Types of Shipping Containers with Size & Dimensions
Shipping containers have evolved over the years. Now, businesses have started using various types of shipping containers to carry goods beyond borders and facilitate global trade. These containers are built of robust materials to withstand water, wind, theft and other damages. They have a wide range of goods, from liquids to dry goods to heavy machinery.
Types of Shipping Containers with Size & Dimensions
12 Types of Shipping Containers and Their Uses
Explore the various types of shipping containers and their uses. Below, you'll also find detailed information on container types and standard sizes in feet:
i. Standard Dry Containers
Standard dry containers are widely used. These containers can transfer various goods across sea and land without any delays.
Size
20-foot:
External: 20 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (6.06 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m)
Internal: 19 ft 4 in × 7 ft 8 in × 7 ft 10 in (5.89 m × 2.34 m × 2.39 m)
Volume: 1,170 cu ft (33.2 cu m)
40-foot:
External: 40 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m)
Internal: 39 ft 5 in × 7 ft 8 in × 7 ft 10 in (12.03 m × 2.34 m × 2.39 m)
Volume: 2,390 cu ft (67.7 cu m)
Benefits
Weather-resistant steel construction.
Forklift pockets for easy handling.
Secure twist-lock doors.
Suitability
Ideal for dry goods not requiring temperature control, such as electronics, clothing, or packaged foods.
ii. Flat rack container
Flat rack shipping containers are used when it's difficult to transport loads beyond standard dimensions. They are used for irregularly shaped machinery and bulky items.
Size
20-foot:
External: 20 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (6.06 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m)
Internal: 19 ft 8 in × 7 ft 8 in × 7 ft 4 in (6.0 m × 2.34 m × 2.24 m)
No volume due to open design.
40-foot:
External: 40 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m)
Internal: 39 ft 4 in × 7 ft 8 in × 7 ft 4 in (12.0 m × 2.34 m × 2.24 m)
No volume due to open design.
Benefits
Collapsible or fixed end walls for flexible loading.
Strong base with anchorage points for secure transport.
Handles heavy loads up to 45,000 lbs (20,412 kg).
Suitability
Best for bulky items like construction equipment or pipes that exceed standard container dimensions.
iii. Open-top container
Similar in structure to standard dry containers, open-top containers have no solid roof. Instead, they feature a removable tarpaulin cover, allowing easy loading and unloading of cargo from the top—ideal for oversized or awkwardly shaped items.
Size
20-foot:
External: 20 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (6.06 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m)
Internal: 19 ft 4 in × 7 ft 8 in × 7 ft 8 in (5.89 m × 2.34 m × 2.34 m)
Volume: 1,150 cu ft (32.6 cu m)
40-foot:
External: 40 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m)
Internal: 39 ft 5 in × 7 ft 8 in × 7 ft 8 in (12.03 m × 2.34 m × 2.34 m)
Volume: 2,350 cu ft (66.5 cu m)
Benefits
Removable tarpaulin cover protects cargo from the weather.
Standard doors allow rear access if needed.
Supports heavy or oversized loads.
Suitability
Ideal for cargo like timber or machinery requiring top-down loading.
iv. Double door container
For businesses handling palletized goods, double-door containers are the ideal choice. These containers provide easy access from both sides, making it convenient for frequent loading and unloading.
Size
20-foot:
External: 20 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (6.06 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m)
Internal: 19 ft 4 in × 7 ft 8 in × 7 ft 10 in (5.89 m × 2.34 m × 2.39 m)
Door openings (each end): 7 ft 8 in × 7 ft 6 in (2.34 m × 2.29 m)
Volume: 1,170 cu ft (33.2 cu m)
40-foot:
External: 40 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m)
Internal: 39 ft 5 in × 7 ft 8 in × 7 ft 10 in (12.03 m × 2.34 m × 2.39 m)
Door openings (each end): 7 ft 8 in × 7 ft 6 in (2.34 m × 2.29 m)
Volume: 2,390 cu ft (67.7 cu m)
Benefits
Dual access speeds up loading/unloading.
Organises cargo for efficient storage.
Supports heavy machinery like tractors.Â
Suitability
Double-door containers are containers which are preferred for palletised goods or construction materials.Â
High cube container
The high cube containers provide additional height to accommodate tall or stackable goods efficiently.
Size
20-foot:
External: 20 ft × 8 ft × 9 ft 6 in (6.06 m × 2.44 m × 2.90 m)
Internal: 19 ft 4 in × 7 ft 8 in × 8 ft 10 in (5.89 m × 2.34 m × 2.69 m)
Volume: 1,320 cu ft (37.4 cu m)
40-foot:
External: 40 ft × 8 ft × 9 ft 6 in (12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.90 m)
Internal: 39 ft 5 in × 7 ft 8 in × 8 ft 10 in (12.03 m × 2.34 m × 2.69 m)
Volume: 2,690 cu ft (76.2 cu m)
Benefits
1 ft (0.3 m) taller than standard containers.
Maximises vertical storage space.
Compatible with standard handling equipment.
Suitability
Best suited for transporting goods that require furniture, appliances, or lightweight cargo requiring extra height.
vi. Open Side Container
As per the name, these types of shipping containers are open entirely in any one of the long sides. This helps to handle awkward cargo easily.
Size
20-foot:
External: 20 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (6.06 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m)
Internal: 19 ft 4 in × 7 ft 8 in × 7 ft 10 in (5.89 m × 2.34 m × 2.39 m)
Side opening: 19 ft × 7 ft 6 in (5.79 m × 2.29 m)
Volume: 1,170 cu ft (33.2 cu m)
40-foot:
External: 40 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m)
Internal: 39 ft 5 in × 7 ft 8 in × 7 ft 10 in (12.03 m × 2.34 m × 2.39 m)
Side opening: 39 ft × 7 ft 6 in (11.89 m × 2.29 m)
Volume: 2,390 cu ft (67.7 cu m)
Benefits
Full-length side door simplifies loading.
Ideal for forklifts handling wide pallets.
Maintains structural integrity.
Suitability
They are preferred for machinery, furniture, or pallets since full-side access is required to access such goods.
A temperature-controlled container designed for transporting perishable items like food, medicine, and chemicals. It meets ISO standards, making it ideal for global cold chain logistics.
Size
20-foot:
External: 20 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (6.06 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m)
Internal: 17 ft 10 in × 7 ft 6 in × 7 ft 5 in (5.44 m × 2.29 m × 2.26 m)
Volume: 1,000 cu ft (28.3 cu m)
40-foot:
External: 40 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m)
Internal: 37 ft 11 in × 7 ft 6 in × 7 ft 5 in (11.56 m × 2.29 m × 2.26 m)
Volume: 2,100 cu ft (59.5 cu m)
40-foot High Cube:
External: 40 ft × 8 ft × 9 ft 6 in (12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.90 m)
Internal: 37 ft 11 in × 7 ft 6 in × 8 ft 4 in (11.56 m × 2.29 m × 2.54 m)
Volume: 2,380 cu ft (67.4 cu m)
Benefits
Maintains a constant temperature for frozen goods
Fully ISO compliant, making it compatible with all global cargo container types
Common in industries needing high hygiene and freshness standards
Suitability
These are suitable for temperature-sensitive goods like food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. They can maintain a controlled environment over long distances.
viii. Insulated container
An insulated container keeps the inside temperature stable. It helps protect goods from outside heat or cold.
20-foot:
External: 20 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (6.06 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m)
Internal: 18 ft 6 in × 7 ft 6 in × 7 ft 6 in (5.64 m × 2.29 m × 2.29 m)
Volume: 1,050 cu ft (29.7 cu m)
40-foot:
External: 40 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m)
Internal: 38 ft 6 in × 7 ft 6 in × 7 ft 6 in (11.73 m × 2.29 m × 2.29 m)
Volume: 2,200 cu ft (62.3 cu m)
Benefits
Maintains stable internal conditions.
Lightweight compared to reefers.
Cost-effective for short trips.
Suitability
Insulated containers are suitable for short trips. They handle goods that don't need protection from temperature changes.
ix. Half-height container
A half-height container is half the height of a standard container, designed for heavy or bulky goods that don't require full vertical space.
Size
20-foot:
External: 20 ft × 8 ft × 4 ft 3 in (6.06 m × 2.44 m × 1.30 m)
Internal: 19 ft 4 in × 7 ft 8 in × 3 ft 10 in (5.89 m × 2.34 m × 1.17 m)
Volume: 530 cu ft (15.0 cu m)
Benefits
Low centre of gravity for stability.
Open-top option for easy loading.
Handles load up to 60,000 lbs (27,215 kg).
Suitability
Mostly preferred for minerals, ores or construction equipment, which are dense in volume.
x. ISO tank container
An ISO tank container is used to carry liquids, gases, or chemicals. It has a strong steel frame and a tank inside.
Size
20-foot:
External: 20 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (6.06 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m)
Tank capacity: 20,000–26,000 litres (5,280–6,868 gal)
Benefits
Safe for dangerous or valuable liquids
Strong and leak-proof
Fits with standard container handling equipment
Suitability
These containers are ideal for industries that opt for leak-proof cargo transport. They can carry liquids, gases, and chemicals in bulk.Â
xi. Swap body container
A swap body is one of Europe's most common sea container types. It has legs and can be swapped between trucks.Â
23.5-foot (C715):
External: 23 ft 6 in × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (7.15 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m)
Internal: 22 ft 8 in × 7 ft 8 in × 7 ft 10 in (6.91 m × 2.34 m × 2.39 m)
Volume: 1,350 cu ft (38.2 cu m)
24.5-foot (C745):
External: 24 ft 5 in × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (7.45 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m)
Internal: 23 ft 7 in × 7 ft 8 in × 7 ft 10 in (7.21 m × 2.34 m × 2.39 m)
Volume: 1,410 cu ft (39.9 cu m)
Benefits
Legs allow truck-to-truck transfer without cranes.
Larger internal space than standard containers.
Optimises intermodal logistics.
Suitability
They're ideal for fast loading and unloading. They offer more internal space and flexibility compared to standard types of containers.
xii. Special Purpose Containers
These are made for special jobs like transporting animals, weapons, or sensitive equipment.
Size
Vary based on requirements (e.g., 20 ft or 40 ft base with modifications).
Benefits
Can be climate-controlled or heavily secured
Used in defence, science, or special industries
Suitability
Ideal for goods that have extra security, ventilation, or climate control.
The market does offer different types of shipping containers. Knowing your shipping requirements is essential. Let’s understand how you can choose the right container for your shipping business:
Assess Cargo Needs:
Identify cargo type: Perishables need reefers, tall items need open-tops, and heavy goods need flat racks or half-heights.
Measure dimensions and weight to avoid overloading.
Consider environmental requirements, like temperature or ventilation.
Inspect Containers:
Check for structural integrity: no rust, dents, or leaks.
Verify cleanliness, especially for food or pharmaceuticals.
Ensure doors, locks, and seals function properly.
Review Regulations:
Confirm compliance with international standards (e.g., ISO, CSC).
Check customs or safety rules for hazardous goods.
Obtain necessary permits to avoid delays.
Consider Marine Insurance:
Protects against risks like theft, damage, or loss during transit.
Covers weather-related issues or handling errors.
Consult insurers to match coverage to cargo value and route.
How Does Marine Insurance Help Add a Layer of Safety?
International shipping faces risks like storms, accidents, or theft. Marine insurance mitigates these by covering repair or replacement costs for damaged or lost cargo. Marine Policies can include transit, storage, and liability protection, tailored to multiple types of goods. This reduces financial exposure, ensuring businesses can operate confidently across borders.Â
ConclusionÂ
Choosing the right shipping crate ensures goods are handled safely and efficiently. This leads to smoother, more cost-effective transport for businesses. A failed shipping process can cause severe delays, damage cargo, and hurt your business.
Marine Insurance serves as a smart solution to reduce these risks, especially during uncertain times. It helps protect your cargo from damage and delays. If you're looking for tailored marine insurance for your shipments, now is the perfect time to start.Â
Explore customised marine insurance solutions at Policybazaar for Business, designed to keep your cargo secure and your business moving forward.
Disclaimer: Above mentioned insurers are arranged in alphabetical order. Policybazaar.com does not endorse, rate, or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by an insurer.
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*Savings of 42% are based on the comparison between the highest and lowest premiums for a Rs 50 lakh sum insured under Inland Transit Clause B or Institute Cargo Clause B for single transit cover of auto spare parts with shipment type of Inland(Domestic) and road as mode of transport. Premium varies on the basis of Occupancy, Business Activity & Coverage Type By clicking on "View Plans" you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use and also provide us a formal mandate to represent you to the insurer and communicate to you the grant of a cover. The details of insurance coverage, inclusions and exclusions are subject to change as per solutions offered by insurance providers. The content has been curated based on the general practices in the industry. Policybazaar is not responsible for the factual correctness of these details.
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