Portable shipping containers or Conex boxes are found in industries around the globe. From the retail sector to construction, they are designed to transport a wide variety of cargo. Outside of transporting goods, they can facilitate equipment, store furniture, or even serve as temporary office space. The most crucial aspect of a shipping container is its weight. Knowing the shipping container weight is the first step to using it, whether the intention is to transport it or use it to serve as storage space that remains stationary. Whatever the case is, these logistics are critical.
Shipping Container Weight
The empty weight of a shipping container is referred to as tare weight. Payload weight is the tare weight subtracted from the gross weight. Here are the weights for some standard-sized shipping containers:
- 10ft. container: tare weight – 2,645 lbs., payload weight – 19,753 lbs., gross weight – 22,398 lbs.
- 20 ft. container: tare weight – 4,914 lbs., payload weight – 47,900 lbs., gross weight – 52,813 lbs.
- 40 ft. container: tare weight – 8,159 lbs., payload weight – 59,039 lbs., gross weight – 67,199 lbs.
- 40 ft. high cube container: tare weight – 8,747 lbs., payload weight – 58,448 lbs., gross weight – 67,196 lbs.
Weighing Shipping Containers
There are three methods to determine the weight of a shipping container:
- Trailer Suspension Weighing System: This method uses a truck suspension system to determine the container’s load on the truck. This system is not the most accurate method available.
- Weighbridge: This method uses a large scale to weigh vehicles and is a more accurate measurement system.
- Axle Weight Pads: These portable weighing scales can measure the weight of vehicles using transmission technology.
The first step for using a shipping container is understanding its dimensions and weight. Shipping containers come with many guidelines and government regulations because of the sheer size and weight. Complying with these rules is extremely important not only for the cargo but also for the safety of everyone involved. By knowing the limits of the shipping container, avoids the risk of overloading them.
There are strict guidelines that have to be adhered to when transporting shipping containers, whether by land or sea. Truck Size and weight limit laws will exist in every state. If the aim is to ship a Conex box overseas, a Verified Gross Mass or VGM of the container must be provided before it can be loaded onto a ship. Safe handling prevents overloaded containers and complies with the Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) VGM requirements, which dictate the weight of shipping containers being transported.
All States Containers
Are you in the market for a shipping container? All States Containers has a large selection of shipping containers available. We can supply all specifications, including the shipping container weight for each unit. Contact us at 704-802-7700 and see what we can do for you.