fbpx

measurements cheat sheet

Loading units and measurements

Accurate measurement is a vital aspect of logistics and transportation. It ensures that goods are transported efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively, regardless of the mode of transportation. Understanding the measurements of loading units used in the transport sector is crucial for logistics providers, shippers, and receivers alike.

At Logistitrade, we recognize the significance of using the right loading units and measurements to optimize the transport of goods. That’s why we have compiled a comprehensive list of measurements and specifications for commonly used loading units such as euro pallets, fin pallets, containers, and trailers. These measurements provide a standardized framework for logistics operations, allowing for seamless coordination between different stakeholders in the supply chain.

By understanding the measurements and capacities of each loading unit, shippers can better plan and optimize their cargo loads, while logistics providers can ensure the efficient use of space and resources. Accurate measurements also help to prevent damage to goods during transport and reduce costs by maximizing container utilization.

Whether you are a seasoned logistics professional or new to the industry, having a clear understanding of loading unit measurements and their relationship to various transport modes is critical. Browse through our slider to learn more about the dimensions and capacities of each loading unit and how they can be utilized to optimize your logistics operations.

Euro pallets

Euro pallets are one of the most widely used loading units in the transport sector, known for their standard size and ease of handling. Understanding the dimensions and capacities of Euro pallets is crucial for shippers and logistics providers, as they play a significant role in determining the most efficient and cost-effective way to transport goods. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of the dimensions and capacities of Euro pallets commonly used in logistics operations.

A standard trailer (tarpaulin, refrigerator) holds:
34 EUR-pallets (1200x800mm)
LDM – loading metres (running metres of trailer length)
m3 – cubic metres of goods with packaging
kg – kilograms of goods with packaging

 

EUR LDM m3 kg
1 0.4 2.5 730
2 0.8 5 1460
3 1.2 7.5 2190
4 1.6 10 2920
5 2 12.5 3650
6 2.4 15 4380
7 2.8 17.5 5110
8 3.2 20 5840
9 3.6 22.5 6570
10 4 25 7300
11 4.4 27.5 8030
12 4.8 30 8760
13 5.2 32.5 9490
14 5.6 35 10220
15 6 37.5 10950
16 6.4 40 11680
17 6.8 42.5 12410
18 7.2 45 13410
19 7.6 47.5 13870
20 8 50 14600
21 8.4 52.5 15330
22 8.8 55 16060
23 9.2 57.5 16790
24 9.6 60 17520
25 10 62.5 18250
26 10.4 65 18980
27 10.8 67.5 19710
28 11.2 70 20440
29 11.6 72.5 21170
30 12 75 21900
31 12.4 77.5 22630
32 12.8 80 23360
33 13.2 82.5 23700
34 13.6 85 24000

Fin pallets

Finnish pallets, also known as industrial pallets, are widely used in the transport sector, particularly in Nordic countries. They differ from Euro pallets in their dimensions and are typically larger in size. Understanding the dimensions and capacities of Finnish pallets is crucial for logistics providers and shippers, as it enables them to optimize their cargo loads and reduce costs. In this section, we provide a detailed breakdown of the dimensions and capacities of Finnish pallets commonly used in logistics operations.

A standard trailer (tarpaulin, refrigerator) holds:
26 FIN-pallets (1200x1000mm)
LDM – loading metres (running metres of trailer length)
m3 – cubic metres of goods with packaging
kg – kilograms of goods with packaging

 

FIN LDM m3 kg
1 0.5 3 923
2 1.0 6 1846
3 1.5 9 2769
4 2.0 12 3692
5 2.4 15 4615
6 3.0 18 5538
7 3.5 21 6461
8 4.0 24 7384
9 4.5 27 8307
10 5.0 30 9230
11 5.5 33 10153
12 6.0 36 11076
13 6.5 39 11999
14 7.0 42 12922
15 7.5 45 13845
16 8.0 48 14768
17 8.5 51 15691
18 9.0 54 16614
19 9.5 57 17537
20 10.0 60 18460
21 10.5 63 19383
22 11.0 66 20306
23 11.5 69 21229
24 12 72 22152
25 12.5 75 23075
26 13 78 24000

Containers

Dry container

Standard dry cargo containers are commonly referred to as general purpose containers, which are closed containers with no openings on the sides. There are three main types of standard containers: those with doors at one or both ends, those with doors on one or both sides, and those with doors at one or both ends and on one or both sides. Standard containers come in a range of dimensions and weights, with the most commonly used sizes being 20′ and 40′. While smaller containers are rarely used, longer containers such as 45′ are becoming increasingly popular.

Standard dry cargo containers are primarily used for all types of dry cargo and are ideal for shipping goods that do not require special handling or ventilation. They provide a secure and convenient way to transport a wide range of goods, and can be easily loaded and unloaded using cranes, forklifts, and other equipment. Their versatility and popularity make them a cost-effective solution for many logistics needs.

If you need to transport general cargo, standard containers are an excellent choice. Contact us to learn more about our container shipping services and how we can help you transport your goods efficiently and safely.

 
 

20′ dry container

Tare weight Payload capacity Cubic capacity Internal length
2,300 25,000 kg 33.2 m3 5.9 m
5,071.5 lbs 55,126.9 lbs 1,172 cu ft 19.4 ft
Internal width Internal height Door opening width Door opening height
2.35 m 2.39 m 2.34 m 2.28 m
7.7 ft 7.9 ft 7.7 ft 7.5 ft
 

40′ dry container

Tare weight Payload capacity Cubic capacity Internal length
3,750 27,600 kg 67.7 m3 12.03 m
8,268.8 lbs 61,200 lbs 2,389 cu ft 39.5 ft
Internal width Internal height Door opening width Door opening height
2.35 m 2.39 m 2.34 m 2.28 m
7.7 ft 7.9 ft 7.7 ft 7.5 ft
 

Reefer container

Refrigerated containers, also known as reefer containers, are used for goods that require transportation at a constant temperature above or below freezing point. These containers have an integral refrigeration unit that regulates the temperature inside the container. The temperature regulation unit is arranged in a way that meets ISO standards, ensuring that the container fits into the container ship cell guides.

During transport by ship, the refrigerated containers with integral units need to be connected to the onboard power supply system. If the ship’s capacity is too low for the refrigerated containers, power packs may be used, which are equipped with diesel generators that meet ISO requirements. For transport by road and rail, most refrigeration units are operated by a generator set.

The floor of the container is equipped with gratings to ensure adequate circulation of cold air. The side walls are also corrugated, which ensures satisfactory air flow. Vertical air flow from bottom to top is necessary to ensure adequate circulation of the cold air. Pallets are used to provide additional space between the container floor and cargo, forming a satisfactory air flow channel.

Refrigerated containers are used for transporting various products such as fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy products. High-cube integral units are used for transporting voluminous and light goods such as fruit and flowers.

It is important to appropriately design the packaging and sensibly stow the cargo to ensure vertical air flow from bottom to top. In addition to temperature regulation, integral units also allow a controlled fresh air exchange, such as for the removal of metabolic products.

If you need to transport goods that require temperature regulation, consider using reefer containers for a safe and reliable transport solution.

 
 

20′ reefer container

Tare weight Payload capacity Cubic capacity Internal length
3,080 kg 27,400 kg 28.3 m3 5.44 m
6,791.4 lbs 60,417 lbs 999 cu ft 17.9 ft
Internal width Internal height Door opening width Door opening height
2.29 m 2.27 m 2.23 m 2.10 m
7.5 ft 7.5 ft 7.3 ft 6.9 ft
 
 
 

40′ reefer container

Tare weight Payload capacity Cubic capacity Internal length
4,800 kg 27,700 kg 59.3 m3 11.56 m
10,584 lbs 61,078.5 lbs 2,093.3 cu ft 37.9 ft
Internal width Internal height Door opening width Door opening height
2.28 m 2.25 m 2.29 m 2.26 m
7.5 ft 7.4 ft 7.5 ft 7.4 ft

Flat rack container

Flatrack containers are specialized shipping containers that consist of a floor structure with a high loading capacity, a steel frame, and a softwood floor. They come in two sizes, 20 feet and 40 feet, and have two end walls that can either be fixed or collapsible. The end walls are strong enough to allow cargo securing means to be attached and multiple flatracks to be stacked on top of one another.

Lashing rings, which can bear loads of up to 2000 kg for 20′ flatracks and up to 4000 kg for 40′ flatracks, are installed in the side rails, corner posts, and floor. Some 20′ flatracks have forklift pockets, while 40′ flatracks have gooseneck tunnels at each end and may also be equipped with lashing winches and 2 metric ton lashing belts.

For transporting heavy-lifts and overheight or overwidth cargoes, flatracks may be provided with stanchions. Flatracks offer versatility in handling a range of cargoes and are a popular choice for transporting special cargo.

For transporting heavy-lifts and overheight or overwidth cargoes, flatracks may be provided with stanchions. Flatracks offer versatility in handling a range of cargoes and are a popular choice for transporting special cargo.

 
 

20′ flat rack container

Tare weight Payload capacity Cubic capacity Internal length
2,360 kg 30,140 kg 32.7 m3 5638 mm 
5,203.8 lbs 66,458.7 lbs 1,154.3 cu ft 19.5 ft
Internal width Internal height
2.35 m 2.35 m
7.7 ft 7.7 ft
 
 

40′ flat rack container

Tare weight Payload capacity Cubic capacity Internal length
5,000 kg 40,000 kg 62.2 m3 11660 mm 
11,025 lbs 88,200 lbs 2,195.7 cu ft 39.8 ft
Internal width Internal height
2.40 m 2.14 m
7.9 ft 7 ft
 

Open top container

Open-top containers are a type of shipping container that is commonly used for transporting general cargo, particularly tall items. They come in two standard sizes: 20′ and 40′. The walls of open-top containers are typically made of corrugated steel, while the floor is made of wood.

Open-top containers are designed with two primary structural features that make loading and unloading much easier. The roof consists of removable bows and a tarpaulin, and the door header can be swiveled out. These features allow for easy top-loading of cargo and make it easy to access the container from the sides, top, or through the doors by crane or crab.

Lashing rings are installed in the upper and lower side rails and the corner posts of open-top containers, allowing for secure fastening of the cargo during transport. These lashing rings can hold loads of up to 1,000 kg.It’s important to note that the roof bows of an open-top container are not only there to support the tarpaulin but also to contribute to the container’s overall stability. For overheight cargoes, flatracks may be more appropriate. 

Overall, open-top containers are an excellent option for cargo that is too tall for a standard container. They are easy to load and unload, secure, and offer good stability for transport.

 

20′ open top shipping container

Tara weight Payload capacity Cubic capacity
2,350 kg 28,130 kg 32.5 m3
5,181.8 lbs 62,026.7 lbs 1,147.3 cu ft
Internal Door opening Roof opening
Length Width Height Width Height Width Length
5.9 m 2.35 m 2.38 m 2.34 m 2.28 m 2.23 m 5.44 m
19.3 ft 7.7 ft 7.8 ft 7.7 ft 7.4 ft 7.3 ft 17.8 ft
 

40′ open top shipping container

Tara weight Payload capacity Cubic capacity
3,850 kg 26,630 kg 66.4 m3
8,489.3 lbs 58,719.2 lbs 2,343.9 cu ft
Internal Door opening Roof opening
Length Width Height Width Height Width Length
12.03 m 2.35 m 2.38 m 2.34 m 2.29 m 2.21 m 11.57 m
39.5 ft 7.7 ft 7.8 ft 7.7 ft 7.5 ft 7.3 ft 38 ft
 

High cube container

High-cube containers have a similar structure to standard containers but with increased height, measuring up to 2896 mm (9’6″) compared to 2591 mm (8’6″) of normal containers. They are typically 40 feet long, with 45 feet options available. The front top end rail, bottom cross member, and corner posts have lashing rings that can support loads of up to 1000 kg. In several 40′ containers, there is a recess on the floor’s front end that allows for the centering of the containers on a gooseneck chassis, enabling the containers to be built taller by lying lower.

The dimensions and capacities of high-cube containers can vary based on the container’s manufacturer, age, and owner. However, the parameters provided below are typical for most high-cube containers.

If you are interested in using high-cube containers for your shipping needs, it’s crucial to understand their dimensions and capabilities to ensure efficient transportation of your goods. Contact us today to learn more about high-cube containers and how they can meet your logistics requirements.

40′ high cube container

Tare weight Payload capacity Cubic capacity Internal length
3,940 kg 28,560 kg 76.4 m3 12.03 m
8,687.7 lbs 62,974.8 lbs 2,696.9 cu ft 39.5 ft
Internal width Internal height Door opening width Door opening height
2.35 m 2.70 m 2.34 m 2.58 m
7.7 ft 8.9 ft 7.7 ft 8.5 ft

45′ high cube container

Tare weight Payload capacity Cubic capacity Internal length
4,820 kg 27,860 kg 86 m3 13.56 m
10,628.1 lbs 61,431.3 lbs 3,035.8 cu ft 44.5 ft
Internal width Internal height Door opening width Door opening height
2.35 m 2.70 m 2.34 m 2.58 m
7.7 ft 8.9 ft 7.7 ft 8.5 ft

Platform container

Platform containers are unique in that they lack side or end walls and consist solely of a floor structure with an extremely high load capacity. This high capacity allows for heavy items to be concentrated in small spaces, making platforms ideal for oversized, heavy cargo that would be difficult to move using standard containers. Typically constructed with a steel frame and wooden floor, platform containers are available in 20′ and 40′ sizes. Each end of a 40′ platform features a gooseneck tunnel, and the side rails are equipped with lashing rings that can secure loads of up to 3,000 kg.

It is worth noting that platform container dimensions and capacities can vary based on the container manufacturer, the container’s age, and the container’s owner. Nevertheless, the parameters listed above are typical of most platform containers on the market.

If you require a platform container for your cargo, it’s crucial to consider the dimensions, weight capacity, and any additional features required for your specific shipment. We highly recommend working with a reputable logistics provider to help you choose the right platform container to fit your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our container options and how we can assist you in selecting the ideal container for your cargo.

20′ platform container

 

Tare weight Payload capacity Internal length Internal width
2,740 kg 31,260 kg 6.06 m 2.44 m
6,041.7 lbs 68,928.3 lbs 19.9 ft 8 ft

40′ platform container

 

Tare weight Payload capacity Internal length Internal width
5,700 kg 39,300 kg 12.19 m 2.44 m
12,568.5 lbs 86,656.5 lbs 40 ft 8 ft

Trailers

Box trailer

Toggle content goes here, click edit button to change this text.