Shipping containers play a massive role in global trade today. Over 90% of goods are transported worldwide using these containers. However, this wasn’t always the case. American businessman Malcolm McLean introduced the standardized shipping container in 1956, which is why he is often called the “Father of Containerization.”
That is why he is often called the “Father of Containerization”. However, the containers he created were initially simple and unrefined. They paved the way for the modern, efficient global supply chain. Since 1956, much has changed, and so have the shipping containers.
Many companies have emerged, developing new types of containers to meet the diverse transportation needs of various industries and clients. Alliance Shipping, based in Dubai, has been providing reliable and efficient shipping services to clients worldwide. We aim to provide you with a deeper understanding of the various types of shipping containers available today and their specific uses.
In this blog, you’ll learn about 18 different and commonly used shipping container types integral to today’s global trade.
Dry Storage Container
A dry storage container is the most common type of shipping container, used for general cargo. It is completely enclosed and protects items from the weather, making it suitable for most goods that don’t need special conditions. These containers are built with steel, ensuring durability and security.
These dry storage containers are ideal for shipping Household goods, clothing, electronics, and furniture. Apart from these items, these containers are versatile and can handle various items. Three main sizes of dry storage containers come in:
- 20ft: Smaller and easier to manage.
- 40ft: Twice the size of a 20ft container.
- 40ft HC: Same length as 40ft but taller, so it holds more.
Flat Rack Container
There are oversized and heavy shipments that don’t fit within the dimensions of a standard container. In such cases, a flat rack container is used. It is a container with no sides or roof; it is open and has fixed or collapsible walls at its ends. Some of the key features of flat rack containers are that they are easy to load and unload, and strong and durable.
Flat rack containers are perfect for transporting items like machinery, heavy equipment, or construction materials. The ideal size for these containers is 20-foot and 40-foot. The 20-foot Flat Rack has a payload capacity of around 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs), while the 40-foot Flat Rack can handle up to 34,000 kg (74,960 lbs).
Open Top Container
Open top containers serve similar purposes to flat rack containers. However, they are different in shape. Instead of being completely open on the sides, open top containers have solid side walls and a removable or convertible roof. This design makes them ideal for cargo that is too tall to fit through the doors of a standard container but still requires side protection.
Open top containers are commonly used for transporting large machinery, industrial equipment, or bulky goods that need to be loaded from the top using a crane. They also come in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes and offer the flexibility of loading oversized cargo while providing more enclosure than flat racks.
- 20ft Open Top Container: Can carry up to 28,000 kg (62,000 lbs).
- 40ft Open Top Container: Can hold around 30,000 kg (66,000 lbs).
Open Side Storage Container
Unlike standard containers, which can only be accessed through end doors, open side storage containers are designed with side doors that open completely along one full side. This small structural change makes a big difference in accessibility and ease of loading. Open side containers are handy when loading wide or awkwardly shaped cargo.
These items wouldn’t easily fit through the end doors of a regular container. Open side containers are also ideal for temporary on-site storage, pop-up shops, or exhibitions where frequent and wide access is needed. Typically available in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes, these containers provide the same durability and security as standard units, but with added flexibility.
20-Foot Open Side Container
- Exterior Dimensions: 6.06m (L) x 2.44m (W) x 2.59m (H)
- Interior Dimensions: 5.90m (L) x 2.34m (W) x 2.38m (H)
- Door Dimensions: 2.34m (W) x 2.38m (H)
40-Foot Open Side Container
- Exterior Dimensions: 12.19m (L) x 2.44m (W) x 2.59m (H)
- Interior Dimensions: 12.03m (L) x 2.34m (W) x 2.38m (H)
- Door Dimensions: 11.84m (W) x 2.31m (H)
Refrigerated ISO Containers
Refrigerated ISO containers, also known as “reefer containers,” are specially designed for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo. These containers have an integrated refrigeration unit to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the journey. These containers are ideal for shipping perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, and other items that require strict temperature control.
Depending on the cargo’s requirements, they can maintain temperatures ranging from -30°C to +30°C. They are also available in standard sizes like 20-foot and 40-foot. Key features include precise temperature control, insulated walls, and built-in cooling systems powered by external electrical sources or gensets during transit. They offer a reliable solution for cold chain logistics across land and sea.
ISO Tanks
Another type of shipping container is the ISO tank. These are specialized containers used to safely transport bulk liquids, gases, and powders. ISO tanks are made of stainless steel and surrounded by a protective frame that meets ISO (International Organization for Standardization) specifications. They are ideal for carrying chemicals, food-grade liquids, fuels, and hazardous materials.
The cylindrical tank is mounted inside a 20-foot steel frame with following stats:
- Frame: 20-foot
- Capacity: 15,000 to 26,000 liters of liquid
- Tare Weight: 3,300 kg to 4,060 kg
- Gross Weight: Typically 36,000 kg
Some of the features of ISO tanks include high durability, corrosion resistance, and the ability to maintain the integrity of sensitive or hazardous substances. They are also cost-effective for bulk transport and offer a safer, cleaner alternative to traditional drum or barrel shipping.
Double Door Container
Double door containers, also known as “tunnel containers,” are similar in structure to standard containers but with an important difference. They have doors on both ends. This design allows for quicker and more flexible loading and unloading, especially when access from one side is restricted. These containers are ideal for projects that require temporary storage, easy partitioning, or when cargo needs to be accessed from both ends.
Double door containers are commonly used in construction, retail, and industrial applications. Available in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes, they offer all the durability and security of standard units. Some of the key features these containers provide are dual access points, heavy-duty locking mechanisms, and weather-resistant construction.
High Cube Container
High cube containers are similar in length and width to standard containers but offer extra vertical space. Typically, they are one foot taller, standing at 9.5 feet instead of the standard 8.5 feet. This added height is especially useful for items that are too tall for standard containers or when maximizing cubic capacity is important.
High cube containers are commonly used in industries like furniture, textiles, and light manufacturing equipment. They provide an increased internal volume, are compatible with standard container handling systems, and have secure, lockable doors. Some of the common dimensions of high cube containers include:
- Exterior Dimensions: 12.024m (L) x 2.350m (W) x 2.698m (H)
- Internal Length: 12.03m
- Door Opening: 2.34m (W) x 2.597m (H)
- Maximum Cargo Weight: 26,460 kg
- Tare Weight: 4,020 kg
- Capacity: 76 cubic meters
Insulated Container
There is a slight difference between insulated containers and refrigerated containers. Insulated containers are designed to maintain a consistent internal temperature by preventing external heat or cold from entering. On the other hand, refrigerated containers do not have an active cooling system but rely on insulation to protect temperature-sensitive cargo from extreme weather conditions.
Now, they are suitable for transporting pharmaceuticals, packaged food, beverages, and other products that need to stay within a specific temperature range but do not require active refrigeration. Typically available in standard 20-foot and 40-foot sizes, insulated containers feature thick, insulated walls made of polyurethane foam and aluminum.
Swap Body Container
Swap body containers are a type of freight container commonly used in Europe for intermodal transport, particularly between road and rail. Unlike standard ISO containers, swap bodies are not stackable and are designed with a larger internal volume, often with a curtain or hard-sided structure for easy side loading.
One key feature that sets swap body containers apart is their ability to be “swapped” between transport modes without using cranes. They are typically equipped with support legs, which allow them to stand independently when not mounted on a chassis or rail wagon. Swap body containers are ideal for transporting palletized goods, parcel freight, and cargo requiring frequent loading and unloading.
Half-Height Container
Half-height containers are smaller in size. They are designed to be half the height of standard shipping containers, typically around 4.3 feet (1.3 meters) tall. Despite their shorter build, they are constructed with the same durable steel and meet ISO standards, making them suitable for heavy-duty use. Now, these containers are used for transporting dense, heavy cargo that doesn’t require full height.
Half-height containers are commonly used in the mining, construction, and industrial sectors. Common lengths for these containers include 10ft, 12ft, 15ft, and 20ft, with a typical height of around 4ft (1.28m). The payload capacity also differs, with 10ft containers typically carrying between 8,280kg and 10,000kg, and 20ft containers holding anywhere from 9,000kg to 36,000kg.
Car Carrier Container
Special containers called car carriers are used to transport cars or vehicles. These are specially designed for the safe and efficient transport of vehicles. Car carrier containers feature low side rails for easy vehicle loading and unloading lashing bars and gooseneck tunnels to securely hold vehicles during transit. The steel plate floor provides a durable loading surface.
Typically, these containers have two levels and can hold between six and nine cars, depending on their size. A 40-foot container generally accommodates 2-4 cars, with the exact number varying based on vehicle size and type. Car carrier containers are widely used by auto manufacturers, dealerships, relocation services, and individuals transporting personal cars internationally.
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)
Intermediate Bulk Containers, or IBCs, are specialized containers that safely store and transport bulk liquids, semi-solids, pastes, or powders. IBCs are much smaller and are typically cube-shaped, offering high storage efficiency and easy handling. These containers are commonly used in the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries.
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are made from various materials, including plastic, metal, or a composite of both. They often feature a metal cage for added protection and structural support. IBCs usually have a capacity ranging from 275 to 330 gallons (1,000 to 1,250 liters) and include built-in valves for controlled dispensing.
Hard Top Container
Hard top containers are a type of shipping container designed with a removable steel roof. They allow for transporting heavy or tall cargo that cannot be easily loaded through the standard door. There is a difference between hard top and open top containers. Open top containers use tarpaulin covers, while hard top containers provide solid, durable protection from above.
These containers are ideal for cargo that needs to be loaded by crane or forklift from the top, such as heavy machinery, industrial equipment, or large components. Available in standard 20-foot and 40-foot sizes, hard top containers feature reinforced walls, removable top panels, and the ability to remove the door header for easier access.
Drums
Drums are cylindrical shipping containers commonly used for transporting liquids, powders, granules, and semi-solid materials. They come in a variety of materials, including steel, plastic, and fiber, depending on the nature of the contents and the required level of protection. Drums are widely used across industries such as chemicals, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and petroleum.
Standard drums are usually made of steel or plastic and have a nominal capacity of 200 liters (55 US gallons or 44 imperial gallons). They are easy to handle, stack, and store efficiently on pallets or within larger containers like ISO tanks or IBCs. Some of the key features of drums include secure sealing options, corrosion resistance and reusability.
Ventilated Container
There are also ventilated containers that transport cargo that require constant airflow to prevent moisture buildup, condensation, and mold during transit. These containers feature ventilation openings, usually on the top and bottom side panels. This allows for natural air circulation while protecting the cargo from external elements.
Ventilated containers are ideal for shipping organic products such as coffee beans, cocoa, tobacco, and other agricultural goods sensitive to humidity and requiring ventilation to maintain quality. They are available mainly in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes. A 20-foot ventilated container typically features two to four vents on opposite sides to enable cross-ventilation.
Special Purpose Containers
Lastly, there are special-purpose containers. These are custom-designed units built to handle cargo or functions that standard containers cannot accommodate. They are made for specific industries or unique transport requirements, such as military-grade containers, office or accommodation units, control rooms, laboratory containers, and containers for transporting dangerous goods.
Special-purpose containers are engineered with precise specifications to meet operational, environmental, or regulatory demands. Available in various sizes and configurations, they are built to withstand extreme conditions and provide enhanced security, functionality, or mobility. Some of the key features of these containers include custom insulation, climate control, power supply systems, and advanced locking mechanisms.
Best Container for Your Shipping Needs
Now, out of the 17, which is the best container for your shipping needs? Well, there is no easy answer for that. The reason is that choosing the right shipping container depends on your needs, the type of cargo you are exporting, and much more. At Alliance Shipping, we understand each business has different cargo shipping needs.
We can help you select the most suitable option for your goods, whether you need dry storage containers, refrigerated units, flat racks, or specialized containers. With our global shipping services, we cater to various industries and provide customized solutions. Share your specific shipping needs with us, and we’ll provide you with a tailored quote to ensure the safe and efficient transport of your cargo worldwide.
Call us at +971 56 649 5103 or email us at manager.dxb@theallianceshipping.com for your shipping queries.
