How much steel tube fits in a container? (20GP / 40HQ)

Capacity by container

Container	Internal length	Payload (practical)	Tube payload
20GP	5.90 m	28 t	≈ 22–25 t
40GP	12.03 m	26–28 t	≈ 24–26 t
40HQ	12.03 m	26–28 t	≈ 25–27 t

High cube adds height, not payload. Because tube is dense, taller containers only help when you load small sections in a stacked pattern.

6 m tube loads in 20GP and 40HQ without over-length issues.
9 m and 12 m tube only in 40ft — 12 m needs the container squared up carefully, and a few mm of tolerance matters.
Mixed lengths are fine as long as the long bundles sit on the floor and short ones fill the gap.

If a customer orders 12 m and 6 m together, we load 12 m first along one side, then 6 m bundles two-deep in the remaining width.

Pieces per container = payload ÷ weight per piece. For 200×200×8 at 48.3 kg/m:

12 m length = 579 kg
25,000 kg ÷ 579 = 43 lengths per 40HQ

Weight per metre for every size is on the weight calculation guide and in the catalogue.

Heavy bundles on the floor, lighter on top — no point loads on a thin top bundle.
Timber dunnage between layers every 1.5 m, so straps do not crush the bottom tubes.
Steel straps every 2 m along a bundle; corner protectors at every strap edge.
Fill the door end with short bundles to stop lengthwise shift.
Photograph each bundle's marking and the closed container before sealing.

Condensation is the main cause of "rusty on arrival": load dry tube, use desiccant for coated orders, and avoid loading warm tube in humid weather.

Can I mix sizes in one container?

Yes — that is normal for a first order. Plan by weight first, then fill gaps with shorter bundles; we issue a loading plan before stuffing.

Does 12 m tube fit in a 40HQ?

Yes, 12.03 m internal length. Allow for the door frame and packing, and expect the last bundle to be tight.

What is the maximum weight per bundle?

Practically 3–5 t, limited by what the yard crane and the container floor spreader can handle comfortably.