What does TEU stand for?

TEU stands for Twenty-foot Equivalent Units, which is a standard measurement used in the shipping and logistics industry to quantify cargo capacity. The TEU measurement is primarily used to describe the capacity of container ships and the volume of shipping containers. A standard shipping container is typically 20 feet in length, so the TEU designation allows for a standardized way to assess and compare the capacity of shipping vessels and container terminals.

Using TEUs provides a way for shipping companies and port operators to communicate the size and volume of containerized freight in a common unit. This is particularly useful since shipping containers come in various sizes, with the 40-foot container being the most common additional dimension, which is equivalent to two TEUs. By focusing on the 20-foot unit, stakeholders can more efficiently plan and manage logistics operations involving containerized freight.