How we work it out
- We multiply the length, width and height of one box, then by the number of boxes. That gives the volume in cubic meters (m³).
- For each container we count the boxes three ways. By their size, by usable space and by the weight a truck carries. The lowest figure applies.
- Then we compare prices. If you share, you pay per m³ or per ton, whichever is higher (W/M). For a container just for you, you pay for all of it, full or not.
Watch out for this
- Measuring the product, not the box. Measure the outside of the cardboard box, with the packaging.
- Filling the container by m³ only. With heavy cargo, like ceramics, weight sets the limit. An overweight truck must unload on the road.
- Planning with the 33 m³ of a 20 ft. There are always gaps: count on about 28 m³.
Questions
How many boxes fit in a 20 ft container?
It depends on the box size. About 280 boxes of 50 × 40 × 40 cm fit. By space, 350 would fit, but the shape leaves gaps.
How many cubic meters does a 20 ft container hold?
Inside it holds 33.2 m³: about 5.9 m long, 2.35 m wide and 2.39 m high. With boxes you use about 28 m³. A 40 ft holds 67.7 m³ and a 40 ft high cube, 76.3 m³.
How much weight can a 20 or 40 ft container carry?
The Maersk spec sheet says 28,300 kg of cargo in a 20 ft. In a 40 ft, 28,870 kg. But in Chile the truck sets the limit. Maersk accepts 23 tons in a 20 ft and 25 in a 40 ft. Hapag-Lloyd accepts 25 in both.
From how many m³ does a container just for you pay off?
It depends on that month's freight. With this tool's reference freight rates (shared: August 2026; container: October 2026), from about 19 m³. That is why you can change the rates.
If I share a container, do I pay by weight or by volume?
By whichever is higher: the m³ or the tons. One ton counts as one m³. If you ship 2 m³ that weigh 3,000 kg, you pay for 3. This is called consolidated cargo (LCL).
What SICE does
SICE coordinates your import with its network of freight forwarders, customs brokers, transport companies and insurers.
See also:
Sources
- Maersk: size and maximum load of dry containers (PDF, 2024)
- Maersk: inside dimensions and doors of dry containers (PDF)
- Hapag-Lloyd: container specifications (PDF)
- Maersk Chile: maximum weight per container by truck (PDF, July 2026)
- Hapag-Lloyd Chile: inland transport guide, August 2026 (PDF)
- Chilean Road Directorate (Dirección de Vialidad): Decree 158 of 1980, maximum truck weights (PDF)
- iContainers: shared containers are charged by weight or by volume (in Spanish)
- Maersk: import charges in Chile (bill of lading, administration and depot)
- Maersk: terminal charges in Chile from October 15, 2026
- AEXSA, San Antonio: loose cargo rates, July 2026
- AEP, San Antonio: public rates 2026 (PDF)
- SIX, San Antonio: rates 2026
- Seaport, San Antonio: rates, July 2026
- Chilat: real cargo volume per container, January 2026
- Tonlexing: sea freight from China to Chile, August 2026
- Seimex: freight from China to Chile, October 2026
Updated on October 22, 2026