SteelPayload limits of 20 ft and 40 ft containers
Payload is the weight a container may carry on top of its own empty (tare) weight. Published specifications for standard dry containers differ between carriers and forwarders. Dimensions and capacities vary with the container manufacturer, the age of the container and the container owner, so the limit that applies is the one for the container actually used.
| Container | Payload | Volume | Tare weight | Internal size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft | 25,000 to 28,300 kg | 33.2 m³ | 2,180 to 2,300 kg | 5.9 × 2.35 × 2.39 m |
| 40 ft | 26,790 to 28,800 kg | 67.7 m³ | 3,690 to 3,750 kg | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m |
Each range spans the figures published by different sources. Internal size is length × width × height.
What decides how many tonnes fit
- The weight limit. The payload of the container used is the ceiling for the total weight of the load.
- Coil weight. Coils are loaded as whole units, so the weight of each coil and the number of coils set the total.
- Packaging. Pallets, straps and other packaging add to the weight of the load and take space inside the container.
- Volume. The load also has to fit in the container’s internal volume and dimensions.
These factors change with every order, so no standard tonnage applies to every container. The loaded weight is confirmed per order.
What to include in a request
For a loading plan, send the product, the diameter, the quantity, the destination and the delivery terms you want, with the container size you prefer. Use the request a quote form, and put the diameter and the container size in the Details field. Product pages such as hot-dip galvanized wire list the diameter ranges. To work out the mass of a given wire, use the wire weight calculator.
For a product-specific view of ordering and shipping, see our page on cold drawn wire from Türkiye.
