ICAT Blog: Article Routing the Seas of Trade: The Types of Shipping Containers

In the vast world of international trade and logistics, shipping containers play a pivotal role in ensuring goods reach their destination safely and efficiently. These sturdy metal boxes come in various types, each designed to meet specific cargo needs. Join us on a journey as we explore the diverse array of shipping containers and their unique features.

Shipping containers come in various sizes to accommodate different types of cargo. The two most common sizes are the 20-foot container and the 40-foot container.

Here are the standard sizes of shipping containers:

20-foot Standard Container/20-foot Equivalent Units (TEU)

Twenty-foot units now make up less than 20% of all the containers on major shipping routes, and the demand for them continues to decrease each year.

• Interior Dimensions: 19 ft. 4 inches long, 7 ft. 8 inches wide, 7 ft. 10 inches high
• Exterior Dimensions: 20 ft. long, 8 ft. wide, 8 ft. 6 inches high
• Cubic Capacity: Approximately 1,169 cubic ft.

It is possible to obtain containers that have smaller measurements, but these are much rarer. Most of these smaller containers end up as part of residential builds, storage units, or for commercial applications on-land.

40-foot Standard Container/40-foot Equivalent Units (FEU)

• Interior Dimensions: 39 ft. 5 inches long, 7 ft. 8 inches wide, 7 ft. 10 inches high
• Exterior Dimensions: 40 ft. long, 8 ft. wide, 8 ft. 6 inches high
• Cubic Capacity: Approximately 2,385 cubic ft.

These two sizes, the 20-foot and 40-foot containers, are the most commonly used in global shipping.

However, there are other containers designed to meet specific needs:

40-foot High Cube Container

• Interior Dimensions: 39 ft. 5 inches long, 7 ft. 8 inches wide, 8 ft. 10 inches high
• Exterior Dimensions: 40 ft. long, 8 ft. wide, 9 ft. 6 inches high
• Cubic Capacity: Approximately 2,694 cubic ft.

This is different than the standard 40-foot container, as the high cube version provides extra vertical space.

45-foot High Cube Container

• Interior Dimensions: 44 ft. 5 inches long, 7 ft. 8 inches wide, 8 ft. 10 inches high
• Exterior Dimensions: 45 ft. long, 8 ft. wide, 9 ft. 6 inches high
• Cubic Capacity: Approximately 3,040 cubic ft.

It’s important to note that these dimensions are standardized, but variations can exist based on the container manufacturer. Additionally, there are specialized containers such as open-top containers and flat rack containers that are designed to meet specific cargo requirements. When planning shipments, understanding the dimensions and types of containers is crucial for the most efficient and cost-effective transportation.

Standard Dry Containers: The Workhorse of Global Trade

Standard dry containers (or general-purpose containers) are the most common and widely used out of all container types. These work well for items that need protection from the elements and a fully weatherproof form of transit.

Refrigerated (Reefer) Containers: Preserving the Cold Chain

Refrigerated containers, also known as reefers, maintain specific temperature conditions, making them essential for transporting perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, and pharmaceuticals.

Open-Top Containers: Unveiling Versatility

Open-top containers are another versatile option, as they have removable tops that allow for easy loading of oversized or unconventional cargo. They are used a lot in transporting machinery, timber, and other goods that exceed the height of standard containers.

Flat Rack Containers: Supporting Oddly Shaped Cargo

Flat rack containers have foldable sides with strong end walls, making them suitable for heavy or bulky items like machinery, vehicles, and construction materials. They help with facilitating easy loading and unloading of irregularly shaped cargo.

Tank Containers: Liquid Logistics

Tank containers (also referred to as tanktainers) are cylindrically shaped and designed for transporting liquids, chemicals, and gases. Their safety features and specialized linings made with anti-corrosive materials make them an essential component in the transportation of hazardous materials.

High Cube Containers: Extra Space, Extra Flexibility

High cube containers offer additional height compared to standard containers. This extra space benefits the transportation of voluminous cargo and makes them a popular option for shipping items like building materials, machinery, and other commodities with larger dimensions.

Insulated Containers: Temperature Control Beyond Freezing

Insulated containers are designed to regulate temperature but not as thoroughly as reefers. They are used a lot for transporting goods that require protection from temperature fluctuations without the need for precise control.

Ventilated Containers: Breathing Room for Fresh Cargo

Ventilated containers are equipped with openings to allow air circulation. Many shipping companies utilize these to transport items that require good ventilation like fresh produce, flowers, and coffee to maintain product quality.

Double-Door Containers: Accessibility from Both Ends

Double-door containers provide flexibility in loading and unloading cargo from either end. Both sets of doors are identical and feature locks and weather-tight seals to protect the goods inside. These types of shipping containers are ideal for retail or medical industries.

As the backbone of global trade, shipping containers come in various types to accommodate the diverse needs of industries worldwide. By understanding the different container options, businesses can decide what works best for them so they can ultimately optimize their shipping processes and ensure secure and on time delivery.

Resources:

• 15 Key Container Types in Shipping (MarineTraffic Blog)
• 11 Most Common Types of Shipping Containers in 2024 (ContainerAddict.com)