Freight is a large part of the landed cost of a ceramic mug, so buyers often ask how many pieces go into one container before they ask anything else. The short answer for our standard packing is about 70,000 standard mugs in a 40HQ. This guide shows where that number comes from and what makes it go up or down.
Our standard export packing
Unless a buyer asks for something else, we pack mugs like this:
- 12 mugs in one tray box
- 3 tray boxes in one export carton, so 36 mugs per carton
- Carton size 41 × 27 × 31 cm, about 0.035 m³
The arithmetic for a 40HQ
A 40HQ container takes about 68 m³ of cartons. At 0.035 m³ per carton that is roughly 1,940 cartons, and at 36 mugs per carton it comes to about 70,000 standard mugs.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Mugs per export carton | 36 (3 tray boxes × 12) |
| Carton size | 41 × 27 × 31 cm |
| Carton volume | about 0.035 m³ |
| Loading volume of a 40HQ | about 68 m³ |
| Standard mugs per 40HQ | about 70,000 |
What changes the number
- Mug size. The figures above are for a standard mug. Jumbo mugs of 17–30 oz take more space, and small 3–6 oz mugs take less.
- Packaging. Individual white boxes, printed colour boxes, gift boxes and display-ready cases all add volume, so fewer mugs fit. With retail packaging, 50,000–60,000 mugs per 40HQ is a more typical figure.
- Carton specification. Carton sizes and colour boxes can be made to your own specification, for example to suit your warehouse or pallet size.
For any specific order we calculate the loading quantity from the actual mug and the packaging you choose, and give it with the quotation.
Why a full container gives the best value
Sea freight is charged per container, so the more mugs you load, the lower the freight cost per mug. A full 40HQ of one or several shapes is usually the best value once freight is included. You do not need to fill it with a single colour: one shape can be split across several colours, with at least 500 pieces per colour.
We ship FOB Qingdao.
Quick answers
How many ceramic mugs fit in a 40HQ container?
About 70,000 standard mugs in our standard bulk packing of 36 mugs per carton. With individual boxes or larger mugs the number is lower, typically 50,000–60,000.
What is the carton size for ceramic mugs?
Our standard export carton is 41 × 27 × 31 cm, about 0.035 m³, and holds 36 mugs in 3 tray boxes of 12.
Can the packaging be customised?
Yes. We supply white boxes, printed colour boxes, gift boxes and display-ready cases, and carton specifications can be made to your requirement.
Which port do you ship from?
Qingdao. Our prices are quoted FOB Qingdao.
Related guides
- Ceramic Mug MOQ Explained: Why Minimums Exist and How to Order Smart
- How to Choose a Ceramic Mug Factory in China: A Buyer’s Guide
- How to Plan a Holiday Ceramic Mug Range
Planning an order?
Send us your drawing, artwork or a reference sample with the size and quantity you need, and we will reply by email. Send an inquiry.