What is the difference between 20GP, 40GP and 40HQ containers?
Quick answer20GP: ~33 m³ usable, best for dense/heavy cargo and when weight limits bind. 40GP: ~67 m³, the standard workhorse. 40HQ: ~76 m³ for light bulky goods (furniture, textiles, plastics). Rule of thumb: compare cost per m³ and check road weight limits at destination before choosing.
Capacity and typical use
20GP handles 20–26 t of dense cargo; its per-m³ cost is high but it avoids overweight.
40GP is the default for mixed general cargo; 2× a 20GP for a rate that is usually far less than 2×.
40HQ is the cheapest per m³ for low-density cargo — usually 10–15% cheaper per m³ than 40GP.
Decision rules
Volume > 60 m³ and density < 250 kg/m³ → 40HQ.
Cargo > 24 t → likely 20GP (or split across boxes).
Destination road limits (e.g. US ~19–21.5 t cargo) may force a box change regardless of volume.
| Type | Capacity | Typical cargo |
|---|---|---|
| 20GP | ~33 m³ | 20–26 t dense cargo |
| 40GP | ~67 m³ | general cargo |
| 40HQ | ~76 m³ | light bulky cargo |
| 45HQ | ~86 m³ | very light bulky cargo |
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheapest per m³?
- For light cargo, 40HQ. For dense cargo the 20GP wins because you hit weight limits before volume limits.
- Can I mix pallets and cartons?
- Yes, but load dense items at the bottom and secure everything against shifting.
Need a live rate for your lane? Search free on jhz56.com — 20GP / 40GP / 40HQ quotes from multiple forwarders, no sign-up required.
Related
qa/40hq container dimensions
qa/40hq cbm capacity
Rates from China to all countries
Weekly China export freight index
Source: Juhe Zhuang rate platform (jhz56.com) market data and carrier documentation. Figures are reference ranges, not transaction prices; verify with your forwarder before booking.