Toro Textile Recycling — wholesale used clothing, used shoes and store return exporter, Houston, Texas
Buying and Shipping

20 ft, 40 ft or 53 ft Trailer: Choosing Your Load Size

40 ft container of used clothing at the dock in Houston, ready for export

For most export buyers, the 40 ft high-cube container gives the best value, because it carries more weight and brings your delivered cost per pound down. This guide compares the three load sizes and shows which one fits your order.

The three options

LoadBest forNotes
40 ft high-cube containerOcean export of clothing, shoes and combined loadsAbout 40 bales of used clothing at roughly 40,000 lbs
53 ft trailerBuyers reachable by road from HoustonDomestic road delivery
20 ft containerSmaller orders and lighter first loadsAvailable for clothing, shoes, toys, housewares and accessories

Why the 40 ft high-cube wins on cost

A 40 ft high-cube carries more weight than smaller containers, so your freight is spread across more pounds. The result is a lower delivered cost per pound, which is the number that matters when you price your goods. The extra height also lets bales and capsacks stack efficiently.

When a 53 ft trailer makes sense

If your warehouse can be reached by road from Houston, a 53 ft trailer can be a practical choice. Ask us about road options for your route.

Planning a combined load

You can combine clothing bales, shoe capsacks, toys, housewares and accessories in one container. Tell us the mix and we will plan how it packs, so the container carries as much value as possible.

Our load sizes

We load 20 ft and 40 ft containers and 53 ft domestic trailers. Most export buyers choose the 40 ft high-cube for the lowest delivered cost per pound, and a 20 ft container is a lighter way to start. Either way, we can arrange warehouse inspections so you see exactly what you are buying.

Quick way to compare quotes

  1. Ask each supplier for the total weight and the price per pound.
  2. Add ocean freight, port charges, duty and trucking.
  3. Divide the total by the weight to get your delivered cost per pound.
  4. Compare suppliers on that one number.

Frequently asked questions

How many bales fit in a 40 ft container?

About 40 bales of used clothing, at roughly 40,000 lbs.

Why is a 40 ft container cheaper per pound?

It carries more weight, so freight is spread over more pounds and the delivered cost per pound comes down.

What load sizes do you offer?

We load 20 ft and 40 ft containers and 53 ft domestic trailers.

Can I mix products?

Yes. Combined loads are available.

Ready to size your load? Message us on WhatsApp or request a quote.

Talk to Toro Textile Recycling

Tell us your country, product and volume, and you will have a written quotation within one business day.