20GP

20GP (20-foot General Purpose container) is one of the most basic container specifications in international ocean shipping, with an internal volume of approximately 33 cubic meters and a maximum payload of about 28 tons. However, actual loading is usually estimated at 25-28 cubic meters or 17-22 tons, depending on cargo density and destination port weight limits. Usage scenarios: when customers specify a 20-foot container for shipping small-batch, high-density cargo (such as tiles, metal products, machinery parts), or as an entry-level option for converting LCL to FCL. Precautions: confirm whether the cargo is overweight (especially for the US and European inland points) to avoid penalties or being unable to pick up the container due to overweight; also note the difference between 20GP and 40GP/40HQ — 20GP suits heavy cargo, 40HQ suits light/bulky cargo, and 20GP usually has a higher unit freight rate but lower total freight. When combined with 'customer management,' it means salespeople need to recommend suitable container types based on customer order volume and cargo characteristics, and track container utilization efficiency to avoid underutilization or rolled containers.