containers in stacks

Different Types of Shipping Containers

Picture of Silver Runner Kft.

Silver Runner Kft.

Shipping containers are standardized metal boxes that are used to transport goods by sea, land or air. They come in various sizes, shapes and designs to suit different types of cargo and shipping needs.

Shipping containers are also known as intermodal containers because they can be easily transferred between different modes of transportation without unloading and reloading the cargo.

Shipping containers have revolutionized the global trade by reducing transport times and labor costs, as well as increasing the security and efficiency of cargo handling. Today, over 50,000 merchant ships carry almost 90% of world trade, the bulk of it packed into some type of shipping container.

There are almost 20 different types of shipping containers circling the world on any given day, modified according to size, dimension and cargo. In this article, we will look at some of the most common and popular container types and what they are used for.

containers in stacks

Standard container types and dimensions

Standard containers, also known as dry storage containers, are closed on all sides and used for transporting general cargo that does not require temperature or humidity control. They are airtight, waterproof and durable, making them suitable for a wide range of goods such as furniture, clothing, electronics, machinery, etc.

Standard containers are available in two main dimensions: 20 foot and 40 foot. The 20 foot container has a length of 5.89 m, a height of 2.39 m and a width of 2.35 m. It can hold a maximum cargo weight of 28,230 kg. The 40 foot container has a length of 12.029 m, a height of 2.392 m and a width of 2.350 m. It can hold a maximum cargo weight of 26,700 kg.

Container SizeLenghtHeightWidthMax weight
20 foot5,89 m2,39 m2,35 m28.230 kg
40 foot12,029 m2,392 m2,35 m26.730 kg
20 foot containers

High cube containers

High cube containers are similar to standard containers but with added height. They measure up to 9’6″ in height, compared to the standard 8’6″ height. The extra space makes them ideal for storing large items such as vehicles or heavy equipment.

High cube containers are mostly available in the 40 foot dimension, which has a length of 12.024 m, a height of 2.697 m and a width of 2.350 m. It can hold a maximum cargo weight of 26,460 kg.

Container SizeLenghtHeightWidthMax weight
40 foot high cube12,024 m2,697 m2,35 m26.460 kg
40' HC containers stacked

Open top containers

Open top containers have a removable roof and doors on both sides, making it easy to load, unload and transport large items that cannot fit into standard or high cube containers. They are typically used for oversized cargo such as construction equipment and building supplies.

Open top containers are available in both 20 foot and 40 foot dimensions. The 20 foot open top container has a length of 5.888 m, a height of 2.315 m and a width of 2.345 m. It can hold a maximum cargo weight of approximately 28,000 kg. The 40 foot open top container has a length of 12.029 m, a height of 2.326 m and a width of 2.342 m. It can hold a maximum cargo weight of approximately 30,000 kg.

A tarpaulin is needed at the top to protect the cargo from weather and damage.

Container SizeLenghtHeightWidthMax weight
20 foot open top5,888 m2,315 m2,345 m~28.000 kg
40 foot open top12,029 m2,326 m2,342 m~30.000 kg
Open top containers

Flat rack containers

Flat rack containers allow cargo to be loaded from the top or sides because they have no roof or walls on the long sides³. They are used for transporting heavy or irregularly shaped items that cannot be accommodated by other container types. Flat rack containers are available with removable end doors (collapsible) or fixed end doors (non-collapsible)³. They come in both 20 foot and 40 foot dimensions.

The 20 foot flat rack container has a length of 5.94 m,a height of 2.38 m,and a width of 2.35 m. It can hold a maximum cargo weight of 34,000 kg.

The 40 foot flat rack container has a length of 12.08 m, a height of 2.10 m, and a width of 2.44 m. It can hold a maximum cargo weight of 45,000 kg.

Container SizeLenghtHeightWidthMax weight
20 foot flat rack5,94 m2,38 m2,35 m34.000 kg
40 foot flat rack12,08 m2,1 m2,44 m45.000 kg
Flat rack containers

Reefer containers

Reefer containers are refrigerated containers that have internal cooling or heating systems to maintain a constant temperature for the cargo. They are used for transporting temperature-sensitive goods such as food products, medicines, flowers, etc.


Reefer containers are mostly available in the 20 foot and 40 foot dimensions. The 20 foot reefer container has a length of 5.45 m, a height of 2.5 m, and a width of 2.29 m. It can hold a maximum cargo weight of 27,400 kg.


The 40 foot reefer container has a length of 11.58 m, a height of 2.5 m, and a width of 2.29 m. It can hold a maximum cargo weight of 29,250 kg.


Reefer containers require an external power source to operate their cooling or heating systems.


Container SizeLenghtHeightWidthMax weight
20 foot reefer5,45 m2,5 m2,29 m31.000 kg
40 foot reefer11,58 m2,5 m2,29 m35.000 kg
Reefer containers

Other specialized container types

Apart from the above-mentioned common container types, there are also other specialized container types that cater to specific shipping needs.

Some examples are:

  • Double door container: A container that has doors at both ends for easy loading and unloading.

  • Open side storage container: A container that has doors that open on one or both sides for extra space and accessibility.

  • Pallet wide container: A container that is slightly wider than standard containers to accommodate more pallets per tier.

  • Flat rack container: A container that has foldable sides that can be lowered to create a flat surface for loading oversized items.

  • Side door container: A container that has doors along the long side for loading long items such as pipes or timber.

  • Hard top container: A container that has a removable steel roof for loading heavy items from above by crane.

  • Tank container: A cylindrical container that is used for transporting liquids or gases under pressure.
  • Insulated container: A container that has insulation materials on the walls, floor and roof to prevent heat transfer between the inside and outside.

  • Half height container: A short container that is used for transporting dense or heavy items such as coal or metal scrap.
Other specialized containers types

Conclusion

Shipping containers are essential for global trade as they enable efficient and secure transportation of various types of goods across different modes of transportation.

Depending on the size, shape, weight, and nature of the cargo, there is a suitable type of shipping container available on the market.

Understanding the different types of shipping containers and their dimensions can help you choose the right one for your shipping needs.

sources:
12 Container types and dimensions: Best guide [+how to get containers]
The Shipping Container types: A Quick Guide
16 Types of Container Units and Designs for Shipping Cargo
What is intermodal transportation?

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