20ft Bulk Container

LACU 210012 22G1 MAX. GROSS 30,480 kg TARE 2,200 kg

2,370 mm
7′ 9″

5,890 mm
19′ 4″

2,350 mm
7′ 8 1/2″

LACU 210012 22G1 MAX. GROSS 30,480 kg TARE 2,200 kg

2,280 mm
7′ 5 3/4″

2,340 mm
7′ 8 1/8″

Overview

The 20 ft Bulk container is designed for dry bulk commodities that are loaded from the top and typically discharged through rear discharge hatches/doors, reducing the need for pallets and improving handling efficiency for bulk shipments. It is commonly used for free-flowing or semi-free-flowing dry materials and is equipped to support controlled loading/unloading operations. Specifications can vary by fleet, so confirm exact unit details when planning cargo flow, discharge method, and weight distribution.

Intended for dry bulk cargo with efficient loading/unloading features

Supports top loading and controlled discharge (fleet configuration dependent)

Useful when palletization is inefficient or not required

Specs may vary by manufacturer / fleet

20 ft Bulk Container Image Gallery

Best for / Not ideal for

Best for	Not ideal for
Dry bulk materials (granular or free-flowing) suited to top loading and controlled discharge	Cargo requiring temperature control (use reefer equipment)
Commodities where palletization adds cost/space and bulk handling is preferred	Liquids or non-dry bulk (use tank containers)
Supply chains that can manage dust control and proper lining/containment when needed	Cargo sensitive to contamination without proper liners/cleaning controls
	Very fragile packaged goods that need palletization and standard door handling

Industries & typical commodities

Agriculture: grains, seeds, feed ingredients, and other free-flowing agricultural commodities.
Plastics: resins, pellets, granules, and polymer raw materials.
Chemicals: dry powders, additives, and granular materials, depending on compatibility and containment requirements.
Construction materials: cement, minerals, and other dry granular products when permitted by the equipment.
Food commodities: sugar, rice, flour, and similar dry bulk products when food-grade cleanliness and lining requirements are met.
Industrial raw materials: powders, granulates, and other loose dry commodities suitable for controlled discharge.

Sizes & dimensions – 20ft Bulk Container

Dimension	Metric	Imperial
Internal Length	5.89 m	19.35 ft
Internal Width	2.35 m	7.71 ft
Internal Height	2.37 m	7.76 ft
Door Opening Width	2.34 m	7.69 ft
Door Opening Height	2.28 m	7.48 ft

Capacity & weights – 20ft Bulk Container

Spec	Metric	Imperial
Cubic Capacity	32.80 m³	1,158.32 ft³
Tare Weight	2,190 kg	4,828.12 lbs
Payload Capacity	28,290 kg	62,368.77 lbs
Max Gross Weight	30,480 kg	67,196.90 lbs

How many pallets fit in a 20ft Bulk Container?

Pallet capacity varies by loading pattern and pallet type. Please note that the estimates below should be only used as a quick reference, since bulk containers are not intented to be used with palletized cargo:

US standard pallets: up to 10

Euro pallets: up to 11

Note: bulk containers are primarily intended for loose dry bulk cargo, so pallet counts are not a standard planning metric and will vary depending on how the cargo is packed/contained.

Handling recommendations

Ensure the container is clean, dry, and odor-free to avoid contamination of bulk commodities.

Distribute weight evenly and avoid concentrating cargo toward one side or near the doors.

Use liners or containment solutions when required to prevent leakage, dusting, or cross-contamination (commodity dependent).

Confirm loading and discharge procedures at origin/destination (top loading points and discharge features may vary by fleet).

Plan discharge to prevent sudden load shifts; follow site safety procedures during unloading.

FAQs about 20 ft Bulk Containers

What is a 20 ft Bulk container used for?

A 20 ft Bulk container is used to transport dry bulk commodities that are more efficiently handled as loose cargo rather than palletized shipments. It supports top loading and is designed to make discharge easier at destination through dedicated openings or door arrangements, depending on the fleet configuration. Because bulk cargo is sensitive to contamination and moisture, shipment success depends on cleanliness, proper containment, and a discharge plan that avoids sudden load shifts during unloading.

How many pallets fit in a 20 ft Bulk container?

Bulk containers are not primarily planned by pallet count because they are intended for loose dry bulk cargo. If you do load palletized freight in a 20 ft footprint, it may resemble a standard 20 ft container layout of up to 10 US pallets or up to 11 Euro pallets in a single layer, depending on orientation and overhang. In practice, bulk moves are usually optimized with liners and bulk loading methods rather than pallets, so validate against your actual loading plan.

Is a 20 ft Bulk container waterproof and sealed?

A bulk container is generally designed to protect cargo during normal transport, but “waterproof” is not absolute and depends on unit condition, door seals, and how well bulk openings are secured. For many bulk shipments, the bigger risk is moisture ingress or contamination due to poor cleaning, damaged seals, or unsuitable liners. To reduce risk, verify the unit is clean and dry, inspect sealing points, and use liners/containment when required by the commodity.

When should I choose a Bulk vs Standard container?

Choose a bulk container when your commodity is best transported as dry bulk and you have appropriate loading/discharge capability at origin and destination. A standard container is typically better for boxed or palletized goods that require conventional door loading and simpler handling. Bulk equipment can improve efficiency by reducing palletization and streamlining discharge, but it also requires stronger controls for cleanliness, containment, and unloading safety to avoid spills and sudden load shifts.

What cargo is not suitable for a 20 ft Bulk container?

A 20 ft Bulk container is not suitable for liquids (tank required), cargo requiring active temperature control (reefer), or commodities that are highly contamination-sensitive unless you can ensure cleaning and proper liners. It is also a poor fit for fragile packaged goods where palletization and conventional securing are required. Suitability depends on commodity flow properties and discharge method, so confirm that the cargo can be safely loaded and unloaded without damage or excessive residue.