How to Load Steel Grating in a 20' Container: A Buyer's Guide
Exactly how many panels fit, weight vs volume limits, panel orientation, dunnage requirements, and how to plan your shipment from Anping.
Calculate your container loading instantly
Panel count, weight, volume utilization — for any container type.
Container Dimensions Reference
| Type | Int. L | Int. W | Int. H | CBM | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft GP | 5.9 m | 2.35 m | 2.39 m | 33.1 m³ | 21,700 kg |
| 40ft GP | 12.0 m | 2.35 m | 2.39 m | 67.3 m³ | 26,500 kg |
| 40ft HC | 12.0 m | 2.35 m | 2.70 m | 76.0 m³ | 26,500 kg |
How to Calculate Panel Count
Steel grating panels are always loaded flat (horizontal), not on edge. Vertical loading on a moving ship would cause panels to shift, bend, and potentially perforate the container wall. The calculation proceeds in three steps:
Panels per layer
For 6000×1000mm panels in a 20ft container: floor area = 5900×2350mm. 5900/6000 = 0.98 → 0 full panels lengthways unless panels are cut to 5800mm. Two panels fit abreast (2×1000mm = 2000mm < 2350mm). So: 1 panel lengthways × 2 abreast = 2 panels per layer. (Most Anping factories cut to 5800mm for 20ft loads, allowing 1 per row × 2 = 2 per layer.)
Layers per container
Stack height per layer = bearing bar height + 20mm (timber dunnage). For 25mm bearing bars: 25 + 20 = 45mm per layer. Internal height 2390mm ÷ 45mm = ~53 layers. But in practice, grating is loaded without stacking dunnage between every layer — layers interlock slightly, so 50–55 layers is typical for 25mm grating.
Weight limit check
Total volume-limited panels = 2 per layer × 53 layers = 106 panels. Each 5800×1000mm panel of 25×5mm grating weighs ≈ 215 kg (37.15 kg/m² × 5.8 m²). 106 panels × 215 kg = 22,790 kg — marginally over the 21,700 kg payload. So reduce to 100 panels = 21,500 kg ✓.
20ft vs 40ft: Which Is Better for Grating?
20ft GP — Best when:
- Order is below ~100 panels / 20 tonnes
- Destination port has 20ft restrictions
- Multiple different specs in one order (split into 20ft)
- Lower freight rate per box to some ports
40ft GP/HC — Best when:
- Order exceeds 100 panels or 20 tonnes
- 6m panels (no need to cut to 5.8m)
- Lower freight cost per m² at scale
- Mixing grating with other products (wire mesh, pipes)
Packing and Dunnage
- Bottom dunnage: 75×75mm timber runners on the container floor, aligned with the bearing bar direction. Prevents panels scraping the container floor and allows forklift access at destination.
- Layer separation: For long-haul shipments, thin cardboard or plastic film between layers prevents zinc-on-zinc scratching of galvanized panels.
- Lashing: Steel strapping (25mm × 0.8mm) through the grating openings, secured to container D-rings. Minimum 4 lashing points per 20ft load.
- VCI film: For bare (non-galvanized) panels, wrap in VCI (volatile corrosion inhibitor) film to prevent oxidation during transit.
Quick reference: 25×5mm plain grating in a 20ft GP
Panel size: 5800×1000mm (cut for 20ft)
Panel weight: ~215 kg
Panels per load: ~100 (payload-limited)
Total grating area: ~580 m²
Total weight: ~21.5 tonnes
Weight utilisation: ~99%
FAQs
How many 6000×1000mm steel grating panels fit in a 20ft container?
A 20ft GP container (internal 5.9m × 2.35m × 2.39m) can hold approximately 70–110 panels of 6000×1000mm, depending on bearing bar height (stacking height) and total panel weight. For 25×5mm grating at ~222 kg/panel, the weight limit (≈21,700 kg payload) is usually the binding constraint at around 97 panels. Use our container loading calculator for your exact spec.
What is the payload limit for a 20ft GP container?
A standard 20ft GP container has a maximum gross weight of 24,000 kg and a tare weight of approximately 2,200–2,300 kg, giving a net payload of around 21,700 kg. In practice, shipping lines often apply a book payload of 21,700 kg. Always confirm with your freight forwarder — overloaded containers are rejected at port.
Can you mix wire mesh and steel grating in the same container?
Yes — grating panels stacked flat on the container floor, with wire mesh rolls loaded above or alongside. Grating and mesh have similar density; the main consideration is keeping products separated to avoid abrasion damage to mesh coatings. Use timber dunnage between layers.
Does panel orientation matter for container loading?
Yes. 6000mm panels must be loaded lengthways (6m along the 5.9m internal length — 100mm short, so panels need to be tilted slightly or the order shortened to 5.8m). 1000mm width panels fit 2 abreast in a 2350mm internal width with minimal clearance. Most factories cut 5800mm standard for container fit.