How Many Liters of Oil Fit in a 20 ft Container in 2025? [Updated Logistics Guide]

🌍 1. Volume vs. Weight — Why It Matters in Logistics

Sunflower oil has a density of around 0.918 kg/L. This means 1 metric ton ≈ 1,090 liters, not 1,000 liters as many assume. A standard 20 ft shipping container can hold roughly 33 m³ and has a maximum gross weight of about 28,200 kg. Depending on how the oil is packaged, either volume or weight will be the limiting factor.

📦 2. Loading Capacity by Packaging Type (20 ft container)

PET Bottles

1 L bottles — up to ~21,000 L per container (~1,746 cartons). Limited by available space (volume constraint).

2 L bottles — around 18,128 L (~2,266 cartons). Volume-limited.

5 L bottles — about 17,640 L (~882 cartons). Volume-limited.

Jerry Cans / Can-in-Box

5 L cans — ~20,000 L (weight constraint, ~1,000 cans).

10 L cans — ~22,000 L (weight constraint).

17 L cans — ~23,766 L (space-limited).

20 L cans — ~23,800 L (efficient bulk fill).

25 L cans — ~24,500 L (~980 cans, mostly space-limited).

Bulk Liquid Packaging

210 L steel drums — up to ~21,000 L (100 drums).

IBC containers (≈1,000 L each) — 20 units ≈ 20,000 L in a 9 ft high cube container.

Flexitank — up to ~23,800 L per standard 20 ft container.

ISO tank container — around 25,000 L capacity, maximum single bulk load.

⚖️ 3. Real-World Logistics: Bottles vs. Bulk

Volume-limited — Small PET bottles (especially 1 L) quickly fill the container’s cubic capacity before hitting the weight limit.

Weight-limited — Large jerry cans and drums often reach the container’s weight maximum before using all available space.

Bulk options — Flexitanks, ISO tanks, and IBCs deliver the best weight-to-volume efficiency, making them ideal for large-scale direct export contracts.

🧠 4. Why This Guide Matters for Exporters and Buyers

Accuracy in planning — EU, MENA, and African buyers expect clear capacity estimates; errors can cause significant cost overruns.

Packaging strategy — Exporters (e.g., from Ukraine or Argentina via platforms like Agrix) can recommend the best format—bulk or retail—based on buyer needs.

Cost control — Packaging choice affects tariffs, insurance, and freight charges.

📋 5. Summary — Best Packaging Options in 2025

1 L PET bottles — up to ~21,000 L; volume-limited, retail-ready.

5 L jerry cans — ~20,000 L; good balance between retail and bulk.

10 L jerry cans — ~22,000 L; bulk-friendly but weight-conscious.

20 L jerry cans — ~23,800 L; highly efficient bulk option.

Steel drums (210 L) — ~21,000 L; durable but labor-intensive loading.

IBC (1,000 L each) — ~20,000 L; versatile bulk packaging.

Flexitank — ~23,800 L; optimal volume/weight balance for bulk shipping.

ISO tank container — ~25,000 L; maximum single-load bulk capacity.