Differences and Uses of Various Shipping Container Sizes and Types

Who knew a simple steel box could shake up global trade? Shipping containers have done just that, quietly revolutionizing how goods move around the world. But these containers aren't just for hauling cargo anymore. They're showing up everywhere as mobile offices, pop-up shops, even tiny homes.

Before you jump in, though, remember: not all containers are the same. Picking the right type and size isn't just about fitting your stuff; it's about saving time, cutting costs, and keeping your cargo safe.

Whether you're shipping goods or dreaming up a creative reuse, understanding container types is key to making the right call. Let's dive in.

Types of Shipping Containers

Shipping containers come in various types and sizes, each designed for specific cargo needs. Here's a quick overview of the most common ones:

1. General Purpose Sea Containers: This original standard size is 259.08 cm tall, with an internal height of 238.44 cm. Commonly used for most types of dry cargo, GP containers are the go-to choice for general freight.
2. High Cube Sea Containers: As the name suggests, these are taller than GP containers. They measure 289.56 cm tall, with an internal height of 269.24 cm, providing an extra 30 cm of height. This added vertical space significantly increases interior volume, making HC containers ideal for bulky or voluminous loads.

What is a GP Container?

GP, or General Purpose container,  also known as a dry container, is the most common container type used in global trade. It is designed to carry a wide range of goods that do not require temperature control or special handling. 

Its sturdy, weatherproof structure protects cargo from external elements, making it ideal for shipping everything from manufactured goods to packaged food items. The versatility and availability of GP containers make them a reliable choice for most shipping needs worldwide.

Built for general cargo, GP containers come in standardized sizes,  20ft and 40ft, designed to carry a wide range of goods, from machinery to textiles. They are fully enclosed, with rigid walls and weatherproof sealing, making them ideal for dry cargo.

Suggested Read: Understanding Ocean Marine Cargo Insurance

Why is the GP Container Essential for Global Trade?

The General Purpose (GP) container has long been a cornerstone of global trade, offering unparalleled flexibility and reliability for shipping a wide range of goods. Here's why the GP container is so essential:

1. Versatility in Cargo Types

GP containers suit a wide range of cargo, from industrial parts to consumer goods, but aren’t designed for specialized conditions like refrigeration.

2. Standardization for Efficient Handling

Available mainly in 20ft and 40ft sizes, GP containers’ uniform dimensions streamline stacking, transport, and storage across all transport modes.

3. Protection During Transit

They protect cargo from weather and environmental damage, keeping goods like electronics and textiles safe throughout shipping.

4. Global Compatibility

Their universal design allows use worldwide, simplifying logistics across diverse ports and transport systems.

Also Read: Types and Characteristics of Maritime Freight Transport and Shipping

12 Most Common Types of Shipping Containers

Each container type offers unique features designed to meet specific shipping needs, from basic dry containers to specialized units for temperature-sensitive cargo or bulk liquids. Here’s a look at the 12 most common types of containers used in today’s logistics and shipping industries.

1. Standard Dry Container

The standard dry container is the most widely used type in global shipping, providing a versatile solution for transporting a wide range of goods. Whether you are moving electronics, textiles, machinery, or general cargo, these containers offer a reliable and secure method for domestic and international trade.

• Sizes: 20' and 40' (High Cube versions also available)
• Use: These containers are ideal for general cargo such as electronics, textiles, machinery, and most other dry goods.
• Features: Standard dry containers are fully enclosed, providing a secure and weatherproof environment for cargo. They have doors at one end for easy access and are stackable, which helps maximize space during storage or transportation. The interior is typically made of plywood flooring, with sturdy metal walls that can support a variety of goods. Due to their versatility and ease of handling, they are the most commonly used containers in international shipping.

2. Open Top Container

Designed for oversized and overheight cargo that doesn’t fit in standard containers, open top containers offer flexible solutions for shipping large machinery or construction materials that require top access.

• Sizes: 20' and 40'
• Use: Open top containers are designed for transporting overheight cargo that doesn’t fit into a standard container, such as large machinery, pipes, or construction materials.
• Features: These containers come with a removable tarpaulin roof, providing access to the cargo from the top or the sides. The roof can be lifted off or rolled back to allow crane access for loading or unloading. The open top design allows for the transportation of cargo that may not otherwise fit in standard containers, while the sides remain high to secure the cargo during transit.

3. Flat Rack Container

Flat racks are an ideal choice for transporting large, heavy, or awkwardly shaped cargo. With no side walls or roof, they offer the flexibility to ship industrial equipment, vehicles, and construction materials that require special handling.

• Sizes: 20' and 40'
• Use: Flat racks are perfect for transporting heavy, oversized, or irregularly shaped cargo, such as vehicles, large industrial equipment, or construction materials.
• Features: These containers have no side walls or roof, which provides unobstructed access for loading and unloading. The ends are foldable, giving the container flexibility to handle a variety of cargo shapes and sizes. 

4. Refrigerated (Reefer) Container

Refrigerated containers, also known as reefers, are indispensable for goods that must be kept within strict temperature ranges. These containers are specifically designed to maintain the integrity of perishable items such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals during long shipments.

• Sizes: 20' and 40' High Cube
• Use: Reefer containers are essential for transporting temperature-sensitive goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and certain industrial materials.
• Features: These containers are equipped with a built-in cooling and/or heating unit that maintains a precise temperature range throughout the journey. Reefer containers can be set to different temperatures to accommodate a wide range of perishable goods, making them a critical part of the cold supply chain. 

5. Ventilated Container

Ventilated containers are designed for cargo that requires continuous airflow to prevent mold, spoilage, or moisture buildup. This type of container is essential for shipping agricultural products like cocoa, coffee, or grains.

• Size: 20'
• Use: Ventilated containers are designed for cargo that requires constant airflow to prevent mold, spoilage, or excess moisture, such as cocoa, coffee beans, or other agricultural products.
• Features: These containers are equipped with built-in ventilation openings to ensure natural airflow, which helps maintain an ideal environment for cargo. The ventilation system is specifically designed to reduce moisture buildup, ensuring that goods remain dry and in optimal condition during transit.

6. Hardtop Container

Hardtop containers handle heavy loads requiring top access, such as steel coils or large machinery. These containers provide flexibility with a removable steel roof that allows easy loading from above.

• Sizes: 20', 40', and 40' High Cube
• Use: Hardtop containers are used to transport heavy loads that require top loading, such as steel coils or large machinery.
• Features: They have a removable steel roof, which can be taken off to allow for loading and unloading from the top. This feature provides greater flexibility, especially for cargo that is too large to enter from the side. 

7. Insulated Container

Insulated containers provide a reliable solution for cargo that requires temperature control without the need for active refrigeration. They help maintain stable internal temperatures, making them ideal for specific chemicals or sensitive materials.

• Sizes: 20' and 40'
• Use: Insulated containers transport temperature-sensitive cargo that doesn’t require active cooling but still needs temperature control, such as certain chemicals or sensitive equipment.
• Features: These containers are equipped with thermal insulation that helps maintain a stable internal temperature. The insulation is designed to reduce heat transfer, preventing extreme temperature fluctuations. 

8. Platform Container

Platform containers are designed for the heaviest and most oversized cargo that cannot be safely transported in a flat rack or standard container. Their simple design makes them suitable for large industrial shipments.

• Sizes: 20' and 40'
• Use: Platform containers are used for extremely heavy or oversized cargo that flat racks or standard containers, such as large industrial equipment or machinery, cannot accommodate.
• Features: These containers have no side or end walls, providing an entirely flat surface for cargo. They offer a high load capacity and are often used when traditional containers cannot safely carry the weight or dimensions of the cargo. 

9. Flexi Tank Container

Flexi tank containers are specifically designed to ship bulk liquids such as oils, wines, or chemicals in large quantities. These containers offer a cost-effective and secure solution for transporting non-hazardous liquids in bulk.

• Size: 20'
• Use: Flexi tank containers are specifically designed for transporting bulk liquids, such as oils, wines, chemicals, or non-hazardous liquids.
• Features: These containers feature a flexible, disposable tank inside a standard container frame. The tank is typically made from durable materials that can hold liquids securely without the risk of leakage. 

10.  Euro Container

Euro containers are the go-to solution for transporting smaller, standardized items, particularly in automated systems and manufacturing environments. Their stackable and reusable design makes them ideal for optimizing storage and logistics operations.

• Size: Standardized dimensions (e.g., 600×400 mm)
• Use: Euro containers are used primarily for small parts handling, especially in industries like automotive and manufacturing, where precision and efficient handling are essential.
• Features: These containers are stackable, reusable, and often used in automated systems. Their standardized dimensions make them highly adaptable for various logistics operations, particularly within warehouses or manufacturing plants. 

11. Open Side Container

Open side containers are designed to facilitate quick and efficient loading and unloading of cargo from the side, making them perfect for high-volume operations where time is critical. They are particularly useful for shipping oversized pallets.

• Sizes: 20' and 40'
• Use: Open side containers are perfect for cargo that requires quick and easy side access for loading and unloading, such as oversized pallets or irregularly shaped items.
• Features: These containers feature full-length side doors that open completely, providing wide access for loading and unloading. This makes them particularly suitable for shipments that require efficient handling, especially when large quantities of items need to be moved quickly. 

12.  Tank Container

Tank containers are designed to transport liquid cargo in bulk, providing a safe and efficient way to move chemicals, food-grade products, or gases. They are essential for maintaining the integrity of sensitive liquid shipments.

• Size: 20'
• Use: Tank containers are designed for transporting liquid cargo, such as chemicals, food-grade products, and gases, in bulk.
• Features: Tank containers are cylindrical in shape, with a reinforced frame to ensure the safety of the cargo during transportation. These containers are built to meet strict safety standards and are equipped with valves and other components for easy filling and unloading. 

Here is a table to help you understand the types of containers better:

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What Pazago Offers in Container Shipping

Shipping containers are the backbone of global trade, providing secure, standardized units for transporting goods worldwide. Efficient container management is key to smooth international shipping.

Here's what Pazago offers:

1. Container Booking & Management: Easily book the right containers, be it GP, HC, or specialized types, directly through the platform.
2. Real-Time Shipment Tracking: Monitor your cargo's journey across 110+ countries and 220+ shipping lines with live updates.
3. Digital Documentation: Access and manage export documents, including invoices, customs forms, and quality certificates, all in one place.
4. Integrated Financial Solutions: Handle currency conversions, secure payments, and financing options for large shipments.
5. Cargo Protection & Insurance: Arrange insurance and quality inspections directly through the portal to ensure your goods arrive safely.

Conclusion

Choosing the right container, whether a standard dry, reefer, or tank container, is vital for efficient shipping and cost control. Understanding these options helps exporters streamline logistics and ensure timely deliveries.

As shipping evolves, tools like Pazago simplify operations with real-time tracking, centralized management, and better coordination. This boosts supply chain control and reduces disruptions.

Want to improve your container management and logistics? Discover how Pazago can streamline your shipping process. Book a demo today and easily take control of your global trade.

FAQs 

Q: Can I convert a shipping container for personal use?

A: Yes, many people convert shipping containers for personal use. They are commonly repurposed into homes, offices, storage units, or workshops. Containers are durable and customizable, offering an affordable and versatile solution for creating unique spaces for various needs, from residential living to functional workspaces.

Q: Are there size restrictions for shipping containers? 

A: Yes, shipping containers come in standard sizes, usually 20 feet or 40 feet in length. The standard height is 8'6", but High Cube containers are 9'6" tall. Depending on the specific dimensions and nature of the shipment, oversized cargo may require special arrangements, such as larger containers or custom solutions.

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