What is a TEU? (Logistics & Rail Freight)

What is a TEU? (Logistics & Rail Freight)
November 24, 2025 4:57 pm
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Quick Definition: TEU

TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) is the standard unit of measure used in logistics to describe the capacity of container ships and rail terminals. It is based on the volume of a standard 20-foot long (6.1m) shipping container.

If a train carries 40 standard containers, its capacity is 40 TEU. However, most modern containers are 40-feet long (FEU), which counts as 2 TEUs.

Why TEU Matters in Rail?

Rail freight efficiency is measured by how many TEUs a single train can carry.

  • Europe: A typical freight train carries ~80-100 TEUs.
  • USA: Double-stack trains can carry up to 400+ TEUs.
  • China-Europe Silk Road: Trains are standardized to 41-50 wagons (approx 80-100 TEUs).