Free tool
Which container fits your cargo?
Compare your cargo dimensions and weight with 8 common container types, get a sea freight suggestion and notes for road transport in Vietnam.
Choosing a container for difficult cargo
Three container groups are used for machinery, equipment and structures. Choosing the right one early avoids switching equipment close to sailing.
Standard (20GP, 40GP, 40HC)
Cargo is loaded through the rear doors, so it must pass the door frame. A 40HC door is about 30 cm taller than a standard container's, which suits slightly tall machinery.
Open top
Removable roof with a tarpaulin, loaded by crane from above. Suits tall cargo or pieces that cannot be forklifted in. Cargo taller than the side walls can still ship, but as OOG cargo.
Flat rack
A floor with two end walls and the highest payload of the group. Suits wide, tall and heavy cargo. Any overhang to the sides or top is out-of-gauge and needs a special booking.
Breakbulk
When a piece is longer than a 40' flat rack or heavier than its payload, it is stowed directly in the hold or on deck, lifted by ship or port cranes.
Road transport: why deck height matters
Vietnamese rules measure height from the road surface to the highest point of the loaded vehicle, with a 4.2 m limit (4.35 m for container carriers). The taller the cargo, the lower the trailer deck must be; once the piece itself reaches 4.2 m, no trailer can keep it within the limit.
Width over 2.5 m, length over 20 m or gross mass over 48 t also make the vehicle oversize or overweight, which requires a circulation permit and possibly a road survey.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can a 2.5 m tall piece go in a 40HC?
Per the carrier's published figures, a 40HC door is about 2.6 m high, so a 2.5 m piece usually fits, but pallets, crates and the loading method matter. Measure including packing and confirm the actual unit before stuffing.
What is the difference between a flat rack and an open top?
An open top has full side walls and an open roof, suiting tall but not wide cargo. A flat rack has no side walls and a higher payload, suiting cargo that is both wide and tall, or very heavy.
Does out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo cost more?
Yes. Overhanging cargo takes extra space on board, so carriers charge separate rates and surcharges and must approve the booking in advance.
Is the tool result enough to book?
No. It is a quick guide. GLOGIMEX confirms the actual unit, lashing plan and road route before a formal quote.
Container data source: Hapag-Lloyd container fleet pages, read on 10 October 2026. Road limits: Article 10, Circular 12/2025/TT‑BXD as amended by Circular 19/2026/TT‑BXD.
Let's build success together
Moving critical equipment for your project?
Whether you are preparing a new project, expanding a plant or moving critical equipment, GLOGIMEX is ready to support you with safe, reliable and efficient logistics solutions.
- Hotline+84 326 768 022
- Emailcontact@glogimex.com
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