Why Do Many Freight Forwarders Avoid Quoting 20ft Containers (20GP)?
Many importers have had the same experience.
They send inquiries to ten or even twenty freight forwarders asking a simple question:
''How much does it cost to ship one 20ft container from China to Malaysia?''
The responses are often surprisingly similar.
Some companies never reply.
Some ask you to wait several days.
Others finally provide a quotation, but the price is much higher than expected.
Many customers assume that freight forwarders are simply unwilling to take the shipment.
In reality, the reasons are much more practical.
1. A 20GP Container Is Not Every Freight Forwarder’s Preferred Business
Within the freight forwarding industry, not all shipments generate the same level of interest.
Many companies would rather handle:
A 20GP shipment often ranks lower on the priority list.
Why?
Because the operational workload is almost the same as a 40HQ shipment, while the profit margin is usually lower.
2. Too Many Enquiries Never Become Actual Shipments
This is one of the biggest challenges faced by freight forwarders.
Every day they receive enquiries such as:
''How much is a 20ft container from Shenzhen to Malaysia?''
After investing time in preparing the quotation, many customers disappear.
Some collect quotations from ten or more companies simply to compare prices.
Eventually, nobody wins the business.
As a result, many freight forwarders first assess whether an enquiry is likely to become a genuine shipment before spending time preparing a detailed quotation.
3. A 20GP Container Is Not Necessarily Cheaper
Many people assume that a smaller container automatically means lower costs.
That is not always true.
A large portion of container shipping costs are fixed, regardless of container size.
For example:
Most of these costs are almost identical for both a 20GP and a 40HQ.
The primary difference is usually the ocean freight itself.
This is why the transportation cost per cubic metre is often higher for a 20GP than for a 40HQ.
4. Shipping Lines Prefer 40HQ Containers
Since the pandemic, many shipping lines have adjusted their equipment allocation.
On many Asian trade routes, more 40HQ containers are deployed while fewer 20GP containers are available.
The reason is simple.
A 40HQ generally generates higher revenue for the shipping line while occupying a similar vessel slot.
As a result, 20GP equipment may be less readily available, booking space can be tighter, and freight rates may fluctuate more frequently.
5. Heavy Cargo Is Better Suited for a 20GP
The biggest advantage of a 20GP container is not its volume.
It is its payload capacity.
Heavy commodities such as:
are often better suited to a 20GP container.
Although a 40HQ offers greater cargo volume, it is still subject to maximum payload restrictions.
For dense cargo, a 20GP is often the more practical option.
6. Many Customers Are Better Off Choosing LCL
Many customers request a full container simply because they believe it is more economical.
However, after reviewing the cargo details, the shipment may only measure 18 to 22 CBM.
In many cases, professional freight forwarders will recommend LCL instead.
Why?
Because the total logistics cost may actually be lower.
LCL shipments also eliminate the need to:
For many SMEs and importers, LCL is often the more cost-effective solution.
7. Ocean Freight Is Only One Part of the Total Cost
Many customers focus exclusively on the ocean freight rate.
In reality, the sea freight itself is often not the largest cost component.
The biggest variables usually come from inland transportation.
For example:
Factory pickup in Guangzhou is completely different from pickup in Xinjiang.
Likewise, delivery within Port Klang is very different from delivery to Penang, Kelantan, Sabah, or other remote locations.
In many cases, inland transportation costs have a greater impact on the final quotation than the ocean freight itself.
8. The Nature of the Cargo Has a Major Impact
Not every 20GP shipment is priced the same.
Cargo type plays a significant role.
For example:
Some commodities require:
Additional compliance requirements naturally increase transportation costs.
9. Incoterms Matter
Many enquiries simply ask:
''How much is one 20ft container?''
Without mentioning the agreed Incoterms.
For example:
Under EXW (Ex Works), the freight forwarder may need to arrange:
Under FOB (Free On Board), the exporter has already completed export clearance and delivered the cargo to the port.
The scope of work is completely different.
That is why experienced freight forwarders usually ask about the Incoterms before preparing a quotation.
10. Container Freight Rates Change Frequently
International shipping does not operate with fixed pricing.
Rates can change from week to week due to factors such as:
Receiving different quotations at different times is completely normal.
How Much Does a 20GP Container Usually Cost?
There is no single standard rate.
For commercial cargo shipped from Southern China (such as Guangzhou, Foshan, Shenzhen, or Dongguan) to major destinations in Peninsular Malaysia, the final cost depends on the shipping season, cargo type, Incoterms, and delivery requirements.
As a general market reference, a Door-to-Door commercial shipment may typically range between:
RM14,000 to RM22,000 per 20GP container
If the shipment is Port-to-Port only, the cost may be lower.
If additional services are required, such as:
the total transportation cost will naturally increase.
This is why quotations from different freight forwarders can vary significantly without either company necessarily being overpriced.
What Information Do Professional Freight Forwarders Need Before Quoting?
Experienced freight forwarders rarely provide a meaningful quotation based on only one question.
They usually require the following information:
The more complete the shipment information, the more accurate the quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why won’t many freight forwarders provide an immediate quotation?
Because freight rates depend on multiple variables. Without complete shipment information, any quotation can only be an estimate and may differ significantly from the actual cost.
Why is the cost per CBM usually higher for a 20GP than a 40HQ?
Most operational costs remain the same regardless of container size. Since a 20GP has less cargo capacity, the cost per cubic metre is generally higher.
What type of cargo is best suited for a 20GP?
Heavy and high-density cargo, such as machinery, steel, stone, hardware, and industrial equipment, is generally better suited for a 20GP container.
My shipment is only around 20 CBM. Should I book a 20GP?
Not necessarily. For shipments between approximately 18 and 25 CBM, it is advisable to compare both FCL and LCL options. In many cases, LCL can be more economical.
Why can quotations from different freight forwarders differ by several thousand Ringgit?
Because the service scope may not be the same. Some quotations cover ocean freight only, while others include customs clearance, Door-to-Door delivery, cargo handling, and insurance. Always compare the scope of service before comparing prices.
Why do some freight forwarders take longer to reply?
Unlike LCL shipments, a Full Container Load (FCL) quotation often requires coordination with shipping lines, trucking companies, customs brokers, and destination agents. Preparing an accurate quotation may therefore take longer.
Final Thoughts
A 20GP shipment is far more than simply booking a container.
It involves trucking, customs clearance, port operations, vessel booking, import clearance, and final delivery.
Professional freight forwarders calculate the total logistics cost across the entire supply chain—not just the ocean freight.
If you want an accurate quotation, avoid asking only:
''How much is a 20ft container?''
Instead, provide complete shipment details, including the commodity, weight, cargo volume, pickup location, delivery destination, and agreed Incoterms.
The more complete the information, the more accurate and reliable the quotation will be, helping both parties avoid unnecessary delays, misunderstandings, and unexpected costs.
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