How Many Types of Shipping Containers are There?
Shipping containers transformed global trade when they were introduced in the 1960s. Today, they are used for far more than ocean freight. Businesses rely on them for international shipping, domestic transport, storage, construction, and specialized cargo handling.
So, how many types of shipping containers are there?
There are more than 10 major types of shipping containers, each designed for specific cargo, weight requirements, or loading conditions. The most common are standard dry containers, refrigerated containers, open-top containers, flat rack containers, tank containers, and bulk containers.
Below is a complete breakdown of the most common shipping container types and what they’re used for.
Standard Shipping Containers (Dry Containers)
Standard containers, often called dry containers or dry vans, are the most widely used type in the world.
Common sizes:
- 20-foot container
- 40-foot container
- 40-foot high cube container (extra height)
These containers are fully enclosed with solid steel walls and a single set of cargo doors at one end. Some configurations include double doors for easier access.
Best for:
- General cargo
- Furniture
- Machinery
- Consumer goods
- Building materials
High cube containers provide about one additional foot of height, making them ideal for bulky items or lightweight cargo that requires extra vertical space.
Refrigerated Containers (Reefers)
Refrigerated shipping containers, known as reefers, include built-in temperature control systems. They can maintain cargo at precise temperature ranges, from deep freeze to chilled conditions.
Best for:
- Food and beverages
- Frozen goods
- Flowers
- Pharmaceuticals
- Chemicals requiring temperature control
Reefer containers are essential for cold chain logistics. They connect to power sources during transport and storage to maintain consistent internal temperatures.
Insulated Containers
Insulated containers are similar to refrigerated units but do not have an active cooling system. Instead, they use insulated walls to minimize temperature fluctuations.
Best for:
- Temperature-sensitive goods that do not require active refrigeration
- Products needing protection from extreme heat or cold
- Short-distance shipping in moderate climates
These are often used when temperature stabilization is necessary but precise climate control is not required.
Open Top Containers
Open-top containers are designed for cargo that cannot fit through standard container doors. Instead of a fixed steel roof, they feature a removable hard top or heavy-duty tarpaulin cover.
Best for:
- Tall machinery
- Large industrial equipment
- Scrap metal
- Construction materials
Cargo is typically loaded from above using a crane. The top covering is secured tightly once loading is complete.
Side Opening Containers
Side-opening containers provide full side access in addition to standard end doors. The entire side wall can swing open.
Best for:
- Oversized pallets
- Wide cargo
- Retail storage
- Construction site access
These containers make loading and unloading much easier when forklifts are required or when cargo cannot be maneuvered through standard end doors.
Flat Rack Containers
Flat rack containers have no side walls and sometimes no end walls. They consist of a strong base platform with collapsible ends.
Best for:
- Vehicles
- Boats
- Tractors
- Heavy equipment
- Industrial machinery
Because they lack side walls, flat racks allow cargo to extend beyond the container footprint when necessary. They are commonly used for oversized or irregularly shaped loads.
Tank Containers
Tank containers are cylindrical tanks mounted inside a steel frame that matches standard container dimensions.
Best for:
- Liquids
- Chemicals
- Oils
- Food-grade liquids
- Hazardous materials
They allow smaller quantities of liquid cargo to be transported without requiring a full tanker vessel or truck.
Bulk Containers
Bulk containers are specifically designed to transport dry bulk cargo. They feature loading hatches on top and discharge hatches at the bottom.
Best for:
- Grain
- Fertilizer
- Powders
- Aggregates
- Food-grade dry materials
These containers simplify loading and unloading loose materials while maintaining standard shipping dimensions.
Half-Height Containers
Half-height containers are shorter than standard containers and are built for extremely heavy cargo.
Best for:
- Coal
- Stones
- Minerals
- Heavy industrial materials
Because shipping containers have strict weight limits, half-height units allow dense cargo to remain within legal transport limits while maximizing structural safety.
Double Door Containers (Tunnel Containers)
Tunnel containers have cargo doors at both ends, making loading and unloading faster and more flexible.
Best for:
- Projects requiring quick access
- Retail setups
- Construction sites
- Temporary storage solutions
They are especially useful when containers are placed in tight areas where maneuvering space is limited.
High Cube Containers
High cube containers are available in 40-foot and sometimes 45-foot lengths. They offer approximately one additional foot of interior height compared to standard containers.
Best for:
- Lightweight bulky cargo
- Storage conversions
- Modular construction
- Container offices
This extra height can make a significant difference when maximizing interior volume.
Quick Comparison: Main Types of Shipping Containers
| Container Type | Primary Use | Special Feature |
| Standard Dry Container | General cargo | Fully enclosed |
| High Cube Container | Bulky cargo | Extra height |
| Refrigerated Container | Temperature-sensitive goods | Active cooling |
| Insulated Container | Climate protection | Insulated walls |
| Open Top Container | Tall cargo | Removable roof |
| Side Opening Container | Wide cargo | Full side access |
| Flat Rack Container | Oversized equipment | No side walls |
| Tank Container | Liquids and chemicals | Cylindrical tank |
| Bulk Container | Loose dry materials | Top-loading hatch |
| Half-Height Container | Heavy materials | Reduced height |
FAQs About Shipping Container Types
What is the most common type of shipping container?
The 20-foot and 40-foot standard dry containers are the most commonly used worldwide.
How many shipping container sizes are there?
The most common lengths are 20 feet and 40 feet, but high cube and specialty sizes are also available.
What type of container is used for refrigerated goods?
Refrigerated containers, or reefers, are specifically designed for temperature-controlled shipping.
Which container is used for oversized cargo?
Flat rack and open top containers are typically used for oversized or irregularly shaped cargo.
Choosing the Right Shipping Container
Selecting the correct container depends on several factors:
- Cargo dimensions
- Weight
- Temperature requirements
- Loading method
- Transportation distance
- Regulatory considerations
Using the wrong type can increase costs, risk cargo damage, or complicate logistics.
If you are unsure which shipping container fits your needs, working with an experienced container provider can save time and prevent expensive mistakes.
Get Expert Help Selecting Your Shipping Container
Not sure which type of shipping container is right for your cargo or project?
Transocean Equipment Management can help you evaluate your shipping requirements and choose the most cost-effective and practical solution.
Call us today for a free quote and expert guidance.
