TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) and FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent Unit) are standardized measures used in the shipping industry to quantify the cargo capacity of container ships and terminals. These units help in maintaining a uniform metric, facilitating easier planning, and organization in cargo shipping.
A TEU represents the volume of a standard 20-foot long container, which is a common measure to understand a ship’s capacity. An FEU, on the other hand, represents a 40-foot long container, which is essentially double the size of a TEU. While TEUs are the fundamental unit of measurement, FEUs provide a convenient way to conceptualize larger containers and cargos.
| Attribute | TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) | FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent Unit) |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 20 feet | 40 feet |
| Width | 8 feet | 8 feet |
| Height | 8.5 feet | 8.5 feet |
| Volume | Approx. 1,360 cubic feet | Approx. 2,720 cubic feet |
| Cargo Capacity | Suitable for smaller cargos | Suitable for larger, bulkier cargos |
| Common Usage | Widely used for varied shipments | Often used for bulky items |
| Flexibility | More, due to smaller size | Less, due to larger size |
| Transport Efficiency | Less efficient (more movements) | More efficient (fewer movements) |
Advantages of FEU
It is best to only use FEU when it benefits the shipper. An advantage of using FEU is that multiple containers can be stuffed and shipped together on the same vessel under one Bill of Lading. Using one bill of lading for numerous containers saves on documentation and reduces delays at ports.
In addition, because FEUs are a standard size, you can easily transfer them between different types of transportation without having to repack them.
Another benefit is that shippers can calculate the cost of shipping per unit volume, which allows them to compare the cost-effectiveness of using different-sized containers. Lastly, FEU provides for more efficient use of limited terminal spaces.
Disadvantage of FEU
There are some disadvantages associated with using FEUs. First off, they may not always be available when you need them since other shippers have first dibs on them.
Secondly, if your product doesn’t fit well in an FEU, it can lead to wasted space and unused capacity, which increases shipping costs. Lastly, transporting goods in an FEU requires specialized equipment, such as chassis and winches, which can add to the overall cost of shipping.
When shipping internationally, you must consider all variables to select the best possible option for your business. However, in many cases using an FEU will be the best option as it offers several advantages with few disadvantages.
Difference between TEU and FEU
TEU and FEU are both measures of container capacity. TEU stands for “twenty-foot equivalent units” and measures how many 20-foot containers can fit in a given space. FEU stands for “forty-foot equivalent units” and measures how many 40-foot containers can fit in a given space.
Given that one TEU is equal to two FEUs, it follows that an FEU is twice the size of a TEU. Thus, an FEU can hold twice as many containers as a TEU.
Therefore, when measuring the capacity of a container ship or port, it is essential to use the appropriate unit so that apples are being compared to apples.
Summary
McLean’s visionary thinking has resulted in a more efficient and reliable system for shipping goods used worldwide today. His idea of using TEU containers quickly caught on, transforming the global shipping industry into what it is today. Thanks to McLean’s innovative thinking, cargo can be transported much more quickly and efficiently than ever before.