How to Handle and Prevent Overweight Containers?

Dealing with overweight containers is one of the most common problems faced by businesses and e-commerce sellers. Overweight of containers can cause unexpected expenses, delays, and logistics issues, all of which can disrupt your supply chain and affect your profits. In this article, we will answer these questions in detail and provide practical solutions to help you better manage your logistics processes.

What is an overweight container?

An overweight container is a container that exceeds the maximum weight limits set by shipping lines and transportation authorities. Each container, whether it is 20 feet, 40 feet or other sizes, has a specified weight capacity, including the weight of the container itself (called tare weight) and the weight of the cargo inside.

When the total weight of the loaded container exceeds these limits, it is classified as overweight. Overweight containers not only cause additional stress on the means of transport (such as trucks, ships), but they may also violate transportation and safety regulations. This situation can happen for a variety of reasons, such as underestimating the weight of the cargo, inaccurate calculations, or trying to maximize space without considering weight restrictions.

These weight limits are set for safety and operational reasons. Shipping an overweight container can result in a variety of penalties and troubles.

What to do with an overweight container?

Dealing with an overweight container can be a complex process, but it is important to address the issue promptly to avoid further trouble. Here are some steps you can take:

Reweigh the cargo: If you suspect your container is overweight, the first step is to reweigh the cargo. This can help you determine the extent of the overweight and its impact on your cargo, and plan your next steps accordingly.

Redistribute the load: If possible, consider redistributing the cargo across multiple containers. This may involve repacking or using additional containers to evenly distribute the weight and stay within legal limits.

Work with a freight forwarder: An experienced freight forwarder can help you navigate the complexities of dealing with an overweight container. Inform the container of the overweight and ask about possible solutions.

They can assist in arranging reloading, repacking, or even booking an alternative mode of transport. If possible, repack the container or redistribute the cargo to reduce the weight.

Pay an overweight fee: In some cases, you may need to pay an overweight fee to proceed with the shipment. While this will increase your costs, it may be the most practical solution if redistributing the cargo is not an option.

The key to dealing with overweight containers is prevention and management

Plan Ahead

Before loading, make sure to accurately calculate the total weight of your shipment and compare it to the maximum capacity of the container.

Ship in batches

If the total weight of your shipment exceeds the container's capacity, consider shipping it in batches to avoid overweight.

Use professional equipment

Use professional weighing equipment when loading and unloading to ensure that the weight of each container is within a safe range.

Work with a logistics service provider

Choosing an experienced logistics service provider, such as ShopV, can help you better manage your shipments and provide professional advice and solutions.

What is the container overweight fee?

Container overweight fees depend on a variety of factors, including the shipping route, the carrier, and the degree of overweight. Generally, overweight fees are calculated per ton or per kilogram based on the portion that exceeds the standard weight. Typically, these fees are levied by shipping companies to cover the additional costs and risks of shipping overweight containers.

Overweight fees can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the degree of overweight of the container. It is important to take these potential costs into account when planning your shipment, as they can significantly affect your overall logistics budget.

Some shipping companies may charge additional fees for containers that exceed a certain weight. For example, CMA CGM charges an Overweight Surcharge (OWS) for containers over 20 tonnes on routes from Asia to Europe, with a charge of $150 for each 20ft dry box unit that is overweight.

How much does a fully loaded 20ft container weigh?

Knowing the weight limits of your container is essential to avoid overweight issues. The maximum gross weight of a fully loaded 20ft container is typically around 24,000 kg (53,000 lbs). This includes the tare weight of the container, which is typically around 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs), leaving around 21,800 kg (48,000 lbs) for the cargo itself.

Exceeding this weight will cause the container to be classified as overweight, resulting in additional charges and potential logistical complications.

Measures to prevent overweight containers

Accurate weight estimation and weighing

Accurately calculate the weight of your cargo before loading. Use professional weighing equipment to ensure that the cargo weight is within the container's capacity before loading.

Proper packaging

Optimize packaging to reduce weight and volume.

Communicate with the shipper

Clearly communicate the weight of the cargo to the shipping company.

Consider cargo consolidation

Consolidate smaller cargo into larger containers to optimize weight utilization. If the total weight of the cargo exceeds the container's carrying capacity, consider shipping the cargo in batches.

Choose the right transport

Choose the right container and transport based on the weight and volume of the cargo to ensure safe and efficient transportation.

Work with a professional logistics company

Choosing an experienced logistics service provider, such as ShopV, can help you better manage the international shipping process, providing professional advice and solutions.

For businesses and e-commerce sellers, dealing with overweight containers can be a major challenge, resulting in unexpected costs, delays, and potential fines. However, by understanding the risks and taking proactive measures to manage container weight, you can avoid these problems and ensure a smooth supply chain.

Shopv: Your efficient shipping partner

At Shopv, we understand the complexity of international shipping and the challenges that come with overweight containers. Our expertise in logistics and supply chain management enables us to help you avoid these problems.

Services provided by Shopv include:

Weight verification: Accurately assess the weight of your cargo.

Cargo consolidation: Optimize container utilization and prevent overweight issues.

Overweight management: Efficiently and economically handle overweight containers.

Shipping documents: Accurate and complete shipping documents to avoid delays.

By working with Shopv, you can streamline your shipping process and minimize the risk of encountering overweight container problems.

Facing the challenges of Overweight Shipping Containers, the right response strategy and professional logistics support are essential. As a leading logistics solution provider, ShopV has rich industry experience and a professional service team. We can tailor logistics solutions for you to effectively avoid overweight problems, reduce logistics costs, and improve transportation efficiency. Whether you are an e-commerce seller or a corporate logistics department, please feel free to contact us to start an efficient and safe logistics journey together.

Through the above content, we hope to answer your questions about overweight containers and provide practical solutions. If you encounter any problems during the logistics process, you may wish to contact ShopV and let us work together to protect your business.