If you’re planning to export sunflower oil, one of the most common questions is:
“How many bottles can I fit in one container?”
In this article, we’ll break it all down:
- How many 1L, 1.5L, and 5L bottles fit in a 20-foot container
- Why 1 metric ton ≠ 1000 liters
- How oil density affects calculations
- Tables, charts, and real-world logistics data
🧪 Oil Density: The Hidden Variable
A common mistake in logistics is assuming that 1,000 liters = 1,000 kg. In reality:
💡 Sunflower oil has a density of approx. 0.918 kg/L.
This means 1,000 liters weighs about 918 kg, not a full ton.
Conversely:
💡 1 metric ton of oil = approx. 1,090 liters.
📦 How Many Bottles Fit in a 20-Foot Shipping Container?
We calculated the real-world capacity of a 20-ft container based on volume and weight limits:
| Bottle Volume | Bottle Weight (kg) | Max by Volume | Max by Weight | Actual Max Load | Total Liters | Total Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 L | 0.918 | 25,384 units | 30,718 units | 25,384 units | 25,384 L | 23,302 kg |
| 1.5 L | 1.377 | 19,411 units | 20,479 units | 19,411 units | 29,116 L | 26,728 kg |
| 5 L | 4.590 | 7,333 units | 6,143 units | 6,143 units | 30,715 L | 28,196 kg |
📊 See the chart below for a visual comparison:
⚖️ Volume vs Weight: Why Both Matter
A 20-ft container has limits:
- Volume: ~33 cubic meters
- Weight: up to 28,200 kg (gross)
That’s why:
- 1L bottles hit the volume limit first.
- 5L bottles hit the weight limit first.
🔢 Metric Ton ≠ 1000 Liters: Conversion Table
Here’s a quick reference to convert liters to kg using sunflower oil’s density (0.918 kg/L):
| Volume (L) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|
| 1,000 L | 918 kg |
| 5,000 L | 4,590 kg |
| 10,000 L | 9,180 kg |
| 20,000 L | 18,360 kg |
🧾 What Does This Mean for You?
📦 Plan your shipping loads precisely
🚛 Avoid overloading or wasted space
💰 Maximize cost efficiency per container
📞 Ready to Ship? Let’s Talk
We are a Ukrainian producer and exporter of premium sunflower oil. Let us help you:
- Calculate your load plan
- Choose optimal packaging
- Organize marine shipping globally
👉 Contact us today for a quote: Reach out here