How Much Does a Shipping Container Weigh? 

Asking ‘how much does a shipping container weigh?’ might sound a bit like asking how long a piece of string is, but there are some relatively standard measurements and easy ways to find out how much your shipping container weighs. 

Knowing your container weight is vital for safety, cost calculations and, in some cases, legal compliance. Stick with us as we dig into how to find the weight of your container, average weights based on size, the factors that affect the weight and more.

To speak directly to an expert, just call us now on 0333 404 8822. 

Shipping Container Weight: Tare Weight, Gross Weight and Payload

Technically, the question ‘how heavy are shipping containers?’ has three possible answers, as there are three separate weights associated with containers.

• Tare weight – container tare weight is a measure of how much it weighs when empty
• Gross weight – the total weight of the container when loaded with goods
• Payload – payload weight is the weight of the contents of the container minus the container itself 

How to Read a Container Door to Check the Weight

Shipping containers will have all three of the weights mentioned above printed on the door. The listed tare weight is the weight of that specific container when empty, the gross weight on the door is the maximum total weight that container can support when loaded and the payload weight is the maximum weight that can be placed into the container. These weights are usually approximate, and shouldn’t be used as an exact guide. 

Shipping Container Sizes and Weights 

You might be wondering if there are standard weights for shipping containers, for example how much does a 20 ft shipping container weigh? The exact weight of each container will vary a little depending on a few factors, but there are some broadly standard weights based on container size.

Typically, shipping containers come in three standardised sizes, determined by ISO, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO isn’t an acronym, it’s short for ‘isos’, the Greek word for equal).

So, how much does a shipping container weigh? We’ve put together this handy table with 10ft container weights, 20ft container weights and 40ft container weights.

Size (ft)	Approx. Tare Weight (tonnes)
10	1
20	1.8 – 2.2
40	3.8 – 4.2

 

What Factors Can Affect Shipping Container Weight? 

There are a number of factors that can affect container tare weight, including the container height, whether it features refrigeration equipment, its age and whether it’s been modified. 

High Cube 

Some containers are taller than standard; these are called high cube containers. High cube containers are typically heavier than standard containers as the extra material adds weight. This means that, for example, a 20 ft container's weight empty might vary based on its height. 

Refrigeration

Some containers are fitted with refrigeration equipment to keep products such as food at a stable temperature. The addition of this equipment will increase the container tare weight. 

Age

When asking ‘how much does a shipping container weigh?’, it’s important to consider the container’s age. Manufacturing methods have evolved over time, meaning containers can now be made just as strong but with less material, making them lighter. Older containers may be heavier, as more material was used to reinforce the structure. 

Modifications

If a shipping container has been modified in any way, such as to convert it into a portable office, welfare cabin or classroom, then it will almost always weigh more than it did before. The addition of insulation, furniture, electrics, plumbing and other amenities will increase the weight in the name of comfort and practicality.

Discover how ModCon can help convert shipping containers into a huge range of spaces.  

How Do You Weigh a Shipping Container?

According to the UK government, there are two accepted ways to weigh a shipping container:

Weighbridge or Lifting Equipment

•       Weighbridge – the container is loaded onto a truck and driven onto a weighbridge. The weight of the truck and its fuel is then deducted from the overall weight to give the container weight.
•       Lifting Equipment – the container is lifted using specialised equipment that act as a giant set of scales to give its precise weight.

Weight Calculations

This method requires you to already know the tare weight of your container as well as the exact weight of any cargo and securing straps etc. You can then find the gross weight by adding all these weights together. 

Why is Container Weighing Needed? 

So, now you know the answer to the question ‘how much does a shipping container weigh?’, let’s look at why it’s important to weigh them in the first place.

In most cases, the need to know how much a shipping container weighs is in order to comply with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations. These regulations require shippers to submit a Verified Gross Mass before their container can be loaded onto a ship.

Overweight or imbalanced containers can be dangerous, particularly when loading or unloading or when at sea, as loads can shift. 

How Can Modcon Help

At ModCon cabins, we specialise in providing bespoke portable buildings, including shipping container conversions. We can create a range of spaces, including homes, workshops, retail units and insulated shipping containers. Plus, we also supply new and used 10 and 20 ft containers.

To learn more about our services or discuss your needs, call our friendly team now on 0333 404 8822 or email us at info@modconcabins.co.uk.  

FAQs: Weighing Shipping Containers

How much does a 20ft shipping container weigh empty?

A standard ISO 20 ft container will weigh approximately 1.8 – 2.2 tonnes. It may weigh more if it has been modified or is a high cube container. 

How much does a 10ft shipping container weigh empty?  

At 10 ft container’s weight may vary depending on how old it is, whether any modifications have been made to it and its height. However, an ISO standard 10 ft shipping container will typically weigh around 1 tonne. 

What is the maximum weight a shipping container can carry?

The maximum weight that any given shipping container can carry will be printed on the doors as the maximum gross weight. Each container will have a different strength tolerance and be able to handle varying weights usually based on size. 

Are container weights listed on the container door accurate?

The weights printed on the door are usually reasonably accurate, but shouldn’t be used as a precise measurement. Under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, issued by the IMO, the shipper is responsible for ensuring the exact weight of the container. 

What are the container weight regulations in the UK, US, and EU?

While the UK, US and EU may each have some subtle variations in their container weight regulations, both the UK and the US are members of the IMO, as are most countries within the EU. This means they all adhere to the international conventions issued by the IMO. 

What is the best method to weigh a shipping container?

The best method to weigh a shipping container will depend on the equipment you have available. In the UK, you can either:

• Use weighing equipment such as a weighbridge or load-sensitive lifting machines
• Or, provided you know the tare weight of your container and the exact weight of the goods inside as well as any securing straps etc, simply add the weights together