Basics about TEU — Twenty-foot Equivalent Containers and container types
A Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit, or TEU, is a standard unit of measurement used in the shipping industry to describe the capacity of a container ship. One TEU is equivalent to one 20-foot shipping container, and it is used to measure the capacity of a vessel in terms of the number of 20-foot containers it can hold.
TEUs are an important part of the shipping industry because they allow for the efficient transportation of goods by sea. Shipping containers are standardized in size, and they can be easily loaded and unloaded from vessels, trucks, and trains. This makes it possible to efficiently move large quantities of goods around the world.
The use of TEUs has greatly increased the efficiency of the shipping industry. Prior to the use of shipping containers, goods were typically loaded onto vessels in a piecemeal fashion, which was time-consuming and prone to damage. By using TEUs, shipping companies are able to load and unload containers quickly and efficiently, allowing for the movement of goods on a larger scale.
In addition to measuring the capacity of a vessel, TEUs are also used to measure the volume of cargo being shipped. For example, a vessel with a capacity of 2,000 TEUs could carry 2,000 20-foot containers or a combination of different size containers that totals 2,000 TEUs.
The size of a vessel is often expressed in terms of its TEU capacity. For example, a vessel with a capacity of 8,000 TEUs would be considered a large container ship, while a vessel with a capacity of 1,000 TEUs would be considered smaller. The size of a vessel is an important factor in determining the routes it can take, as well as the ports it can call at.
In conclusion, a TEU is a standard unit of measurement used in the shipping industry to describe the capacity of a container ship. It allows for the efficient transportation of goods by sea, and it plays a key role in the global economy by enabling the movement of large quantities of goods around the world.
Container Types
There are several types of ocean freight containers, each designed to accommodate specific types of cargo. Here are some of the most common types of containers:
- Dry containers: These are the most common type of container and are used to transport non-perishable, dry goods. They come in various sizes, with the most common being 20 feet and 40 feet long. i.e. link
Refrigerated containers: These containers, also known as “reefers,” are equipped with temperature-control systems and are used to transport perishable goods that need to be kept at a specific temperature, such as fruit, vegetables, and meat. i.e. link
- Flat rack containers: These containers have no sides or roof and are used to transport oversized or irregularly shaped cargo, such as machinery or vehicles.
- Open-top containers: These containers have a removable roof and are used to transport oversized cargo that is too tall to fit in a standard dry container.
- Tank containers: These containers are designed to transport liquids and gases and are equipped with a tank, pump, and other necessary equipment.
- Customized containers: These containers are modified to meet specific needs, such as the transportation of hazardous materials or live animals.
More about containers and examples please check here
Also can check the corresponding example images below
All ocean freight containers are made of steel and are designed to withstand the rigors of ocean transportation. They are also standardized in size and shape to ensure that they can be easily loaded and unloaded from ships, trucks, and trains.
