In the world of international logistics, containers play a crucial role in transporting goods efficiently across the globe. These steel boxes, designed to hold and protect products during transportation, come in various shapes and sizes, each suited to specific needs. The right type of container in shipping ensures the safety of the cargo, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery. With different types of shipping containers available, choosing the correct one for your shipment is crucial to the success of any trade or transport operation.
Explore 10 Popular Types of Containers Used in Shipping
In this blog, we’ll get to know about different types of containers used in shipment, their features, and how to choose the right one for your cargo. We’ll also dive into frequently asked questions to help you make informed decisions when using container transport services.
1. Dry Storage Containers
Dry storage containers are the most used type of shipping container. These standard containers are perfect for general cargo that does not require refrigeration or temperature control. They are airtight, providing protection from dust, moisture, and other environmental factors. Typically made of steel, they come in various sizes, with the most common being 20ft and 40ft.
These containers are versatile and used for transporting a wide variety of goods, from clothing to electronics, across Ocean freighting services. With a strong structure, they are also stackable and easy to transport.
2. Flat Rack Container
A flat rack container is designed with no sides or roof, providing a solid base for cargo that is too large or heavy to fit in a regular container. These containers are ideal for shipping oversized goods, such as machinery, vehicles, and construction materials. Special equipment containers like flat racks allow items to be loaded easily from all sides, which is particularly useful for large or oddly shaped items.
Flat rack containers are often used for container transport via sea and rail. Because they lack a roof, cargo must be secured properly to prevent damage during transit.
3. Open-top Container
An open-top container is a type of container that offers the flexibility to load goods from the top, which is particularly useful for items that cannot be loaded through the doors of a standard container. This type of shipping container is commonly used for shipping bulky or tall cargo, such as machinery or scrap metal, that exceeds the height of a traditional container.
With a removable tarpaulin cover or hardtop, these containers provide a high level of protection from the elements during transit.
4. Tunnel Container
Tunnel containers are designed with doors at both ends, making it easier to load and unload goods from either side. This design enhances the efficiency of container transport, especially in busy ports or warehouses. Tunnel containers are especially useful for shipping long items that need to be loaded from both ends, such as pipes or construction materials.
With their easy accessibility, tunnel containers offer greater flexibility compared to standard containers, allowing for faster and more efficient operations.
5. Open-side Storage Container
An open-side storage container is a container with doors on the side instead of the typical end. This design allows for larger and more diverse cargo to be loaded and unloaded with ease. It’s a great choice when dealing with wide or long items, such as furniture or pallets.
The open-side design also improves the efficiency of loading and unloading processes. These containers are ideal for businesses that need frequent access to the cargo while it’s in transit.
6. Double Doors Container
Double doors container is essentially a standard dry storage container but with doors on both ends, allowing for easier loading and unloading. This makes it particularly useful when the container is handled multiple times, such as in warehouses or when shipping goods that need to be accessed from both sides.
These containers are often used in industries where quick access to cargo is essential. Double door containers are common for custom shipping containers solutions, providing flexibility for operations in both sea and land transport.
7. Refrigerated ISO Containers
Refrigerated ISO containers, also known as reefer containers, are used for transporting temperature-sensitive goods, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. These containers are equipped with cooling systems that maintain a specific temperature throughout the journey, whether by sea, land, or air.
Types of reefer container vary in terms of temperature range, from those designed for frozen goods to those suitable for chilled products. Reefer containers are indispensable for businesses involved in international shipping of perishable goods.
8. Insulated or Thermal Containers
Insulated or thermal containers are designed to maintain a consistent internal temperature without the use of a refrigeration system. These containers are perfect for transporting goods that require protection from extreme heat or cold but do not need the intense cooling provided by refrigerated containers.
They are commonly used for air cargo container types where maintaining stable temperature conditions are necessary for products like pharmaceuticals, electronics, or food. The thermal insulation reduces the impact of external temperatures on the contents.
9. Cargo Storage Roll Container
A cargo storage roll container is a mobile, foldable container used mainly in warehouses and retail environments. These containers are ideal for transporting smaller items, such as parcels or goods for distribution. Their wheels allow for easy movement, while their collapsible design saves space when not in use.
Often used for last-mile delivery, roll containers are particularly useful for businesses that deal with high volumes of goods requiring frequent handling.
10. Half-height Container
A half-height container is a shorter version of the standard dry container. These containers are typically used to transport heavier items, such as construction materials, scrap metal, or machinery parts. Their reduced height makes them easier to load and unload compared to full-height containers.
These containers offer a practical solution for industries dealing with dense or heavy goods that don’t require a full-sized container.
How to Choose the Right Type of Container
When deciding from different types of shipping containers, there are several factors to consider:
- Cargo Type: Consider the nature of your cargo. For perishable goods, opt for refrigerated ISO containers or insulated containers. For heavy or oversized cargo, flat rack containers or open-top containers are ideal.
- Access Requirements: If you need to access your goods frequently, choose a double door container or open-side storage container.
- Destination: Depending on whether your cargo is being transported by sea, land, or air, choose a container that suits your transport needs. Air cargo container types are specialized for air transport, while ocean freighting services use containers designed for sea travel.
- Security: Ensure the container offers adequate security for your goods. Dry storage and insulated containers provide good protection against theft and damage.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a container that best fits your needs, ensuring safe and efficient delivery.
Conclusion
Shipping containers come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate many needs of international trade. Whether you’re shipping standard goods, perishables, or oversized machinery, understanding different types of shipping containers available and how to choose the right one for your needs is essential for ensuring your cargo reaches its destination safely and efficiently.
Investing in the right type of container in shipping can save you time, money, and hassle. With the variety of options available, from special equipment containers to cargo storage roll containers, you can find the perfect solution to meet your shipping requirements.
Type of Container in Shipping – FAQs
Q1. What is a dry storage container?A dry storage container is a standard shipping container used for transporting general cargo that does not require temperature control.
Flat rack containers are used for shipping oversized or heavy cargo, such as machinery or vehicles.
An open-top container has a cover that can be removed, while a flat rack container has no sides or roof, ideal for large items.
Perishable goods, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, often require refrigerated ISO containers.
An insulated container is designed to protect cargo from extreme temperatures without using refrigeration.
Double door containers are used for easy access to cargo from both sides, often used for quick loading and unloading.
Types of reefer container include those designed for frozen goods and those for chilled items.
These are mobile, collapsible containers used mainly in warehouses for transporting smaller items.
These are containers designed for transporting specialized cargo, such as flat racks or refrigerated units.
For air transport, air cargo container types such as unit load devices (ULDs) are used to ensure efficient loading and safety of the goods.
