SKD vs CKD vs CBU: Container Loading Explained for EV Importers
What SKD, CKD and CBU mean when importing electric vehicles, how many units fit in a 40HQ container, and how packing affects duties, assembly and lead time.
Short answer: CBU (completely built up) vehicles arrive ready to drive but fill containers quickly. SKD (semi-knocked down) vehicles arrive in major sub-assemblies, fit many more per container and need simple local assembly. CKD (completely knocked down) ships individual parts for local manufacturing and often qualifies for lower import duties.
Packing method is one of the biggest levers on your landed cost. It decides how many vehicles fit in each container, which duty rate applies in many countries, and how much work your team does after unloading.
Definitions
- CBU — Completely Built Up
- Fully assembled, tested vehicles. Drive off the container. Fewest units per container; often the highest duty rate.
- SKD — Semi Knocked Down
- Vehicles shipped as major assemblies (chassis, body, wheels, canopy). Assembly takes hours with hand tools. Many more units per container.
- CKD — Completely Knocked Down
- Individual parts and panels for local assembly lines. Highest density; requires a workshop, jigs and trained staff. Often attracts lower duties as local manufacturing.
How many units fit in a 40HQ?
| Vehicle | Packing | Units per 40HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Open-body 4-seat tuk-tuk (TT-4O) | SKD | 40 |
| Open-body tuk-tuk (KYDD-1) | SKD | 27 |
| Mini electric car / mini truck | CBU | Ask for a loading plan |
Quantities above come from our own packing plans for those models; other models vary, so we always confirm a loading plan with the quotation.
Which should you choose?
- First order or small volumes: CBU or SKD, so you can sell immediately.
- Regular fleet orders: SKD — the freight saving per unit is usually large.
- Local assembly project: CKD, once you have a workshop and volumes to justify it.
Practical tips
- Ask for numbered parts and an assembly video before the container ships.
- Send batteries in the same container only if your forwarder has a DG booking.
- Photograph container loading and sealing — it settles damage claims fast.
Frequently asked questions
What does SKD mean in vehicle import?
SKD stands for semi-knocked down: vehicles shipped as major sub-assemblies that are bolted together after arrival, fitting more units per container than fully built vehicles.
Is CKD cheaper than CBU?
Per unit, CKD usually has lower freight and often lower import duty, but needs a local assembly facility and skilled staff, so it pays off only at volume.
How long does SKD assembly take?
A trained two-person team typically assembles an SKD tuk-tuk in a few hours using hand tools and a torque wrench.
Have a project in mind?
Send us your requirements and get a configured quotation.
