What Are The Most Common Types of Shipping Containers? Check Out Their Unique Features And Uses

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Shipping containers have become a fundamental component of the global logistics and transportation industry. Their standardized sizes and robust construction have revolutionized the way goods are moved across the world.

Understanding the various types of shipping containers is crucial for businesses and individuals involved in shipping, as each container type serves specific purposes and cargo requirements. This blog post explores the most common shipping containers their unique features and their typical uses.

1. Standard Dry Containers (General Purpose Containers)

Standard dry containers, often referred to as general-purpose containers, are the most ubiquitous type of shipping container. They are fully enclosed, weatherproof and have rigid walls, doors and a roof. These containers are designed to carry general cargo that does not require temperature control.

Sizes
● 20-foot container: 20 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high. Known as a TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit).
● 40-foot container: 40 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high. Known as an FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent Unit).
● 40-foot high cube: Similar to the 40-foot container but with an additional foot in height, providing more interior volume.

Typical Uses
Standard dry containers are used for transporting a wide variety of goods, including textiles, electronics, machinery, and non-perishable food items. They are also commonly used for storage purposes.

2. Refrigerated Containers (Reefers)

Refrigerated containers, or reefers, are designed to transport temperature-sensitive cargo. They have a built-in refrigeration unit that maintains a specific temperature range, making them ideal for perishable goods.

Sizes
● 20-foot reefer: 20 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high.
● 40-foot reefer: 40 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high.
● 40-foot high cube reefer: 40 feet long, 8 feet wide and 9.5 feet high.

Typical Uses
Reefers are used to transport perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy products and pharmaceuticals. They ensure that the cargo remains at the required temperature throughout the shipping process.

3. Open Top Containers

Open top containers have a removable, tarpaulin roof instead of a solid roof. This design allows for easy loading and unloading of cargo that cannot fit through the doors or needs to be loaded by crane.

Sizes
● 20-foot open top: 20 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high.
● 40-foot open top: 40 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high.

Typical Uses
Open top containers are ideal for oversized cargo that cannot be loaded through the doors, such as heavy machinery, pipes and scrap metal. They are also used for goods that need to be loaded from the top, like construction materials.

4. Flat Rack Containers

Flat rack containers have collapsible sides and some models also have collapsible ends. This design provides a flat bed with no side or end walls, making them suitable for transporting oversized cargo.

Sizes
● 20-foot flat rack: 20 feet long, 8 feet wide.
● 40-foot flat rack: 40 feet long, 8 feet wide.

Typical Uses
Flat rack containers are used for shipping oversized or awkwardly shaped cargo, such as vehicles, heavy machinery, large industrial equipment and building materials. They can also accommodate cargo that needs to be loaded from the sides or top.

5. Tank Containers

Tank containers, or tankers, are designed for transporting liquid and gaseous cargo. They consist of a cylindrical tank mounted within a rectangular frame, which fits the dimensions of a standard shipping container.

Sizes
● 20-foot tank container: 20 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high.

Typical Uses
Tank containers are used for transporting liquids such as chemicals, oils, and gases. They are suitable for both hazardous and non-hazardous liquids and ensure safe, secure and efficient transportation of bulk liquids.

6. High Cube Containers

High cube containers are similar to standard dry containers but with an extra foot in height, providing additional internal space. This extra height can be advantageous for transporting bulky but not overly heavy cargo.

Sizes
● 40-foot high cube: 40 feet long, 8 feet wide and 9.5 feet high.
● 45-foot high cube: 45 feet long, 8 feet wide and 9.5 feet high.

Typical Uses
High cube containers are used for cargo that requires more vertical space, such as large pieces of furniture, machinery, or voluminous but lightweight goods.

7. Side Opening Containers

Side opening containers have doors that open on the side instead of (or in addition to) the end. This feature provides easier access to the cargo, especially for items that are long or need to be loaded with a forklift.

Sizes
● 20-foot side opening: 20 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high.
● 40-foot side opening: 40 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high.

Typical Uses
Side opening containers are used for loading and unloading goods that are long, heavy, or awkwardly shaped. They are also convenient for quick access to cargo, making them suitable for retail goods, large machinery and vehicles.

8. Double Door Containers

Double door containers have doors at both ends, providing easier access to the cargo. This design facilitates loading and unloading, especially for goods that need to be accessed from either end of the container.

Sizes
● 20-foot double door: 20 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high.
● 40-foot double door: 40 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high.

Typical Uses
Double door containers are ideal for situations where quick and easy access to the cargo is required from both ends, such as for machinery, equipment, or goods that need to be quickly loaded and unloaded.

9. Insulated Containers

Insulated containers, also known as thermal containers, are used to maintain a consistent temperature inside the container without active refrigeration. They have insulated walls, floor and ceiling, which provide thermal protection for the cargo.

Sizes
● 20-foot insulated: 20 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high.
● 40-foot insulated: 40 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high.

Typical Uses
Insulated containers are used for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo that does not require active refrigeration but needs to be protected from extreme temperature fluctuations. Examples include certain foods, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

10. Ventilated Containers

Ventilated containers have built-in ventilation systems that allow for the circulation of air within the container. This feature helps to prevent moisture buildup and provides a flow of fresh air for specific types of cargo.

Sizes
● 20-foot ventilated: 20 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high.

Typical Uses
Ventilated containers are used for transporting goods that need airflow to prevent condensation and mold growth, such as coffee beans, cocoa and other agricultural products.

11. Car Carriers

Car carrier containers are designed specifically for the transportation of vehicles. They have additional securing points and features to ensure that cars are safely transported without shifting during transit.

Sizes
● 20-foot car carrier: 20 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high.

Typical Uses
Car carriers are used for transporting cars, motorcycles and other vehicles, ensuring they are securely fastened and protected during shipping.

Shipping containers have revolutionized global trade by providing a standardized, efficient means of transporting goods across the world. Each type of container serves a specific purpose, catering to a wide range of cargo needs from general goods to perishable items and oversized equipment.

Understanding the various types of shipping containers helps businesses and individuals select the right container for their cargo, ensuring safe, efficient and cost-effective transportation. Whether you are shipping machinery, food products, or personal vehicles, there is a shipping container designed to meet your requirements. As the logistics industry continues to evolve, these versatile containers will remain a cornerstone of global trade, adapting to new challenges and opportunities in the transportation of goods.