Banana cartons and container loading: 13 kg carton, 1,540 per 40' reefer
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Short answer. The standard pack is a 13 kg net (14 kg gross) 5-ply ventilated carton holding 4, 5 or 6 hands in a perforated polyethylene bag. A 40' reefer takes 1,540 cartons loose, which is 20,020 kg net, or 960 cartons on 20 pallets.
What is in a standard carton?
| Item | Standard |
|---|---|
| Net / gross weight | 13 kg / 14 kg |
| Carton | 5-ply, ventilated |
| Fruit | Whole hands, 4, 5 or 6 per carton (size 4-5-6), crowns outward; clusters of 4–8 fingers on request |
| Liner | Perforated polyethylene bag |
| Long voyages | Modified-atmosphere bag (Banavac type) at extra cost; not used in controlled-atmosphere containers |
Other cartons on request: 13.5 kg (the pack used for Korea and Japan), 7 kg, and a 3 kg premium pack for supermarkets.
How many cartons fit in a 40' reefer?
| Loading | Cartons | Net weight |
|---|---|---|
| Loose | 1,540 | 20,020 kg |
| Palletised, 20 pallets × 48 cartons | 960 | 12,480 kg |
A palletised container carries about 62 % of the fruit of a loose-loaded one, so the freight cost per kg is higher. Carton dimensions and CBM are published after supplier confirmation; until then, ask us for a freight estimate.
What goes on the carton?
An English label: product name, grade, net and gross weight, Product of Vietnam, lot code, packing date and a QR code to our product page, plus Packed by with the packing-house code. An Arabic sticker is added on request for the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Can you pack under our brand?
Yes, from one 40' reefer. Send your artwork with the quotation request; we need it 10 days before packing.
How do orders and lead times work?
There is no minimum: samples start from one carton, and the best pricing starts from one 40' reefer. Prices are quoted in USD per 13 kg carton, with USD per kg alongside, in the quotation only. Lead time is about 10–14 days from deposit to vessel departure, subject to the vessel schedule and farm availability.
Frequently asked questions
How many tonnes is one container?
About 20.0 t net when loose-loaded: 1,540 cartons of 13 kg.
Can you pack 13.5 kg cartons?
Yes, on request. It is the pack size used for Korea and Japan.
Do you use vacuum bags?
A modified-atmosphere bag of the Banavac type is available at extra cost for long voyages. It is not used in controlled-atmosphere containers.
Grades and sizes are in Cavendish banana grades, and temperature and transit in shipping green bananas. The full specification is on the Cavendish banana product page; to order, use the banana quotation form.
Last reviewed 12 November 2026 by VIET FARM EXPORT COMPANY LIMITED, Ho Chi Minh City. Figures come from our banana specification; they are indicative and confirmed with each quotation.