GLOBAL SELLING BLOG

What is TEU in international shipping?

TEU shipping refers to the measurement of a ship’s cargo container carrying capacity. Learn about TEU shipping, its capacity, and the types of containers.

In the shipping process, TEU – 20-feet Equivalent Unit size – is a standard unit of measurement used in shipping to describe the carrying capacity of container ships and terminals. TEU is usually the volume of a standard 20-foot shipping container, which is commonly used to transport goods across the world.

What is Terminal Handling Charges (THC)?

TEU is a commonly used unit of measurement in international shipping, which represents the volume of a standard 20-foot shipping container and describes the carrying capacity of container ships and terminals. The use of TEUs has become an industry standard to calculate shipping volumes, enabling more efficient handling and transportation of goods. For example, a container ship with a capacity of 5,000 TEUs is capable of transporting 5,000 20-foot containers¹.

What is TEU container shipping used for?

TEU containers allow shipping companies to better plan their operations and optimize the use of their assets. By knowing the exact number of TEUs a container ship can carry, shipping companies can calculate the cost of shipping, allocate space for different types of cargo, and schedule vessel departures and arrivals. TEU container shipping is used for transporting a range of goods, including consumer goods, electronics, raw materials, and food products. The use of containers also allows for faster loading and unloading of cargo, reducing the turnaround time of vessels at ports.

How are the TEUs used for measuring?

The number of TEUs a container ship can carry depends on the size of the vessel and the amount of space allocated for cargo. For example, a container ship with a capacity of 10,000 TEUs can transport 10,000 standard 20-foot containers.

Types of TEU containers

There are several types of TEU containers used in shipping, including standard 20-foot containers, high cube containers, 40-foot containers, and refrigerated containers. Below are some of the common types³:

High cube containers:

High cube containers are similar to standard containers but are taller, allowing for more storage space.

40-feet containers:

40-feet containers are twice the length of 20-foot containers and can hold more cargo.

Refrigerated containers:

Refrigerated containers are designed to transport goods that require temperature control, such as fresh produce or pharmaceuticals.

How is TEU ratio calculated?

The TEU ratio is a measure of a port’s container handling capacity. It is calculated by dividing the port’s total annual container throughput (measured in TEUs) by the port’s maximum theoretical capacity (also measured in TEUs). The maximum theoretical capacity is based on factors such as number of berths, size of the quay, and number of cranes. The TEU ratio provides an indication of how efficiently a port is operating and whether it has room for further expansion. A lower TEU ratio suggests that a port is operating close to its maximum capacity, while a higher ratio indicates potential for growth.

TEU vs FEU

TEU and FEU are both units of measurement used in the shipping industry. TEU stands for 20-foot Equivalent Unit, and FEU stands for 40-foot Equivalent Unit. While TEUs are a more commonly used unit, FEUs are used to measure container ship capacity and terminal throughput. The choice of which unit to use depends on the cargo being transported and the size of the ship.

As an exporter, it is important for you to understand and meet all the requirements to ship internationally without any hassles. To run a successful export business, it is important to have a dedicated team to take care of inventory, fulfillment, keep a check on shipping and returns. Understanding the importance of this, Amazon offers a hassle-free shipping option and an easy e-commerce export path for Indian sellers to export from India.

Easy e-commerce exports and logistics with Amazon Global Selling

Amazon Global Selling helps businesses sell their Made in India products on 18+ Amazon international marketplaces across 200+ countries and territories. From registration to training and shipping with Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), Amazon Global Selling provides solutions at every step to help Indian exporters businesses manage their logistics, compliance, and customs clearance services through Amazon SEND.

Explore Amazon SEND

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a TEU container?

A TEU container is used in the transportation and storage of goods.

How many TEUs are in a container ship?

This depends on the size of the ship.

How much shipping capacity is a TEU container?

A TEU container has a capacity of a 20-foot standard container volume.

How many TEU are in a 40-feet container?

There are two 20-foot equivalent units (2 TEUs) in a 40-feet container.

Published on April 14, 2023.

Sources:
1. https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-a-teu-3305889
2. https://www.marineinsight.com/naval-architecture/what-is-teu-in-shipping/
3. https://www.shiphub.co/teu-container-shipping/
4. https://www.universalcargo.com/different-types-of-shipping-containers-used-in-international-trade/
5. https://www.sealandmaersk.com/faq/what-is-a-teu
6. https://www.porttechnology.org/technical-papers/what-is-the-teu-ratio/
7. https://www.icontainers.com/us/2015/12/28/teus-vs-feus/

Related blogs

Start exporting with Amazon

What are Terminal Handling Charges (THC) and how to calculate it?

International shipping with Amazon: Everything you need to deliver globally

Found this blog informative? Share it with your network

Sell across the world with Amazon Global Selling

Ready to start exporting from India?

Want to learn about Amazon Global Selling?

Here's your guide

Read more blogs

Disclaimer: Whilst Amazon Seller Services Private Limited ("Amazon") has used reasonable endeavours in compiling the information provided, Amazon provides no assurance as to its accuracy, completeness or usefulness or that such information is error-free. In certain cases, the blog is provided by a third-party seller and is made available on an "as-is" basis. Amazon hereby disclaims any and all liability and assumes no responsibility whatsoever for consequences resulting from use of such information. Information provided may be changed or updated at any time, without any prior notice. You agree to use the information, at your own risk and expressly waive any and all claims, rights of action and/or remedies (under law or otherwise) that you may have against Amazon arising out of or in connection with the use of such information. Any copying, redistribution or republication of the information, or any portion thereof, without prior written consent of Amazon is strictly prohibited.

*Map not to scale. The map has been used for design and representational purpose only, it does not depict the geographical boundaries of the country. These do not conform to the external boundaries of India recognized by the Survey of India.