A Forty-foot Equivalent Unit (FEU) is a standard measure used in ocean shipping to describe cargo capacity or shipment size equal to one 40-foot intermodal container. It is often used in freight quotes, vessel planning, and trade documentation to compare volume and container counts across shipments.
In practice, an FEU helps shippers and forwarders speak the same language when booking space or estimating how much equipment is needed. One FEU usually represents a single 40-foot container, while two 20-foot containers are commonly treated as one FEU for planning purposes, although billing and equipment availability can differ by carrier or contract.
FEU is a measurement, not a type of cargo, so it can apply to dry goods, packaged freight, machinery, or other containerized shipments. It does not by itself indicate weight, commodity value, or whether the load is full or partial; those details still matter for stowage, pricing, and customs paperwork.
For example, a consignee importing furniture in one 40-foot container would typically discuss the move as 1 FEU, even if the actual freight charge is based on route, equipment, and service terms. When comparing quotations, it is important to confirm whether the rate is per FEU, per container, or based on another unit.