Peanut kernels and sesame seed are dense, so a 20 ft container is usually limited by weight, not space. Loads commonly range from the high teens to the mid 20s of tonnes, depending on the pack, the shipping line and road weight limits.
A 40 ft container does not hold double the weight. It has more space, but its weight allowance is only somewhat higher, so for dense seed the 20 ft is often the efficient choice. Always ask for the supplier's last actual loading of the same product and pack.
Why the figure varies
- Shipping line limit: each line sets a maximum payload per container type, and some lines set lower limits on certain routes.
- Road limits: the trucking weight allowed between the factory and the port, and at destination, can cap the load.
- Pack: 25 kg and 50 kg bags stack differently. Vacuum packs in cartons take more space.
- Palletised or loose: pallets cost space and add weight.
- Product: in-shell peanuts are bulky and light, so they fill the space far below the weight limit.
- Dunnage and lining: kraft paper, desiccants and other protection take a little space.
Peanuts
HPS peanut kernels in 25 kg or 50 kg PP or jute bags usually load close to the weight limit of a 20 ft container. Vacuum-packed kernels in cartons load less, because cartons waste space. Blanched and split kernels behave similarly to whole kernels by weight.
In-shell peanuts are a different case. The shell adds bulk with little weight, so a container holds a much lower tonnage. Ask the supplier for actual figures if you buy in-shell.
Bag sizes and packing choices are covered in how peanuts are packed for export.
Sesame
Natural and hulled sesame are small, dense seeds. In 25 kg PP or paper bags they usually reach the weight limit of a 20 ft container. Black sesame loads similarly.
Some buyers ask for a lower load to make stacking and inspection easier, or because their warehouse handles a set number of pallets. Agree the target net weight before booking, not at the port.
What to agree with the supplier
- Net weight per container, with a small tolerance in the contract.
- Bag type, bag weight and whether bags are palletised.
- The shipping line and its payload limit for your route.
- Whether any weight is lost to desiccants, lining or dunnage.
- Weighbridge records at the factory and the port, and the weight on the bill of lading.
Watch for short weight
Short weight is a common complaint. It can come from wet seed drying out, underfilled bags or simple overstatement. Ask for gross and net weight on the packing list, check a sample of bags at loading, and keep the weighbridge slip. More detail on general loads is in how much fits in a container.
Where we come in
We confirm the line's payload limit and the factory's last real loading before you book. At loading we check bag weights, count bags and record the seal number, so the tonnage on your documents matches what is in the box. Ask for a free sourcing review.