Top Container Shipping Companies Container Size 2025 |Freight Carrier Guide
When it comes to global trade, choosing the right container shipping company can significantly impact the cost, speed, and reliability of your shipments. Whether you’re importing from China or exporting to Europe, understanding the major players in the shipping industry is essential for smooth logistics planning.
Here’s a guide to some of the top container shipping companies in 2025 and what makes them reliable partners for international freight.
1. Maersk Line (MSK SHIPPING)
If you have been in the import/export business, then surely know Maersk.
APM-Maersk is a Danish company whose headquarters are located in Copenhagen.
It also has subsidiary offices in more than 130 countries and regions around the world.
Presently, Maersk is presently the leading company among the world’s top 10 container shipping companies.
Maersk is the world’s largest container shipping company. Known for its vast network, digital tracking tools, and integrated logistics solutions, it offers end-to-end shipping services globally.
MSK Container Size
20 Container specifications
| Description | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
Maximum payload* | 62390 lb | 28300 kg |
Dimensions | 20′ x 8′ x 8’6″ | 6058x2438x2591 mm |
Volume | 1170 cu. ft | 33,2 cu. m |
Door openings width | 7′ 8 1/8″ | 2340 mm |
Door openings height | 7′ 5 3/4″ | 2280 mm |
Internal length | 19′ 4 1/4″ | 5898 mm |
Internal width | 7′ 8 5/8″ | 2352 mm |
Internal height | 7′ 5 3/4″ | 2393 mm |
Weight gross | 67200 lb | 30480 kg |
Weight tare | 4810 lb | 2180 kg |
40HQ Container specifications
| Description | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
Maximum payload* | 63250 lb | 28690 kg |
Dimensions | 40′ x 8′ x 9’6″ | 12192 x 2438 x 2896 mm |
Volume | 2700 cu. ft | 76,4 cu. m |
Door openings width | 7′ 8 1/8″ | 2340 mm |
Door openings height | 8’5 3/4″ | 2585 mm |
Internal length | 39′ 5 2/3″ | 12032 mm |
Internal, width | 7’8 5/8″ | 2352 mm |
Internal height | 8′ 10 1/4″ | 2698 mm |
Weight gross | 71650 lb | 32500 kg |
Weight tare | 8400 lb | 3810 kg |
20OT Container specifications
| Description | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
Maximum payload* | 62420 lb | 28310 kg |
Dimensions | 20’ x 8’ x 8’6″ | 6058x2438x2591 mm |
Door openings width | 7’8 – 1/8″ | 2340 mm |
Roof opening width | 7’ 4 21/32” | 2252 mm |
Roof opening length | 18’ 7 45/64” | 5682 mm |
Internal length | 19’ 4 13/64” | 5898 mm |
Internal width | 7’ 8 19/32” | 2352 mm |
Internal height | 7’ 8 7/16” | 2348 mm |
Weight gross | 67200 lb | 30480 kg |
Weight tare | 4780 lb | 2170 kg |
40OT HC Container specifications
| Description | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
Maximum payload* | 62610 lb | 28400 kg |
Dimensions | 40′ x 8′ x 9’6″ | 12192 x 2438 x 2896 mm |
Door openings width | 7’8 – 1/8″ | 2340 mm |
Roof opening width | 7’ 3 7/8” | 2232 mm |
Roof opening length | 38’ 8 51/64” | 11806 mm |
Internal length | 39’5-45/64″ | 12032 mm |
Internal width | 7’8-19/32″ | 2352 mm |
Internal height | 8’ 8 4/9” | 2653 mm |
Weight gross | 71650 lb | 32500 kg |
Weight tare | 8690 lb | 3940 kg |
40FR HC Container specifications
| Description | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
Maximum payload* | 104280 lb | 47300 kg |
Dimensions | 40’ x 8’ x 9’6” | 12192 x 2438 x 2896 mm |
Internal length | 38’ 2 ¾” | 11652 mm |
Internal width | 7’ 9 7/16” | 2374 mm |
Internal height | 7’ 4 29/30” | 2260 mm |
Weight gross | 115742 lb | 52500 kg |
Weight tare | 11464 lb | 5200 kg |
2. MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) (MSC SHIPPING)
MSC is a privately owned shipping giant and a top rival to Maersk. It offers flexible transit schedules and has an extensive presence in both developed and emerging markets.
This company boasts of a 900 vessel fleet with an average container capacity of about 27 million TEUs.
MSC currently has 675 offices and more than 200,000 employees
Its vessels operate about 200 trade routes calling 315 ports across the globe.
Looking at how far this company has come, MSC is one of the fastest growing shipping container companies at the moment.
MSC Container Size
20′ STANDARD STEEL CONTAINER – 22 G1
| Specification | Dimension / Value |
|---|---|
| Internal Dimensions | Length: 5.9 mWidth: 2.35 mHeight: 2.39 m |
| Door Opening | Width: 2.34 mHeight: 2.28 m |
| Cubic Capacity | 33.2 m³ |
| Maximum Payload | 28,260 kg |
| Tare Weight | 2,220 kg |
| Maximum Gross Weight | 30,480 kg |
40′ HIGH CUBE STEEL CONTAINER – 45 G1
| Specification | Dimension / Value |
|---|---|
| Internal Dimensions | Length: 12.03 mWidth: 2.35 mHeight: 2.70 m |
| Door Opening | Width: 2.34 mHeight: 2.58 m |
| Cubic Capacity | 76.4 m³ |
| Maximum Payload | 28,660 kg |
| Tare Weight | 3,840 kg |
| Maximum Gross Weight | 32,500 kg |
3. CMA CGM Group ( CMA SHIPPING)
The CMA CGM group is one of the world’s leading shipping companies that was founded in Marseille, France in the year 1978.
With a presence in 160 countries through 400 offices, 1,000 warehouses, 160,000 employees and a wide fleet of more than 650 vessels, CMA CGM serves 420 of the world’s 521 commercial ports and operates more than 250 shipping lines.
CMA CGM provides tailored ocean freight solutions and is known for sustainability initiatives and digital freight management. The group also owns APL and CNC Line, expanding its Asia–US and intra-Asia coverage.
CMA Container Size
4. COSCO Shipping Lines
COSCO which in full is China ocean shipping company has more than 300 subsidiaries under its name.
The company is one of the leading logistics service providers in China, and it has been in business for almost a decade now.
Being relatively new in the sea freight marketplace, COSCO has gained a lead over other shipping companies that operate in Asia.
In 2012, the company was listed among the top 15 China brands.
It is currently the world’s 4th largest shipping container line and the 1st in Asia region.
As China’s leading state-owned carrier, COSCO plays a critical role in the Belt and Road initiative. It offers competitive rates for shipments originating in China and has strong port access throughout Asia.
COSCO Container Size
5. Hapag-Lloyd (HPL SHIPPING)
Hapag-Lloyd is a German brand which specializes in freight shipping.
The company was founded in 1970 as a merger between two companies; Hamburg America line and Nord Deutscher Lloyd.
Presently, Hapag-Lloyd ranks as the world’s 5th largest container carrier regarding vessel capacity.
Hapag-Lloyd is well-regarded for its reliability and customer service. It operates one of the most modern fleets and provides detailed cargo visibility through digital platforms.
6. ONE (Ocean Network Express) (ONE SHIPPING)
Before the formation of ONE, NYK, MOL, and K Line each had over a century of experience in maritime transport. To improve competitiveness, reduce operational redundancy, and increase efficiency, the three companies decided to consolidate their container shipping businesses under the ONE brand.
The result was a unified, powerful, and agile shipping company capable of meeting modern global logistics demands.
ONE serves over 120 countries and regions, with frequent sailings and multiple routing options. The company also operates in key shipping alliances, including THE Alliance with Hapag-Lloyd, Yang Ming, and HMM.
ONE offers efficient container shipping services with a strong focus on Asia-Pacific trade lanes. The company’s unified branding and digital initiatives make it a popular choice among exporters from Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.
7. Evergreen Marine (EMC SHIPPING)
Founded in 1968 by its chairman billionaire Yung-Fa Chang, Evergreen is ranked among the world’s top 10 largest container shipping companies.
This company has shown tremendous growth since its inception into the container shipping business.
Currently, Evergreen owns more than 150 container ships that call 240 ports in more than 80 countries and territories across the globe.
Evergreen is known for its green shipping initiatives and robust Asia-US routes. It has invested heavily in megaships and container terminal operations.
8. Yang Ming Marine Transport (YML SHIPPING)
Founded in 1972, Yang Ming marine transport corporation is a Taiwanese company headquartered in Keelung, Taiwan.
This company has a very rich history all thanks to its merger with China merchants steam Navigation Company.
Yang Ming focuses on efficient operations and offers competitive freight rates. Its services are widely used for Chinese exports.
9. ZIM Integrated Shipping Services (ZIM SHIPPING)
Headquarters: Israel
Fleet Size: Approx. 150 vessels (many chartered)
Key Advantage: Flexible digital booking and value-added services
ZIM has carved out a niche with its fast, tech-oriented shipping experience. It’s a great choice for time-sensitive or specialized cargo.
10. PIL (Pacific International Lines) (PIL SHIPPING)
Headquarters: Singapore
Fleet Size: Over 90 vessels
Core Markets: Africa, Middle East, South Asia
PIL is one of the largest shipping companies based in Southeast Asia. It focuses on emerging trade routes and offers affordable services for small to mid-sized businesses.
How to Choose the Right Container Shipping Company?
When selecting a carrier, consider:
Origin and destination ports
Transit time vs. cost
Carrier schedule reliability
Value-added services (door-to-door, customs clearance, warehousing)
For businesses shipping from China, partnering with a freight forwarder who works with multiple carriers can give you better flexibility and pricing.
Container shipping companies play a vital role in the global supply chain. Whether you need full container load (FCL), less-than-container load (LCL), or door-to-door service, choosing the right carrier can ensure timely and secure delivery.
Work with a trusted freight forwarder to identify the best shipping line for your cargo type, destination, and budget.
