Breaking the Myth: 20,000 kg Cargo in Ocean Containers – Legal, Legitimate, and Regular with SOLO
When it comes to shipping heavy cargo in ocean containers, one of the most common misconceptions is that there is a strict limit on the weight of cargo that can be loaded inside. However, the reality is different. The true governing factor for container weight is not the cargo weight itself but the axle weight limits over the road. At SOLO World Partners, we have been successfully and legally transporting 20,000 kg (44,000 lbs) of cargo inside ocean containers for years in both the United States and Mexico by using the right equipment and understanding the legal framework.
Understanding Ocean Container Weight Limits
Ocean containers come in standard sizes, with weight limits set based on international and domestic regulations. Here’s a quick breakdown:
20’ Standard Container: Maximum gross weight of 24,000 kg (52,900 lbs)
40’ Standard & High Cube Containers: Maximum gross weight of 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs)
These weight limits indicate the maximum allowable combined weight of the container and its cargo. However, just because a container can hold that much weight doesn’t mean it can be legally transported over the road without exceeding axle weight limits.
The Real Rule of Law: Axle Weight Limits
What actually determines whether a container can be legally transported is not the cargo weight inside, but whether the truck and chassis configuration can distribute the weight across the legal axle limits. In the U.S. and Mexico, state and federal laws regulate the weight per axle rather than just total gross vehicle weight.
Standard axle limits in the U.S.:
Steer Axle: 12,000 - 13,200 lbs
Drive Axle (Tandem): 34,000 lbs
Trailer Axle (Tandem): 34,000 lbs
The Solution: Tri-Axle Chassis for Increased Cargo Capacity
To legally transport ocean containers with 20,000 kg (44,000 lbs) of cargo, we utilize tri-axle trailers. These trailers allow for a higher weight distribution, making it possible to comply with road weight limits while maximizing cargo efficiency.
With a tri-axle chassis, the container’s weight is more evenly distributed, reducing strain on individual axles and keeping it within legal limits. This method is widely used in Mexico, where heavier loads are more common, and is also compliant with specific U.S. state regulations that permit higher weight allowances with the correct equipment.
SOLO’s Proven Track Record
At SOLO World Partners, we’ve been utilizing this method for years, ensuring that our customers can move heavier cargo legally, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Our expertise in logistics, regulatory compliance, and equipment solutions allows us to offer seamless transportation of heavy ocean containers without running into legal roadblocks.
By working with the right partners and using tri-axle trailers, we enable businesses to optimize their supply chain, reduce shipping costs, and move cargo more effectively between the U.S. and Mexico.
Final Thoughts
The idea that ocean containers cannot legally carry 20,000 kg is a myth. The real constraint is the axle weight on the road, not the weight of the cargo inside. With the right equipment—tri-axle chassis—this weight becomes not only possible but fully legal and routinely executed by SOLO.
If you need a reliable partner that understands the complexities of cargo weight compliance while maximizing efficiency, SOLO World Partners has the expertise and solutions to make it happen. Contact us today to learn more about how we can optimize your heavy cargo shipments!
