier), the port/yard must search one by one. The resulting selection fee is generally the same as the specified container fee.

Container transportation is a collaborative process involving multiple departments, so in addition to the weight limit of the container body itself, there are other factors to consider.

Shipper's weight limit

In general, each shipping company has a different weight policy, and the criterion is not to damage the container.

The balance between cabin space and weight. Each container ship has a certain cabin space and weight limit, but in a specific route, cabin space and weight are not always perfectly balanced. Contradictions often occur in the Huabei region where there is a concentration of outbound heavy cargo. The weight limit of the vessel has been reached, but there is still a shortage of cabin space. To make up for this loss of cabin space, shipping companies often adopt a pricing strategy, that is, additional freight will be charged for cargo weight exceeding a certain tonnage. Some shipping companies do not use their own ships, but buy cabin space from other shipping companies for transportation. The weight restriction will be stricter because the sale of cabin space between shipping companies is calculated based on the standard of 1TEU=14TONS or 16TONS, and overweight cargo will not be accepted.

During the peak season, depending on the popularity of the route, the weight limit for each container type will be adjusted accordingly.

When booking, it is necessary to inquire with the freight forwarder about the weight limit policy of the shipping company for the latest shipment. If it is not confirmed and the cargo is overweight, there is a risk. Some shipping companies have no room for discussion after overweight cargo is discovered and will ask the shipper to take back the goods, leave the port, re-weigh the cargo, and then reload the container. These costs are difficult to control.

Port area weight limit

It mainly depends on the mechanical equipment load of the terminal and yard.

After the container ship arrives at the terminal, the crane of the terminal is generally needed for loading and unloading operations, and then the container is dragged to the container yard by truck and lifted down by a forklift. If the weight of the container exceeds the mechanical load capacity, it will cause difficulties for the operation of the terminal and yard. Therefore, for some small ports with relatively backward equipment, shipping companies generally inform them of the weight limit in advance, and overweight cargo will not be accepted.

Supporting feeder ship or road weight limit

Those who have worked at US inland points have a deep understanding that the weight limit for road transportation in the United States is very strict because many containers need to be transported to inland areas by truck after being unloaded at the terminal. Therefore, road weight restrictions are also a reason why shipping companies restrict container weights. However, this does not apply to those that only go to the terminal.

The weight requirements for goods to the United States are very strict, and the weight limit is mainly influenced by the weight limit of the roads at the destination point in the United States. Generally, small containers weigh 17.3 tons and large high containers weigh 19.5 tons. However, different ports have different weight limits.

Route weight limit

Different routes have different arrangements for shipping capacity based on the order of loading and unloading ports, the types and popularity of cargo exports, and the equipment operation load at the destination port, so the weight limit for different container sizes on different routes naturally varies.

What should be done if it is overweight?

This mainly depends on whether the overweight occurs in