TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit) refers to the standard container, which is the core measurement unit in international container transportation, based on a 20-foot-long container. One 20-foot container equals 1 TEU, and a 40-foot container equals 2 TEU (also called FEU). TEU is widely used to describe vessel capacity, port throughput, yard capacity, and freight calculation. Usage scenarios include: shipping line quotations, charter contracts, terminal operation statistics, logistics cost accounting, etc. Notes: Different container types (such as 20ft, 40ft, 40ft high cube) have different actual volumes and payloads, but all are converted to TEU; when calculating freight, it is necessary to clarify whether billing is by TEU or by container type; in addition, TEU is a statistical unit, not a specific container type, and actual booking requires specifying 20GP, 40GP, 40HQ, etc. Difference from FEU: FEU is a 40-foot standard container, and 1 FEU = 2 TEU. Difference from CBM: CBM is cubic meter, used for LCL cargo billing, while TEU is used for FCL.
📝 Examples
1. This voyage carried a total of 5000 TEU, of which 2000 TEU were 20-foot containers and the rest were 40-foot containers. (Illustrates vessel capacity statistics)
2. According to the contract, the ocean freight per TEU is USD 1500, and LCL cargo is charged per cubic meter. (Illustrates freight calculation method)
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