TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit)
A Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) is a standard measurement used to quantify cargo capacity for container ships and terminals. One TEU represents the size of a standard 20-foot shipping container. This unit of measurement is widely used in the shipping industry to provide a consistent way to compare and manage containerized cargo.
Related glossary terms
Container
Shipping container is a standardized steel box used to transport goods across ships, trucks, and rail. Learn TEU vs. FEU, container types, and how it works.
FCL (Full Container Load)
FCL is the ocean-shipping mode where one shipper occupies an entire container. Learn FCL vs. LCL trade-offs, when FCL wins on cost, and typical transit times.
Deadweight tonnage (DWT)
Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) measures the total weight a vessel can safely carry, including cargo, fuel, water, and crew. Learn how DWT differs from GT and NT.
Vessel
Vessel is a watercraft—container ship, bulk carrier, or tanker—used to transport goods across oceans and seas, central to international trade and logistics.
