Do you have cargo that is oversized, bulk, very tall, or even perishable? Explore the 9 most common types of shipping containers and learn how to efficiently allocate items in the cargo space.
Types of Shipping Containers
There are many types of shipping containers available today, and we have listed the nine most common types for you:
- General Purpose Containers
- High Cube Containers
- Open Top Containers
- Side Open Containers
- Flat Rack Containers with Foldable Walls
- ISO Refrigerated Containers
- Tunnel Containers
- Tank Containers
- Car Carriers
Now, let us introduce each type of container in detail.
1. General Purpose Containers
These shipping containers are ideal for any common cargo, often packed on euro pallets or in boxes (such as electronics, toys, or household appliances). They are the most widely used containers in the world.
2. High Cube Containers
They are similar to general-purpose containers but are taller. They are used for transporting light, high-volume, and especially much taller cargo (up to a height of 2.70 meters (8.85 ft)).
3. Open Top Containers
These containers are similar to general-purpose containers, but they differ with a removable roof. The roof is often made of tarpaulin. This modification is ideal for handling heavy and oversized cargo that needs to be loaded from above using a crane. It is also suitable for transporting grain, which is poured directly into the container from above.
4. Side Open Containers
Another variant of shipping container that facilitates loading and unloading is the container with open sides. This is advantageous in situations where:
- Specific items from the cargo need to be accessed quickly.
- The cargo is too oversized to be loaded into the container in the usual way.
5. Flat Rack Containers with Foldable Walls
These containers are suitable for heavy and oversized loads, such as construction machinery. You can fold the side walls of the container, creating a flat surface where heavy construction machinery can be driven onto. It can also transport smaller boats and buses.
6. ISO Refrigerated Containers
Refrigerated containers are equipped with their own electrically controlled cooling or heating unit. They are suitable for transporting perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, and other foods over long distances. They can maintain a precise temperature range of -40 °C (-40 °F) to +30 °C (86 °F).
7. Tunnel Containers
This container is similar to those for general use, but unlike them, it has doors on both sides. This significantly facilitates loading, unloading and access to goods. It’s no wonder people have even made temporary bridges on construction sites or catering stalls at festivals out of them.
8. Tank Containers
Tank containers are one of the most efficient ways to transport bulk, liquid, and gaseous cargo. You can transport liquids, gases, powders, etc. in them—for example, alcohol, fruit juices, as well as various chemicals.
9. Containers for cars
These shipping containers can fit cars, with two cars stacked on top of each other thanks to a sliding platform. Such containers often have removable side walls, which facilitate handling during loading.
How big is a shipping container?
The standard dimensions of a shipping container are as follows:
- 20 feet—internal length 5.900 meters (19.4 ft), internal height 2.393 meters (7.10 ft).
- 40 feet—internal length 12.036 meters (39.5 ft), internal height 2.392 meters (7.10 ft).
The sizes of shipping containers may very depending on the container type and the chosen manufacturer.
How wide are shipping containers?
For both 20-foot and 40-foot standard shipping containers, the internal width is approximately 2.350 meters (7.8 ft). An open top container has an internal width of 2.311 meters (7.7 ft), while a flat rack container with folding sides measures just 2.200 meters (7.3 ft).
Regardless of which container you choose for shipping, you should plan ahead for efficient cargo placement. By optimizing space in the cargo area, you can save on transportation costs and time. How can you achieve this? Nowadays, you can find specialized software that helps you plan the placement of items in the cargo space. Once you have your loading plan, you can simply put it into action.