When cost matters and time is not an issue
Less-than-container load services
Our LCL services make shipping smaller volume cargo across the world simple, reliable and efficient.
Read about our LCL Services
Less-than-container load services
Sea freight meets peace of mind
Less is definitely more with LCL
For some, LCL is simply less container load.
But not for us. Our LCL services make shipping smaller volume cargo across the world simple, reliable and efficient. With our direct weekly departures, accessing hundreds of destinations, and our expert global Container Freight Station (CFS) teams consolidating and containerising your loads to hubs while guaranteeing capacity, it’s the streamlined and cost-efficient solution that ensures you only pay for your allocated space.
In fact, not only does sharing container space mean you can save on costs – our offering also saves you resources by eliminating the need to consolidate cargo yourself.
LCL shipping benefits
One size. Fits all.
Our LCL services are ideal for all industries. So whether automotive, heaithcare, retail , technology , or anything else, we can tailor bespoke solutions for your needs. In addition, we aren’t limited to any volume or turnover threshold – so equally suitable for companies of all sizes, whether small or global enterprise. And should cost savings or navigating disruptions be of the utmost importance, our LCL solution is ideal for converting air freight into ocean shipments, with ease.
Read about our break bulk services
Break bulk
Our expertise makes it easy
Specialised services for major moves and non-containerised loads
Our experienced team can help you manage the challenges of planning and coordinating efficient break bulk transport by sea. With staff in all major ports, we can take care of your shipment from pick-up to end destination.
Talk to our experts about customised solutions for your most complex transport needs.
What is break bulk?
Break bulk is a system of transporting cargo as separate pieces rather than in containers. This type of cargo is non-containerised and used for individual items that are oversized and overweight, e.g. construction equipment, oil and gas machinery, pipes, boats, turbine blades, ship propellers, generators, large engines and steel parts.
How break bulk shipping works
Break-bulk cargo is usually transported in bags, boxes, crates, drums or barrels, or as unit loads secured to pallets or skids. Specialist break bulk vessels come fitted with heavy-lift cranes that can manage heavy cargo safely and quicker than dockside cranes, which makes the process of loading/unloading faster and more efficient.
The term ‘break bulk’ comes from the phrase ‘breaking bulk’, where part of a ship’s cargo is extracted or unloaded. A break-in-bulk point is a place where goods are transferred from one mode of transport to another, e.g. docks where goods are transferred from ship to truck.
Non-containerised load
Your overweight or out of gauge shipments are in good hands with AK
We are experienced at handling overweight and out of gauge (O.O.G) shipments not suitable for standard containers. So whether you need flat rack or open top containers, mafi trailers, flatbeds or other types of special equipment, we can service your needs.
Premium sea freight carriers and proper equipment
We only use premium sea freight carriers, and we arrange for the proper equipment, ensure all necessary permits, and carry out blocking, bracing and packing. When the shipment arrives at the destination country, specially trained AK staff are prepared to accompany your shipment to its final destination.
For even more complex transportation needs, we offer customised solutions. Talk to our experts about a customized solution.
Sea freight services
Secure and flexible intercontinental freight solutions
AK’s sea freight services support your needs for optimised, secure and flexible solutions
With the enormous volumes of freight that we ship and the multitude of carriers we work with, we can offer you frequent departures and the capacity you need – to and from every major port in the world. Whether your needs are complex or straightforward and whatever your goods, we can help you with you with end-to-end solutions across transport modes whether it be by sea, air, road or rail.
Local knowledge of local conditions
In every major port, we have experienced employees with detailed knowledge of local and international export and import compliance. Our staff can assist you in understanding each country’s requirements, as well as local pickup and last mile delivery. And if you need logistics support or warehouse management for your supply chain, we can handle that too.
Our sea freight services include:
Sea freight compliance
Moving cargo from A to B across the world’s seas can be challenging. Transport documents, regulations, country-specific compliance, local requirements and customs clearance are just some of the steps to be considered before your cargo can be dispatched to its final destination. Proper export documentation and import licenses and requirements are becoming increasingly important factors when transporting cargo. With years of experience in cargo shipment, our staff can support you in delivering your sea freight in full compliance with all requirements.
A network of trusted sea freight carriers
When you need the price advantage of sea freight, our agreements with all the major global and regional sea freight carriers will mean we can get you the best competitive combination of routing, carrier, price and departure and arrival times to suit your needs. You get the flexibility to ship your cargo when it suits you best.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements and we will find you the best and most reliable carrier for your cargo.
Which shipping container is best?
Go to Sea Container types and dimensions
Sea containers
Types, sizes and dimensions
AK offers a variety of sea containers to meet your transportation needs.
AK offers a large and modern fleet of containers that include dry, containers refrigerated containers with temperature control and special purpose containers. Our team can advise on the right sea container that allows you to accumulate and transport your cargo safely and efficiently.
We recommend following the indications of the CSC board at the time of loading, as well as taking into account the regulations of each country regarding weight restrictions. The CSC plate is the license plate of the container, and indicates who owns it, as well as the maximum weight and cubic capacities allowed.
Dry container
Find sizes and capacity for our 20ft and 40ft shipping containers
What is a dry container?
Dry containers (DC) are the most used type of container in the world: 90% of goods shipped by sea are loaded in dry containers. The 20-foot and 40-foot cargo containers are made of aluminium or steel and are suitable for all types of cargo. Aluminium containers have a slightly larger payload than steel, and steel dry containers have a slightly larger internal cube.
Dry container size and capacity
The specific dimensions and capacities of dry containers may vary depending on the container manufacturer, the age of the container and the container owner. The specifications listed below are representative of the majority of containers available.
20′ dry container
| Tare weight | Payload capacity | Cubic capacity | Internal length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,300 | 25,000 kg | 33.2 m3 | 5.9 m |
| 5,071.5 lbs | 55,126.9 lbs | 1,172 cu ft | 19.4 ft |
| Internal width | Internal height | Door opening width | Door opening height |
| 2.35 m | 2.39 m | 2.34 m | 2.28 m |
| Tare weight | Payload capacity | Cubic capacity | Internal length |
| 7.7 ft | 7.9 ft | 7.7 ft | 7.5 ft |
40′ dry container
| Tare weight | Payload capacity | Cubic capacity | Internal length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3,750 | 27,600 kg | 67.7 m3 | 12.03 m |
| 8,268.8 lbs | 61,200 lbs | 2,389 cu ft | 39.5 ft |
| Internal width | Internal height | Door opening width | Door opening height |
| 2.35 m | 2.39 m | 2.34 m | 2.28 m |
| 7.7 ft | 7.9 ft | 7.7 ft | 7.5 ft |
Find specifications and dimensions for our 20′ and 40′ flat rack shipping containers
Flat rack containers are especially suitable for heavy loads and cargo that needs loading from the top or sides, such as pipes and machinery. You will find collapsible containers and non-collapsible containers with or without walls. Flat rack containers are manufactured from steel and come in 20′ and 40′ sizes.
Flat rack container dimensions
Specific dimensions and capacity of flat rack containers (fr containers) may vary depending on the container manufacturer, the age of the container and the container owner. The specifications below are representative for the majority of flat rack containers.
20′ flat rack container
| Tare weight | Payload capacity | Cubic capacity | Internal length | Internal width | Internal height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,360 kg | 30,140 kg | 32.7 m3 | 5638 mm | 2.35 m | 2.35 m |
| 5,203.8 lbs | 66,458.7 lbs | 1,154.3 cu ft | 19.5 ft | 7.7 ft | 7.7 ft |
40′ flat rack container
| Tare weight | Payload capacity | Cubic capacity | Internal length | Internal width | Internal height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5,000 kg | 40,000 kg | 62.2 m3 | 11660 mm | 2.40 m | 2.14 m |
| 11,025 lbs | 88,200 lbs | 2,195.7 cu ft | 39.8 ft | 7.9 ft | 7 ft |
Find dimensions and capacity for our 40′ and 45′ high cube containers
High cube dry containers ensure that you gain an extra foot (12 inches, about 30cm) in height compared with dry containers. The high cube dry containers are ideal for light, voluminous or bulky cargo. These extra volume containers are made in 40′ and 45′ sizes in steel and aluminium.
High cube dry container dimensions
Specific dimensions and capacity of high cube dry containers may vary depending on the container manufacturer, the age of the container and the container owner. The specifications listed below are, however, representative for the majority of high cube dry containers.
40ft high cube dry container
| Tare weight | Payload capacity | Cubic capacity | Internal length | Internal width | Internal height | Door opening width | Door opening height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,940 kg | 28,560 kg | 76.4 m3 | 12.03 m | 2.35 m | 2.70 m | 2.34 m | 2.58 m |
| 8,687.7 lbs | 62,974.8 lbs | 2,696.9 cu ft | 39.5 ft | 7.7 ft | 8.9 ft | 7.7 ft | 8.5 ft |
45ft high cube dry container
| Tare weight | Payload capacity | Cubic capacity | Internal length | Internal width | Internal height | Door opening width | Door opening height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4,820 kg | 27,860 kg | 86 m3 | 13.56 m | 2.35 m | 2.70 m | 2.34 m | 2.58 m |
| 10,628.1 lbs | 61,431.3 lbs | 3,035.8 cu ft | 44.5 ft | 7.7 ft | 8.9 ft | 7.7 ft | 8.5 ft |
Find specifications and dimensions for our open top shipping containers
Open top containers have an open top covered by a tarpaulin instead of a solid roof. This enables oversized cargo such as timber and scrap metal to be loaded from the top. Open top containers normally also have end doors, like closed containers, to give flexibility for loading and unloading.
Open top container specifications
Specific dimensions and capacity of open top containers may vary depending on the container manufacturer, the age of the container and the container owner. The specifications listed below are, however, representative for the majority of open top containers.
20′ open top shipping container
| Tara weight | Payload capacity | Cubic capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 2,350 kg | 28,130 kg | 32.5 m3 |
| 5,181.8 lbs | 62,026.7 lbs | 1,147.3 cu ft |
| Internal | Door opening | Roof opening | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | Width | Height | Width | Height | Width | Length |
| 5.9 m | 2.35 m | 2.38 m | 2.34 m | 2.28 m | 2.23 m | 5.44 m |
| 19.3 ft | 7.7 ft | 7.8 ft | 7.7 ft | 7.4 ft | 7.3 ft | 17.8 ft |
40′ open top shipping container
| Tara weight | Payload capacity | Cubic capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 3,850 kg | 26,630 kg | 66.4 m3 |
| 8,489.3 lbs | 58,719.2 lbs | 2,343.9 cu ft |
| Internal | Door opening | Roof opening | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | Width | Height | Width | Height | Width | Length |
| 12.03 m | 2.35 m | 2.38 m | 2.34 m | 2.29 m | 2.21 m | 11.57 m |
| Tara weight | Payload capacity | Cubic capacity | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39.5 ft | 7.7 ft | 7.8 ft | 7.7 ft | 7.5 ft | 7.3 ft | 38 ft |
Find specifications and dimensions
A platform container is a container without sides, ends or a roof. It is used for odd-sized cargo which does not fit on or in any other type of container.
Platform container dimensions
Specific dimensions and capacity of platform containers may vary depending on the container manufacturer, the age of the container and the container owner. The specifications listed below are, however, representative for the majority of platform containers.
20′ platform container
| Tare weight | Payload capacity | Internal length | Internal width |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,740 kg | 31,260 kg | 6.06 m | 2.44 m |
| 6,041.7 lbs | 68,928.3 lbs | 19.9 ft | 8 ft |
40′ platform container
| Tare weight | Payload capacity | Internal length | Internal width |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5,700 kg | 39,300 kg | 12.19 m | 2.44 m |
| 12,568.5 lbs | 86,656.5 lbs | 40 ft | 8 ft |
Find dimensions and capacity for our temperature-controlled refrigerated shipping containers
What is a reefer container?
Reefer containers or refrigerated containers are used to transport goods requiring temperature-controlled conditions in transit. Products such as fruit, vegetables,dairy products and meat are typical goods to ship in this kind of shipping container. Reefer containers are fitted with a refrigeration unit which is connected to the electrical power supply on board the ship.
What are the dimensions and specifications of reefer containers?
The specific dimensions and capacity of reefer containers (refrigerated containers) may vary depending on the container manufacturer, the age of the container and the container owner. The specifications listed below are, however, representative for the majority of reefer containers.
20′ reefer container
| Tare weight | Payload capacity | Cubic capacity | Internal length | Internal width | Internal height | Door opening width | Door opening height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,080 kg | 27,400 kg | 28.3 m3 | 5.44 m | 2.29 m | 2.27 m | 2.23 m | 2.10 m |
| 6,791.4 lbs | 60,417 lbs | 999 cu ft | 17.9 ft | 7.5 ft | 7.5 ft | 7.3 ft | 6.9 ft |
40′ reefer container
| Tare weight | Payload capacity | Cubic capacity | Internal length | Internal width | Internal height | Door opening width | Door opening height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4,800 kg | 27,700 kg | 59.3 m3 | 11.56 m | 2.28 m | 2.25 m | 2.29 m | 2.26 m |
| 10,584 lbs | 61,078.5 lbs | 2,093.3 cu ft | 37.9 ft | 7.5 ft | 7.4 ft | 7.5 ft | 7.4 ft |
40′ high cube reefer container
| Tare weight | Payload capacity | Cubic capacity | Internal length | Internal width | Internal height | Door opening width | Door opening height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4,480 kg | 29,520 kg | 67.3 m3 | 11.58 m | 2.29 m | 2.40 m | 2.29 m | 2.57 m |
| 9,880 lbs | 65,080 lbs | 2,380 cu ft | 38.0 ft | 7.5 ft | 7.9 ft | 7.5 ft | 8.4 ft |
45′ reefer container
| Tare weight | Payload capacity | Cubic capacity | Internal length | Internal width | Internal height | Door opening width | Door opening height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4,850 kg | 29,150 kg | 67 m3 | 11.57 m | 2.27 m | 2.55 m | 2.29 m | 2.26 m |
| 10,694.3 lbs | 64,275.8 lbs | 2,365.1 cu ft | 38 ft | 7.4 ft | 8.4 ft | 7.5 ft | 7.4 ft |
Find specifications and dimensions for transporting your garments
Garments on hangers (GOH) containers are used for shipping high-quality garments. These containers give customers the option of using a string or bar system, or a combination of both. The GOH containers offer increased flexibility, greater internal load capacity and savings on transportation and handling costs. GOH containers are available in 20′ and 40′ sizes.
GOH container dimensions and specifications
Specific dimensions and capacity of garments on hangers containers may vary depending on the container manufacturer, the age of the container and the container owner. The specifications listed below are, however, representative for the majority of these containers.
20′ GOH container
| Tare weight | Payload capacity | Cubic capacity | Internal length | Internal width | Internal height | Door opening width | Door opening height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,300 kg | 28,180 kg | 33.2 m3 | 5.9 m | 2.35 m | 2.39 m | 2.34 m | 2.28 m |
| 5,071.5 lbs | 62,136.9 lbs | 1,172 cu ft | 19.4 ft | 7.7 ft | 7.9 ft | 7.7 ft | 7.5 ft |
40′ GOH container
| Tare weight | Payload capacity | Cubic capacity | Internal length | Internal width | Internal height | Door opening width | Door opening height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,750 kg | 28,750 kg | 67.7 m3 | 12.03 m | 2.35 m | 2.39 m | 2.34 m | 2.28 m |
| 8,268.8 lbs | 63,393.8 lbs | 2,389.8 cu ft | 39.5 ft | 7.7 ft | 7.9 ft | 7.7 ft | 7.5 ft |
Shipping textiles for retailers
Garment on hangers containers are used in the fashion and retail industries. Logistics for these industries need to move fast and be flexible. DSV offers many transport and logistics services tailored to your specific needs. Read more about how we can help businesses in the fashion and retailing industries here.
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