FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent Unit)
FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent Unit) is a standard measurement used in shipping and logistics to describe cargo capacity. It's based on the size of a typical 40-foot shipping container. When you see this term in job descriptions or resumes, it's talking about how much cargo a ship can carry or how much cargo someone has managed. Think of it like measuring a building's size in floors - it's just an easy way to measure and compare cargo space. People also commonly use TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit), which is half the size of an FEU. Understanding these terms is important in shipping, ports, and logistics jobs.
Examples in Resumes
Managed shipping operations handling over 50,000 FEU annually
Optimized container yard operations resulting in 30% increase in FEU throughput
Led logistics team responsible for tracking and managing Forty-foot Equivalent Unit shipments across global routes
Typical job title: "Maritime Logistics Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Maritime Logistics Managers
Professional Organizations
Industry Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you optimize container yard operations to increase FEU handling capacity?
Expected Answer: A strong answer should discuss yard planning strategies, equipment utilization, staff scheduling, and technology implementation to improve container movement efficiency. They should mention real examples of optimization projects they've led.
Q: What strategies would you implement to reduce container dwell time in a busy port?
Expected Answer: The candidate should discuss planning methods, documentation processing, coordination with customs, and implementation of tracking systems to ensure smooth container flow.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you track and manage FEU capacity utilization?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic tracking systems, capacity planning, and scheduling methods. Should mention experience with logistics software and reporting tools.
Q: Explain how you would handle a situation where there's a shortage of FEU containers during peak season.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of container management, alternative solutions, and ability to coordinate with various stakeholders to resolve capacity issues.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is an FEU and how does it differ from a TEU?
Expected Answer: Should explain that FEU is a forty-foot equivalent unit and TEU is twenty-foot equivalent unit, used for measuring container capacity. Should understand basic container sizes and uses.
Q: What basic documentation is required for FEU container shipments?
Expected Answer: Should be familiar with basic shipping documentation like bill of lading, customs declarations, and container packing lists.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of container types and sizes
- Familiarity with shipping documentation
- Basic knowledge of port operations
- Understanding of container tracking systems
Mid (2-5 years)
- Container capacity planning
- Shipping route optimization
- Port operations management
- Team coordination skills
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic capacity planning
- Port efficiency optimization
- International shipping operations management
- Large-scale logistics project management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic container sizes and types
- Lack of experience with shipping documentation
- Unable to explain capacity planning basics
- No understanding of port operations
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Unified HR Experience Platforms: Transforming the Way We Work
Recruitment Metrics That Matter in 2025: Moving Beyond Time-to-Hire
Navigating Compliance: Structuring On-the-Job Training in Regulated Industries
