Guidelines

Cargo Weight Guidelines

OCEMA’s recommended maximum gross allowable cargo weights in international intermodal containers for transport on the U.S. highway system.

Weight Reference Table

Maximum Gross Allowable Cargo Weights

For International Intermodal Containers for Transport on the USA Highway System

NOTE: Maximum Gross Allowable Cargo Weight includes product plus all packaging, pallets, and any blocking, bracing, and dunnage materials.

Container Type & Chassis Configuration U.S. Pounds Kilograms
20’ Containers
20’ DRY on “slider chassis” 39,200lbs 17,780kg
20’ DRY on “TRI AXLE slider chassis” 44,000lbs 19,960kg
20’ REEFER on “slider” chassis 34,900lbs 15,830kg
20’ REEFER on “TRI AXLE slider chassis” 39,700lbs 18,010kg
40’ Containers — Standard GN Chassis
40’ DRY (H = 8 ft 6 in) on standard GN chassis 44,000lbs 19,960kg
40’ High Cube (H = 9 ft 6 in) on standard GN chassis 43,700lbs 19,820kg
40’ REEFER (H = 8 ft 6 in) on standard GN chassis 39,800lbs 18,050kg
40’ High Cube REEFER (H = 9 ft 6 in) on standard GN chassis 39,300lbs 17,830kg
Important Disclaimer: The above Maximum Gross Allowable Cargo Weights are intended only as a general guideline to promote safe and lawful transport practices regarding the maximum weight of cargo that can be loaded into international containers for transport over U.S. roads. The actual allowable cargo weight for any specific shipment may vary depending on the actual weight and configuration of the equipment being used for transport, and/or other limits imposed by federal, state, or local authorities.

Use of this table in no way constitutes a warranty as to the safe loading or carriage of a particular container or combination of equipment, and nothing herein is intended to warrant that a particular movement meets legal requirements or is otherwise safe for road transport. Use of this guideline does not in any way eliminate the obligation of the shipper, consignee, motor carrier, or other user to ensure that a particular load meets local, state, or federal road weight limits and is otherwise safe and roadworthy for transport within the U.S.