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Excuse me, are the volumes of the goods loaded onto the 40NOR and 40STD the same?
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We recently had a shipment of lightweight goods, and the freight forwarder asked me whether to book 40NOR or 40STD containers. I want to know if the volume of goods loaded into these two types of containers is the same. If not, what is the difference? How significant is it? And what impact does it have on customs declaration and costs?
Jason WuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics & Supply Chain ManagerStart a Chat
Your question is directly related to the accuracy of customs declarations，and it's essential to clarify this. What is the loading volume of 40NOR and 40STD?，
It's completely differentThis is a common compliance risk point. The internal volume of a 40STD (standard dry cargo container) is approximately 67.7 cubic meters，while the internal volume of a 40NOR (refrigerated dry cargo container) is only 58-60 cubic meters due to the space occupied by the front-end refrigeration unit，a difference of nearly 8 cubic meters. From a regulatory perspective，if the volume specified on your booking order and customs declaration form does not match the actual container type，customs inspection will identify the declaration as inaccurate. This could result in minor penalties such as correction of the declaration or more severe consequences，including impacting your company's credit rating. Particularly for NOR containers，although they are used as dry cargo containers，customs systems may still associate them with refrigeration equipment regulations. When declaring the HS code，it is crucial not to select parameters related to temperature control. We recommend clearly indicating the container type code on the shipping instructions，noting the actual container type in the customs declaration's remarks column，and retaining the confirmation email provided by the freight forwarder regarding the container number/type to facilitate quick clarification during inspections.
Kevin LinYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Solutions ManagerStart a Chat
Listen to me—the practical differences between these two types of containers are significant. The internal dimensions of a 40STD container are approximately 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 meters, with a theoretical capacity of 67.7 cubic meters. However, the internal dimensions of a 40NOR container are approximately 11.59 × 2.29 × 2.27 meters, and its actual usable capacity is only around 60 cubic meters, a difference of nearly 12% in loading space. Moreover, the protruding refrigeration units on NOR containers will occupy the door height, often making it difficult to load the last few rows with forklifts.
In terms of cost, NOR containers are typically $200–400 cheaper than STD containers. However, if you quote or load based on the STD's volume, either the cargo won't fit or you'll lose money on freight. My advice is: First, calculate the total cubic meters of the cargo. If it exceeds 60 cubic meters, definitely use STD containers; if it's between 50 and 60 cubic meters, check if the cargo can be compressed—if not, upgrade the container type; if it's less than 50 cubic meters, using NOR containers can save on freight. Additionally, when booking a shipping slot, make sure the freight forwarder confirms the container type in writing to avoid delays in loading due to last-minute container changes that could affect the ship's schedule.
Eric ZhouYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Manager of Foreign Exchange & Tax RebatesStart a Chat
This issue is very sensitive in negotiations. If handled improperly, clients may perceive us as unprofessional. Here’s how to communicate with clients: First, send an email clarifying, "Based on your cargo volume, we’ve evaluated two options: 40STD and 40NOR. The former has a capacity of 68 cubic meters, while the latter is 60 cubic meters, with a price difference of approximately $300." Leave the choice to the client. If they’re unclear, you can explain, "NOR containers are repurposed refrigerated boxes for general use, offering better cost-effectiveness but suitable for cargo volumes up to 60 cubic meters, helping you save costs." The key is to clearly specify in the contract, "Container type: 40" NOR (Non-Operating Reefer) with an internal capacity of approximately 60 cubic meters," to avoid future disputes. If the client insists on STD pricing but agrees to use NOR containers, you can split the freight charges on the invoice, showing "Freight discounts," which preserves your profit while making the client feel they’ve gained a benefit. Remember, never use vague terms like "about" or "roughly"; precise data builds professional trust.