11 Types of Shipping Containers & Applications (Ultimate Guide)

1. Standard（Dry Storage) Container

Definition: Standard containers, also known as dry containers, are the most commonly used type of container. They are typically made from steel or aluminum and designed for general-purpose shipping and storage. These weatherproof containers protect goods from external elements like rain, dust, and wind.

• Applications: Standard containers are ideal for transporting and storing a wide range of non-perishable goods, including textiles, electronics, machinery, and manufactured products. They can also be modified for custom uses, such as converting them into mobile offices, pop-up shops, or homes.
• Sizes: Available in 20ft and 40ft lengths.

2. High Cube Container

Definition: A High Cube container is similar to a standard container but offers an extra foot of height, providing more internal space. High Cube containers are available in 40ft and 45ft lengths, making them suitable for bulky cargo that needs more headroom.

• Applications: High Cube containers are used for transporting oversized or lightweight goods that take up more space but don’t necessarily weigh more. They are commonly used in industries such as furniture, machinery, and for shipping large quantities of textiles or electronics. High Cube containers are also popular for container conversions, as the extra height makes them ideal for residential or commercial building projects.

3. Reefer Container

Definition: A Reefer container, short for refrigerated container, is a container equipped with a built-in refrigeration unit. This unit controls the temperature inside the container, making it suitable for transporting perishable goods.

• Applications: Reefer containers are commonly used in industries that deal with food products, pharmaceuticals, and any goods that need to be kept at a consistent temperature during transportation or storage. This includes fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, and frozen foods.
• Temperature Range: Reefer containers can maintain temperatures between -30°C and 30°C, depending on the cargo’s requirements.

4. Double Door Container

Definition: Double Door containers have doors on both ends of the container, offering convenient access for loading and unloading. The dual-opening design makes it easier to handle oversized items and enables faster, more flexible access to goods.

• Applications: Double Door containers are particularly useful for transporting vehicles, large equipment, or industrial machines that are difficult to load from one end. They are also popular in construction and retail industries for easy access to goods from both sides.

5. Open Top Container

Definition: Open-top containers feature a removable roof, allowing cargo to be loaded from the top. This makes them ideal for transporting goods that are too large or irregularly shaped to be loaded through standard doors.

• Applications: Open Top containers are used in industries that deal with heavy machinery, construction materials, and oversized equipment. Examples include large pipes, machinery, and other goods that may not fit through the standard container doors. The roof is usually covered with a tarpaulin to protect the cargo from environmental exposure.

6. Flat Rack Container

Definition: Flat Rack containers are specifically designed for heavy or oversized cargo. These containers have collapsible sides and no roof, allowing goods to be loaded from the top or sides. They are ideal for large, bulky items that cannot be accommodated by traditional containers.

• Applications: Commonly used for shipping large machinery, vehicles, pipes, boats, or construction equipment, Flat Rack containers can handle extremely heavy loads and irregularly shaped goods.

7. Side Door Container

Definition: Side Door containers have an additional door along the side, allowing for easier loading and unloading, especially for oversized or long items.

• Applications: Side Door containers are useful for industries that need quick access to goods, such as in retail or construction. They are especially beneficial when you need to access cargo from the side without having to remove other items.