Container Weight Limitations

Please find below a guide to container weight limits within Australia. Please note that new Government legislation requires that all freight forwarders declare the combined container and cargo weight to their road carriers. Incorrect weight declarations can result in large fines and in severe cases criminal prosecution.

Please ensure your export departments are aware of these weight limitations when shipping containers to Australia and advise shippers where necessary.

If you are unsure of any requirements or at any time require further clarification please contact the local office in question.

Maximum loaded weight of container for road transport in Queensland is 27.5T.
Therefore max cargo weight:

• 25T per 20ftGP (less if HC or reefer)
• 23.5T per 40ft GP (less if HC or reefer)

Weights of more than this require special equipment and / or permits.

Maximum loaded weight of container for road transport in Western Australia is 24.5T.
Therefore max cargo weight:

• 22T per 20ftGP (less if HC or reefer)
• 20.5 per 40ft GP (less if HC or reefer)

Most Western Australian carriers have heavy mass permits to 30 tonne (Gross Container Weight) depending on vehicle combination. However, beyond the 22 tonne a heavy container surcharge applies.

Maximum loaded weight of container for road transport in New South Wales is 26T.
Therefore max cargo weight:

• 23.5T per 20ftGP (less if HC or reefer)
• 22T per 40ft GP (less if HC or reefer)

Maximum loaded weight of container for road transport in Victoria is 27T.
Therefore max cargo weight:

• 24.7T per 20ftGP (less if HC or reefer)
• 22.8T per 40ft GP (less if HC or reefer)

Weights greater than this require unpacking at the terminal and will incur additional charges.

Maximum loaded weight of container for road transport in South Australia is 26.9T per 20ft & 28T per 40ft.
Therefore max cargo weight:

• 24.4T per 20ftGP (less if HC or reefer)
• 24T per 40ft GP (less if HC or reefer)

1. All FAK Containers are delivered via standard trailers and the above weight limitations apply.
2. Some customers require delivery via a sideloader / swinglift delivery, in these instances the weights specified above will be much lower