Definition
A capacity unit equal to one 40ft container, i.e. two TEU.
The FEU expresses capacity in terms of the 40ft container, the workhorse box of most deep-sea trades. One FEU equals two TEU, and most general cargo moves in 40ft or 40ft High Cube equipment.
Quotes and statistics may use either unit; converting between TEU and FEU simply requires remembering the 2:1 relationship. Forwarders watch FEU spot rates closely as a barometer of ocean freight pricing.
Related terms
TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit)
The standard capacity unit equal to one 20ft container, used to measure vessel and terminal volumes.
FCL (Full Container Load)
An ocean shipment that fills (or is booked to fill) an entire container, used by a single consignee.
High Cube Container (HC)
A container that is one foot taller than a standard box (9ft 6in), giving extra internal volume.
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