What are the different types of shipping containers?

1 Dry containers

Dry containers are the most common and versatile type of shipping containers. They are usually made of steel or aluminum and have a rigid structure and a flat floor. They are suitable for transporting general cargo that does not require temperature or humidity control, such as clothing, furniture, electronics, and machinery. Dry containers come in different lengths, ranging from 10 feet to 53 feet, and have a standard width of 8 feet and a height of 8.5 feet. Some dry containers have a higher height of 9.5 feet, and are called high-cube containers.

2 Reefer containers

Reefer containers are refrigerated containers that can maintain a constant temperature and humidity level inside. They are ideal for transporting perishable goods, such as food, beverages, flowers, and pharmaceuticals. Reefer containers have an insulated wall and a cooling unit that can be powered by electricity or diesel. They can also have ventilation and dehumidification systems to prevent condensation and mold. Reefer containers are usually 20 feet or 40 feet long, and have a width of 8 feet and a height of 8.5 feet or 9.5 feet.

3 Open-top containers

Open-top containers are similar to dry containers, except that they have a removable roof or a tarpaulin cover instead of a solid top. They are designed for transporting oversized or bulky cargo that cannot fit through the doors of a standard container, such as machinery, pipes, timber, and metal scrap. Open-top containers have lashing rings on the side walls and the floor to secure the cargo, and can be loaded and unloaded from the top using a crane or a forklift. Open-top containers are usually 20 feet or 40 feet long, and have a width of 8 feet and a height of 8.5 feet.

4 Flat-rack containers

Flat-rack containers are flat platforms with collapsible end walls that can be folded down to save space when empty. They are used for transporting heavy or irregular-shaped cargo that cannot fit in a dry container, such as vehicles, boats, construction equipment, and industrial parts. Flat-rack containers have corner posts and lashing points to secure the cargo, and can be stacked on top of each other when loaded. Flat-rack containers are usually 20 feet or 40 feet long, and have a width of 8 feet and a height of 8.5 feet.

5 Tank containers

Tank containers are cylindrical containers that are mounted on a steel frame and enclosed by a protective shell. They are used for transporting liquid or gaseous cargo, such as chemicals, oils, fuels, and gases. Tank containers have valves, fittings, and safety devices to prevent leaks and spills, and can be heated or cooled to maintain the optimal temperature and pressure of the cargo. Tank containers are usually 20 feet long, and have a width of 8 feet and a height of 8.5 feet. They can hold up to 26,000 liters of cargo.