Container loading determines your real freight cost per ton. Here is what mills and forwarders actually allow when shipping PPGI and GI coil from China.
Practical Loading Limits
| Container | Payload Limit | Practical Coil Load | Why Less Than Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP | ~28 t | 22-25 t | Weight concentration on floor; road limits at destination |
| 40GP | ~26-28 t | 24-26 t | Volume is wasted — coils hit weight limit first |
Because coil cargo is weight-limited, a 40GP rarely carries more tonnage than a 20GP. Most steel coil moves in 20GP containers for this reason — freight per ton is usually lower.
Coil Weight and Eye Direction
Standard export coils run 3-5 tons each (max ~7 t on request). Coils load eye-to-sky or eye-to-side with wooden cradles, steel strapping and dunnage. Tell your supplier the unloading equipment you have — forklift with C-hook, crane, or plain forklift — so coil weight and eye direction match your warehouse.
Destination Road Limits Matter
Some markets (e.g. parts of Africa and Central Asia) enforce lower truck axle limits, so buyers request 20-22 t loading even when the port allows more. Check your inland leg before fixing the packing list.
FAQ
How many coils is 25 tons?
Typically 5-8 coils depending on coil weight. A packing list with individual coil weights ships with every order.
Can you load two smaller coils on one skid?
Related Products from ChinaCNU Steel
Yes, for narrow slit coils. Confirm at order stage so packing photos match expectations.