It depends on how dense the product is and how it is packed. Dense goods such as sesame, pulses and grains usually reach the weight limit first, often in the low to mid 20s of tonnes in a 20 ft. Lighter goods fill the space before they reach the weight limit, so you get fewer tonnes.
These figures are rough. The only reliable number is the supplier's last actual loading of the same product in the same pack.
Weight limit or space limit
Every container has a maximum payload, set by the container and the shipping line. Road weight limits in India and in your country can cap it lower. A 40 ft has roughly twice the space of a 20 ft, but its weight allowance is not much higher. So heavy goods often ship in 20 ft containers.
Light goods are the opposite. They fill a 20 ft before reaching the weight limit, so a 40 ft can carry roughly double the quantity.
A rough guide by product type
Treat these as starting points only. Confirm the figure for your product, pack and year before you plan an order.
- Sesame, pulses and grains: usually weight-limited, often in the low to mid 20s of tonnes in a 20 ft, subject to the shipping line and road limits.
- Cumin, fennel and similar seed spices: often roughly 12 to 18 tonnes in a 20 ft, and roughly double the volume in a 40 ft, still capped by weight.
- Dried leaves and some dehydrated flakes: light and bulky, and may be well under 10 tonnes in a 20 ft.
What changes the number
- Pack size: 25 kg bags stack differently from 50 kg bags or jumbo bags.
- Pack type: PP woven bags, paper bags with liners, jute bags and cartons each fill the space differently.
- Pallets: palletised loads are easier to handle and count, but usually carry less than bags stacked by hand.
- The lot itself: bulk density varies with variety, grade and cleaning, so two lots of the same product can load differently.
- Liners and dunnage: container liners, kraft paper and desiccants take a little space.
Why it matters for your cost and order
Sea freight is charged per container, so the tonnes per container decide the freight cost per kilo. A product that loads 12 tonnes carries more freight per kilo than one that loads 22. Ask each supplier to state the net weight per container, and compare quotes on that basis. See how to compare quotes from Indian exporters.
The container also sets your minimum order, if the supplier sells by the full load. See the minimum order quantity for agri products from India.
Short loading is a known risk. Ask for gross and net weights on the packing list and a weighbridge slip, and have someone count the bags at loading.
How we help
Creston & Co checks the supplier's last actual loading before you order. We supervise loading with bag counts and photos of the empty container, the loading and the seal. Ask for a free sourcing review.