Table of Contents
Welcome to the world of shipping containers.
These marvels of modern logistics have revolutionised global trade, making the transportation of goods over long distances easier and more efficient than ever before.
From perishable goods that need to be temperature controlled to heavy loads that require extra reinforcement, there’s a container type for every shipping need.
In this article, we explore the various types of shipping containers available on the market today and detail their key stats, like capacity, weight, dimensions and more.
Dry Van Container
The dry van container is the workhorse of the shipping industry.
This kind of container is made of strong steel or aluminium, which provides durability and ensures the safe transportation of general cargo over long distances. It features sturdy doors for easy loading and unloading.
Purpose
The dry van container is very versatile and can hold various types of cargo, including palletized goods, machinery, electronics, furniture and non-perishable goods.
Exterior dimensions
20 ft: 20 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (6.1 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
40 ft: 40 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (12.2 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
Interior dimensions
20 ft: 19 ft 4 in x 7 ft 8 in x 7 ft 10 in (5.89 m x 2.33 m x 2.39 m)
40 ft: 39 ft 6 in x 7 ft 8 in x 7 ft 10 in (12.03 m x 2.33 m x 2.39 m)
Tare weight
20 ft: 2,300 kg (5,071 lbs)
40 ft: 3,750 kg (8,267 lbs)
Payload Capacity
20 ft: 25,000 kg (55,116 lbs)
40 ft: 27,600 kg (60,848 lbs)
Cubic Capacity
20 ft: 33.2 m³ (1,172 cu ft)
40 ft: 67.7 m³ (2,390 cu ft)
Stackable
Yes
Reefer Container
The refrigerated container, or reefer, is equipped with a built-in refrigeration unit that regulates the temperature.
Made from strong steel materials that protect the cargo from external elements during transit, reefers feature lashing mechanisms that secure pallets or bulk cargo, ensuring that even heavy loads remain stable.
Purpose
These containers’ regulated temperature control allows shippers to confidently transport perishable goods.
Their use extends not only to fresh produce and pharmaceuticals but also to other industries. Many building materials, such as paints or adhesives, require regulated temperatures to maintain their effectiveness.
Exterior dimensions
20 ft: 20 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (6.1 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
40 ft: 40 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (12.2 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
Interior dimensions
20 ft: 17 ft 11 in x 7 ft 6 in x 7 ft 6 in (5.46 m x 2.29 m x 2.29 m)
40 ft: 37 ft 11 in x 7 ft 6 in x 7 ft 6 in (11.56 m x 2.29 m x 2.29 m)
Tare weight
20 ft: 3,080 kg (6,790 lbs)
40 ft: 4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Payload Capacity
20 ft: 27,400 kg (60,407 lbs)
40 ft: 27,700 kg (61,068 lbs)
Cubic Capacity
20 ft: 28.3 m³ (999 cu ft)
40 ft: 59.3 m³ (2,093 cu ft)
Stackable
No
Flat Rack Container
The flat rack container is a type of shipping container specifically designed to transport oversized and heavy loads. With no walls or roof restricting space, oversized items can be loaded onto the container easily.
As an essential part of intermodal transportation, the strong steel structure ensures that goods are transported safely and without damage.
Purpose
The collapsible sides allow for easy loading and unloading of cargo.
This makes it ideal for transporting goods such as machinery, vehicles, construction equipment and other bulky goods that cannot fit into a standard container.
To ensure the safety and stability of the cargo during transit, proper lashing techniques must be employed during loading.
Exterior Dimensions
20 ft: 20 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (6.06 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
40 ft: 40 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (12.19 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
Interior Dimensions
20 ft: 19 ft 4 in x 7 ft 8 in x n/a (5.89 m x 2.35 m x n/a*)
40 ft: 39 ft 5 in x 7 ft 8 in x n/a (12.01 m x 2.35 m x n/a*)
*Flat rack containers have no roof or sidewalls, so the height is open.
Tare weight
20 ft: 2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
40 ft: 5,000 kg (11,023 lbs)
Payload Capacity
20 ft: 30,400 kg (67,000 lbs)
40 ft: 40,000kg (88,185 lbs)
Cubic Capacity
Flat Rack containers are open and don’t have a closed interior. Therefore, they are not specified with cubic capacity.
Stackable
Yes
Open-Top Container
The open-top container is another versatile option for transporting oversized cargo that cannot fit inside a standard container.
Strategically placed lashing points are provided inside the container to secure cargo during transport, while the open top allows for easy loading and unloading of goods from above using cranes.
Purpose
This type of container is ideal for shippers who need to transport heavy loads such as machinery, construction materials or bulky items that require extra vertical space.
A removable tarpaulin can protect against the elements.
Exterior dimensions
20 ft: 20 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (6.1 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
40 ft: 40 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (12.2 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
Interior dimensions
20 ft: 19 ft 4 in x 7 ft 8 in x 7 ft 10 in (5.89 m x 2.33 m x 2.39 m)
40 ft: 39 ft 6 in x 7 ft 8 in x 7 ft 10 in (12.03 m x 2.33 m x 2.39 m)
Tare weight
20 ft: 2,260 kg (4,982 lbs)
40 ft: 3,980 kg (8,774 lbs)
Payload Capacity
20 ft: 28,220 kg (62,214 lbs)
40 ft: 26,500 kg (58,422 lbs)
Cubic Capacity
20 ft: 32.7 m³ (1,155 cu ft)
40 ft: 66.7 m³ (2,355 cu ft)
Stackable
Yes
Tank Container
A tank container, or tanktainer, is a cylindrically shaped container made of steel, which ensures the safe transportation of liquids.
They are constructed with anti-corrosive materials. As well as enabling efficient loading/unloading operations, they offer regulated temperature control, and sturdy construction for safe transportation over long distances.
Purpose
Tank containers play an important role in global trade, facilitating the transport of liquid materials or gaseous substances in bulk quantities.
Lashing techniques are used to secure tank containers on ships or trucks during long-distance transport.
Dimensions
20 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (6.06 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
Tare weight
3,000 kg (6,614 lbs)
Payload Capacity
20 ft: 24,000 kg (52,910 lbs)
Cubic Capacity
25,000 to 26,000 litres (6,600 to 6,870 gallons)
Stackable
No
Platform (Flatbed) Container
A platform (flatbed) container consists of a flat, open platform without side walls or a roof, which allows easy loading and unloading of oversized cargo.
Their sturdy steel construction allows them to carry various sizes and types of cargo, including heavy loads, and withstand the rigours of long-distance transportation.
Platform containers are an excellent choice when weather conditions permit or when additional precautions can be taken to protect the cargo.
Purpose
Whether you need to transport construction materials, machinery or vehicles, a platform container provides the space and stability you need.
This makes them ideal for industries such as construction, automotive and logistics.
Dimensions
20 ft: 20 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (6.06 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
40 ft: 40 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (12.19 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
Tare weight
20 ft: 2,300 kg (5,071 lbs)
40 ft: 4,500 kg (9,920 lbs)
Payload Capacity
20 ft: 28,200 kg (62,170 lbs)
40 ft: 35,500 kg (78,260 lbs)
Cubic Capacity
Flatbed containers are open and don’t have a closed interior, so they are not specified with cubic capacity.
Stackable
Yes
Open-Side Container
The open-side container, as the name suggests, is equipped with full-length side doors that can be opened completely for maximum accessibility.
Plus, the open-side design allows for efficient ventilation and air circulation within the container. This makes it suitable for transporting certain types of cargo that require regulated temperature control or proper airflow.
Purpose
Open-side containers can accommodate oversized cargo as the wide opening allows large items or machinery to be easily loaded and secured.
While they can accommodate any type of cargo, this makes them ideal for industries such as construction or manufacturing.
Dimensions
20 ft: 20 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (6.06 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
40 ft: 40 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (12.19 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
Tare weight
20 ft: 4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
40 ft: 6,800 kg (14,991 lbs)
Payload Capacity
20 ft: 20,200 kg (44,531 lbs)
40 ft: 24,200 kg (53,352 lbs)
Cubic Capacity
20 ft: 28 m³ (988 cu fe)
40 ft: 67.6 m³ (2,386 cu fe)
Stackable
No
High Cube Container
The high cube container is a popular option in the shipping industry, thanks to its extra height, which provides more storage space.
Unlike standard containers, which have a maximum height of 8 feet and 6 inches, high cube containers offer an extra foot of vertical space and measure up to 9 feet and 6 inches.
Purpose
The additional vertical height can be beneficial when additional space is needed to accommodate voluminous cargo – such as building materials, machinery, furniture or even vehicles with larger dimensions.
These containers are also suitable for intermodal transport and can be transferred between different modes of transport – ships, trains, trucks, etc.
Dimensions
20 ft: 20 ft x 8 ft x 9 ft 6 in (6.1 m x 2.44 m x 2.9 m)
40 ft: 40 ft x 8 ft x 9 ft 6 in (12.2 m x 2.44 m x 2.9 m)
Tare weight
20 ft: 2,300 kg (5,071 lbs)
40 ft: 3,850 kg (8,488 lbs)
Payload Capacity
20 ft: 28,200 kg (62,170 lbs)
40 ft: 28,150 kg (62,150 lbs)
Cubic Capacity
20 ft: 37.4 m³ (1,320 cu fe)
40 ft: 76.4 m³ (2,698 cu fe)
Stackable
Yes
Insulated Container
Insulated containers are designed to regulate and maintain internal temperature and protect perishable goods from extreme heat or cold during long-distance transportation.
The insulating material used in these containers helps create a barrier between the cargo and external weather conditions. This ensures that goods remain fresh and intact throughout the journey.
Purpose
Insulated containers maintain a specific temperature range for items that need to be protected from extreme temperature fluctuations, such as fruits, vegetables, pharmaceuticals and other sensitive products.
In addition to thermal protection, insulated containers also provide corrosion protection that protects against moisture and humidity inside the container.
Dimensions
20 ft: 20 feet x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (6.06 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
40 ft: 40 feet x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (12.19 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
Tare weight
20 ft: 2,650 kgs (5,842 lbs)
40 ft: 4,800 kgs (10,582 lbs)
Payload Capacity
20 ft: 21,350 kgs (47,070 lbs)
40 ft: 27,700 kgs (61,070 lbs)
Cubic Capacity
20 ft: 27.4 m³ (970 cu ft)
40 ft: 59.18 m³ (2,090 cu ft)
Stackable
No
Ventilated Container
The ventilated container is designed to allow air to circulate inside the container, making it ideal for transporting goods that require good ventilation.
The specially designed walls are equipped with small openings or vents through which air can flow, keeping the contents ventilated but protected from external elements. This ensures that the goods remain in optimal condition during transport.
They are usually made of strong steel or corrosion-resistant materials to withstand long-distance transport and protect the cargo.
Purpose
When shipping perishable goods, it’s crucial to choose the right container, one that provides temperature control and ventilation.
This type of container is equipped with ventilation systems and is commonly used for shipping products that require constant airflow, such as fresh produce, flowers, coffee and other perishables.
Dimensions
20 ft: 20 feet x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (6.06 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
40 ft: 40 feet x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (12.19 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
Tare weight
20 ft: 2,300 kg (5,070 lbs)
40 ft: 3,750 kg (8,268 lbs)
Payload Capacity
20 ft: 25,000 kg (55,115 lbs)
40 ft: 27,600 kg (60,847 lbs)
Cubic Capacity
20 ft: 33.2 m³ (1,172 cu ft)
40 ft: 67.7 m³ (2,390 cu ft)
Stackable
Yes
Half-Height Container
The half-height container is designed with a reduced height, usually half that of a standard container, and is often used to transport heavy bulk cargo.
Made of sturdy steel and reinforced with corrosion-resistant materials, half-height containers guarantee durability even when exposed to harsh weather conditions or rough handling.
Thanks to their compact size, they can fit into tight spaces. This makes them a great choice for intermodal transport, where efficient use of space is key.
Purpose
These specialised containers are designed to accommodate goods that need to be particularly stable, such as construction materials, coal and heavy goods that can be loaded from the top.
With a lower centre of gravity, these containers ensure stability during transport and minimise the risk of the cargo shifting or tipping over.
Exterior dimensions
20 ft: 20 ft x 8 ft x 4 ft (6.06 m x 2.44 m x 1.22 m)
40 ft: 40 ft x 8 ft x 4 ft (12.19 m x 2.44 m x 1.22 m)
Interior dimensions
20 ft: 18 ft 10 in x 7 ft 7 in x 3 ft 6 in (5.74 m x 2.31 m x 1.07 m)
40 ft: 38 ft 10 in x 7 ft 7 in x 3 ft 6 in (11.84 m x 2.31 m x 1.07 m)
Tare weight
20 ft: 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs)
40 ft: 4,200 kg (9,260 lbs)
Payload Capacity
20 ft: 20,000 kg (44,092 lbs)
40 ft: 35,800 kg (78,926 lbs)
Cubic Capacity
20 ft: 15.5 m³ (548 cu fe)
40 ft: 31.3 m³ (1,106 cu fe)
Stackable
Yes
Swap Body Container
The swap body container has a removable chassis that allows for easy loading and unloading of goods. Thanks to its design, it can be easily transferred between different modes of transport, such as road and rail.
Made of sturdy steel or corrosion-resistant materials, it ensures the safety of cargo in transit.
Due to its unique design and functionality, the swap body has become an essential part of many supply chains worldwide.
Purpose
With its flexible dimensions, it can handle larger items that may not fit into standard shipping containers. This makes it perfect for transporting construction materials or other bulky goods.
It is a particularly good choice for intermodal transport and logistics operations where cargo needs to be seamlessly transferred between different transport systems.
Dimensions
20 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (6.06 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
Tare weight
2,500 kg to 4,500 kg (approx 5,511 lbs to 9,920 lbs)
Payload Capacity
16,000 kg to 22,000 kg (approx 35,274 lbs to 48,502 lbs)
Cubic Capacity
16 to 25 m³ (approx 565 to 883 cu fe)
Stackable
Yes
Car Carrier Container
The car carrier container is an essential part of the global car trade and provides the highest level of security throughout the journey. It comes in different sizes to accommodate different types and quantities of vehicles.
These containers have secure lashing systems, ventilation systems to prevent condensation and built-in ramps or hydraulic lifts to facilitate loading and unloading.
Purpose
The car carrier container is widely used in the automotive industry to transport cars, trucks and other wheeled vehicles. It enables the vehicles to be driven up and down ramps.
Dimensions
20 ft: 20 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (6.1 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
40 ft: 40 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (12.2 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
Tare weight
20 ft: 4,000 to 5,000 kg
40 ft: 5,000 to 6,000 kg
Payload Capacity
20 ft: 20,000 kg
40 ft: 27,000 kg
Cubic Capacity
20 ft: 37.2 m³ (1,312 cu ft)
40 ft: 74.2 m³ (2,620 cu ft)
Stackable
Yes
Pro tip: Shippers need to know exactly when their cargo will arrive at its destination. It means they can better serve their customers and better plan their manufacturing processes, knowing when their spare parts will arrive.
That’s why we tried to pinpoint the biggest benefit of MarineTraffic solutions for shippers in the automotive industry.
Ioanna Babali, Product Marketing Manager at MarineTraffic, said, “It’s very important for [shippers], mainly in the automotive industry, to have this planning, because it’s very expensive for them to stop production because they don’t have a spare part…So for them, it’s really important to be able to predict exactly when their shipment will arrive at the port. This is the main benefit, I believe.”
Hanging Garment Container
The hanging garment container has a unique design that allows garments to be suspended on hangers, like in a closet.
In addition, these containers are equipped with proper ventilation systems that ensure adequate air circulation inside. This prevents moisture from accumulating and keeps the clothes fresh during transport.
They can even be equipped with additional features, such as temperature control options for transporting perishable goods like fur coats or wedding dresses.
Purpose
Equipped with garment hanging systems, such as rails or hooks, this particular type of shipping container is specifically designed to transport garments without wrinkling or damaging them.
These containers are widely used by garment manufacturers, retailers and fashion brands that need to transport garments over long distances.
Dimensions
20 ft: 20 ft x 8 ft x 7 ft 6 in (6.06 m x 2.44 m x 2.29 m)
40 ft: 40 ft x 8 ft x 7 ft 6 in (12.19 m x 2.44 m x 2.39 m)
Tare weight
20 ft: 2,300 kg (5,071.5 lbs)
40 ft: 3,750 kg (8,268.8 lbs)
Payload Capacity
20 ft: 28,180 kg (62,137 lbs)
40 ft: 28,750 kg (63,394 lbs)
Cubic Capacity
20 ft: 33.2 m³ (1,172 cu ft)
40 ft: 67.7 m³ (2,390 cu ft)
Stackable
Yes
Drums
Drums are cylindrical containers made of durable materials such as steel or plastic that come in a variety of sizes. They are commonly used for transporting liquid materials, chemicals and even hazardous materials.
Not only are drums stackable and easy to handle with proper lifting equipment, but they also protect against leaks or spills.
With their sturdy construction and secure lids, drums are a reliable solution for storing and transporting various types of cargo across continents.
Purpose
Drums are ideal for transporting industrial chemicals, petroleum products or even food-grade liquids. Their design ensures that the contents remain safe and intact throughout the journey.
They are also widely used in industries such as oil and gas exploration, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and manufacturing.
Dimensions
20 ft x 8 ft x 8 ft 6 in (6.06 m x 2.44 m x 2.59 m)
Tare weight
3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)
Payload Capacity
24,000 kg (52,911 lbs)
Cubic Capacity
Approx. 68 to 90 m³ (2,400.748 to 3,178.027 cu fe).
Stackable
Yes
Track Any Container with MarineTraffic
In the maritime world, data-driven decisions are critical. Good communication between all parties involved in a shipment can help ensure that everything runs smoothly, every single time.
That’s where MarineTraffic comes in.
Book a free 1-on-1 demo with one of our experts and discover how you can track every container with AIS Data Services. Get the most comprehensive coverage and rely on the best ship visibility no matter where they sail.
