The weight of a standard intermodal container varies depending on its size (20-foot, 40-foot, etc.) and type (standard, high-cube, refrigerated). A typical empty 20-foot container weighs approximately 2,300 kilograms (5,070 pounds), while an empty 40-foot container weighs around 3,800 kilograms (8,380 pounds). Maximum gross weights, including cargo, can reach around 26,000 kilograms (57,300 pounds) for a 20-foot container and 30,480 kilograms (67,200 pounds) for a 40-foot unit. These figures are crucial for logistical planning, transportation resource allocation, and structural engineering considerations.
Accurate container weight information is fundamental to safe and efficient transport. Overloaded containers pose safety risks during transit and can damage infrastructure like cranes, ships, and trucks. Underestimating container weights can lead to instability in cargo ships and other transport platforms. Historically, inconsistent weight declarations have posed challenges. The implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Verified Gross Mass (VGM) amendment mandates accurate weight verification before loading containers onto vessels, enhancing maritime safety and operational efficiency across the global supply chain. This regulation has highlighted the critical importance of precise container weighing procedures.
