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The JK Moving Blog

A guide to international shipping containers

Internationals shipping containers on a ship

Many companies only manage container shipping overseas or freight forwarding. Some companies, like JK Moving, are full-service, end-to-end providers of international relocation services. As part of that service, you should expect the best protection for your belongings during shipment.

Whether you choose to ship your household goods via ocean, air, or land, look for durable containers to ensure maximum protection. In short, secure, weatherproof containers will keep your belongings safe and in good condition all the way to your destination. 

If you are unfamiliar with international moving, though, understanding the different shipping containers available, their sizes and uses, and weight capacities can be challenging. Here are some common shipping containers you may encounter, along with details about each to give you some insight.

Types of international shipping containers

Air freight

LDN Container

LDN Container

  • Container dimensions: 54″ x 54″ x 56″
  • Shipping container size: The size of a single-door coat closet.
  • What can these containers hold: Clothing, small possessions, etc.
  • Description: These containers hold approximately 500 pounds. NOTE: Packing materials take 10-15% of the space. Furniture may be limited and even restricted in an air freight shipment, because heavy furniture makes this option more expensive.

Ocean freight

Lift van

International shipping container lift van

  • Container dimensions: 87″ x 45″ x 87″
  • Shipping container size: The size of three single-door coat closets.
  • What can these containers hold: Clothing, small furniture, art, etc.
  • Description: The lift van is the smallest ocean freight option and holds about 1,200 pounds. NOTE: Packing materials take 10-15% of the space. Shipments that weigh less than 4,000 pounds will often be packed in lift vans.

20-foot sea container

20-foot container

  • Container dimensions: 8.6′ x 8.6′ x 20′
  • Shipping container size: The size of a single car garage.
  • What can these containers hold: Personal effects, furnishings, typical home contents, an automobile.
  • Description: This heavy-duty container holds roughly 7,000 pounds. If the container is not completely full, your shipment will be secured with a bulkhead, or a plywood wall, which provides extra support and protection to prevent items from shifting during the move.

40-foot sea container

40-foot shipping container

  • Container dimensions: 8.6′ x 8.6′ x 40′
  • Shipping container size: The size of a two-car garage.
  • What can it hold: Personal items, furnishings, typical home contents, an automobile.
  • Description: This is the best option for shipping larger loads of up to 14,000 pounds. If the container is not completely full, your shipment will be secured with a bulkhead, or a plywood wall, which provides extra support and protection to prevent items from shifting during the move.

Storage

Storage vaults

International shipping container storage vault

  • Container dimensions: 85″ x 60″ x 95″
  • Shipping container size: The average size of a smaller walk-in closet.
  • What can it hold: Clothing, small furniture, etc.
  • Description: Storage vaults hold about 2,000 pounds (slightly larger than a lift van), and they are stored in a stacked fashion.

 

OTI services performed by JK Moving & Storage, Inc., d/b/a JK Moving Services.