20ft vs 40ft: choosing the right container haulage

Choosing between a 20ft and a 40ft container affects more than how much you can pack - it changes the equipment, the handling and the cost of moving it by road from Mombasa.

When a 20ft makes sense

A 20ft container is easier to manoeuvre on tight sites and is often the right choice for dense, heavy cargo like steel and tiles, where you hit the weight limit long before you run out of space. For heavy loads, see our steel and industrial cargo transport.

When to go 40ft

A 40ft container gives you far more volume for lighter, bulkier goods, and can be more economical per unit moved. The trade-off is that it needs more room to turn and unload.

Plan the collection early

Whichever size you choose, planning ahead keeps costs down - read planning a container collection from the Port of Mombasa and our guide to avoiding demurrage.

Not sure which suits your load? See our container transport services, check the FAQ, or tell us what you're moving and we'll advise.