{"id":4664,"date":"2025-08-03T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-03T11:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/?p=4664"},"modified":"2026-05-11T10:50:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T07:20:40","slug":"types-of-shipping-containers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/en\/blog\/types-of-shipping-containers\/","title":{"rendered":"Types of Shipping Containers"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 lang=\"en\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\">Types of Shipping Containers and Their Applications in International Transport<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n<p lang=\"en\">In the cargo transportation process, selecting the appropriate container is one of the most critical operational decisions. The choice of container directly affects cargo safety, delivery efficiency, and overall logistics costs. Selecting the correct container ensures that cargo reaches its destination securely while optimizing handling operations and minimizing transportation expenses.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Shipping containers are manufactured in a wide range of designs and dimensions, each developed to accommodate specific cargo types and load volumes. In this guide, we review the main types of maritime containers used in international shipping to help shippers select the most suitable option for their cargo.<\/p>\n<h2 lang=\"en\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Types of Maritime Shipping Containers<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p lang=\"en\">Containers are engineered in various configurations and functional designs. Some are optimized for temperature\u2011sensitive goods, others for heavy industrial machinery, and some for transporting live animals. Below we examine the key characteristics of each container type and the types of cargo they are best suited to carry.<\/p>\n<h3 lang=\"en\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Dry Container<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p lang=\"en\">Dry containers are among the most widely used units in maritime shipping. They feature a fully enclosed and sealed structure designed to protect cargo from environmental factors such as water ingress, humidity, dust, and weather fluctuations.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">The walls and roof of these containers are typically constructed from high\u2011strength steel or aluminum, providing strong resistance to mechanical impact, pressure, and corrosion.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Dry containers are generally available in <strong>20\u2011foot and 40\u2011foot standard sizes<\/strong> and are used to transport a broad range of <strong>dry, packaged cargo that does not require temperature control<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 lang=\"en\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Refrigerated Container (Reefer Container)<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p lang=\"en\">Refrigerated containers resemble standard dry containers in appearance but are equipped with an <strong>integrated refrigeration unit and precise temperature control system<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Their structure is typically made of <strong>Corten or self\u2011protecting steel<\/strong> with thermal insulation to maintain stable internal temperatures. Reefer containers are designed for transporting <strong>perishable and temperature\u2011sensitive cargo<\/strong>, including food products, pharmaceuticals, and certain chemicals.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Reefer containers can generally be categorized into <strong>three types based on cooling capacity and temperature range<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul lang=\"en\">\n<li><strong>Standard reefer containers<\/strong>, capable of maintaining temperatures between <strong>\u201125\u00b0C and +25\u00b0C<\/strong>, commonly used for transporting semi\u2011sensitive food and pharmaceutical products.<\/li>\n<li><strong>High\u2011capacity refrigerated containers<\/strong>, capable of maintaining temperatures down to <strong>\u201135\u00b0C<\/strong>, typically used for transporting frozen meat products and specialized frozen cargo.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Super freezer containers<\/strong>, capable of maintaining temperatures as low as <strong>\u201170\u00b0C<\/strong>, primarily used for transporting <strong>medical samples, vaccines, and sensitive biological materials<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 lang=\"en\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">ISO Tank Container<\/span><\/h3>\n<p lang=\"en\">ISO tank containers are specifically designed for the transportation of <strong>liquids and gases<\/strong>. Their construction utilizes <strong>high\u2011grade stainless steel and corrosion\u2011resistant alloys<\/strong>, ensuring durability when transporting chemical, petroleum, or corrosive substances.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Inside the frame of the container is a <strong>cylindrical tank<\/strong> that holds the liquid or gaseous cargo.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">According to safety standards, the tank is typically filled to <strong>only 80\u201395% of its total capacity<\/strong>, allowing sufficient expansion space for gases and minimizing the risk of leakage or pressure\u2011related accidents.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">The engineering design of ISO tank containers enables the <strong>safe transportation of hazardous and sensitive liquid cargo<\/strong>, even on long maritime routes and under demanding ocean conditions.<\/p>\n<h3 lang=\"en\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Open Top Container<\/span><\/h3>\n<p lang=\"en\">Open top containers do not have a rigid steel roof. Cargo loading is usually performed <strong>from above using cranes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">These containers are particularly suitable for transporting <strong>oversized industrial equipment or cargo with excessive height<\/strong> that cannot be loaded through standard container doors.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">If necessary, the container can be covered with a <strong>tarpaulin (tarp) sheet<\/strong> to protect cargo from rain, direct sunlight, or dust.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Additionally, <strong>lashing rings<\/strong> are installed along the container walls to secure cargo and maintain load stability during transportation.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2562 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Farryn-blog-\u0645\u0639\u0631\u0641\u06cc-\u0627\u0646\u0648\u0627\u0639-\u06a9\u0627\u0646\u062a\u06cc\u0646\u0631-\u0648-\u06a9\u0627\u0631\u0628\u0631\u062f-\u0622\u0646_\u0647\u0627-040512-dakheli3-FN.webp\" alt=\"Types of shipping containers\" width=\"475\" height=\"273\" srcset=\"https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Farryn-blog-\u0645\u0639\u0631\u0641\u06cc-\u0627\u0646\u0648\u0627\u0639-\u06a9\u0627\u0646\u062a\u06cc\u0646\u0631-\u0648-\u06a9\u0627\u0631\u0628\u0631\u062f-\u0622\u0646_\u0647\u0627-040512-dakheli3-FN.webp 475w, https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Farryn-blog-\u0645\u0639\u0631\u0641\u06cc-\u0627\u0646\u0648\u0627\u0639-\u06a9\u0627\u0646\u062a\u06cc\u0646\u0631-\u0648-\u06a9\u0627\u0631\u0628\u0631\u062f-\u0622\u0646_\u0647\u0627-040512-dakheli3-FN-300x172.webp 300w, https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Farryn-blog-\u0645\u0639\u0631\u0641\u06cc-\u0627\u0646\u0648\u0627\u0639-\u06a9\u0627\u0646\u062a\u06cc\u0646\u0631-\u0648-\u06a9\u0627\u0631\u0628\u0631\u062f-\u0622\u0646_\u0647\u0627-040512-dakheli3-FN-130x75.webp 130w\" sizes=\"(max-width:767px) 475px, 475px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 lang=\"en\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Flat Rack Container<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p lang=\"en\">Flat rack containers are designed for transporting <strong>oversized or irregularly shaped cargo<\/strong> that cannot fit within conventional container structures.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">These containers do not have a roof or side walls. The <strong>end walls at both sides are short and foldable<\/strong>, allowing greater flexibility in cargo handling.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Flat racks feature a <strong>reinforced base structure capable of supporting extremely heavy loads<\/strong>. Cargo can be loaded either <strong>from the top or from the sides<\/strong>, making them ideal for transporting:<\/p>\n<ul lang=\"en\">\n<li>Heavy machinery<\/li>\n<li>Construction equipment<\/li>\n<li>Long pipes<\/li>\n<li>Boats<\/li>\n<li>Large steel structures<\/li>\n<li>Wide or high\u2011profile cargo units<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p lang=\"en\">Their open design provides maximum flexibility for transporting <strong>out\u2011of\u2011gauge (OOG) cargo<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2558 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Farryn-blog-\u0645\u0639\u0631\u0641\u06cc-\u0627\u0646\u0648\u0627\u0639-\u06a9\u0627\u0646\u062a\u06cc\u0646\u0631-\u0648-\u06a9\u0627\u0631\u0628\u0631\u062f-\u0622\u0646_\u0647\u0627-040512-dakheli2-FN.webp\" alt=\"Flat Rack Container\" width=\"475\" height=\"273\" srcset=\"https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Farryn-blog-\u0645\u0639\u0631\u0641\u06cc-\u0627\u0646\u0648\u0627\u0639-\u06a9\u0627\u0646\u062a\u06cc\u0646\u0631-\u0648-\u06a9\u0627\u0631\u0628\u0631\u062f-\u0622\u0646_\u0647\u0627-040512-dakheli2-FN.webp 475w, https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Farryn-blog-\u0645\u0639\u0631\u0641\u06cc-\u0627\u0646\u0648\u0627\u0639-\u06a9\u0627\u0646\u062a\u06cc\u0646\u0631-\u0648-\u06a9\u0627\u0631\u0628\u0631\u062f-\u0622\u0646_\u0647\u0627-040512-dakheli2-FN-300x172.webp 300w, https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Farryn-blog-\u0645\u0639\u0631\u0641\u06cc-\u0627\u0646\u0648\u0627\u0639-\u06a9\u0627\u0646\u062a\u06cc\u0646\u0631-\u0648-\u06a9\u0627\u0631\u0628\u0631\u062f-\u0622\u0646_\u0647\u0627-040512-dakheli2-FN-130x75.webp 130w\" sizes=\"(max-width:767px) 475px, 475px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 lang=\"en\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Double Door Container (Tunnel Container)<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p lang=\"en\">Double door containers\u2014also referred to as <strong>tunnel containers<\/strong>\u2014feature doors at <strong>both ends of the container<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">This design is particularly advantageous for loading and unloading <strong>long cargo items<\/strong> such as steel beams, pipes, profiles, and metal construction materials.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Since cargo can be accessed from both ends, handling operations become <strong>faster and more efficient<\/strong>, especially for heavy or elongated shipments. However, one side can also remain closed, allowing the container to function similarly to a standard unit.<\/p>\n<h3 lang=\"en\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Open Side Container<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p lang=\"en\">Open side containers feature <strong>side panels that open fully<\/strong>, providing access to the entire internal space.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Certain cargo types\u2014such as <strong>large industrial components, cabinetry, or oversized shelving units<\/strong>\u2014can be difficult to load through conventional front doors. The open\u2011side design simplifies loading and unloading operations for these types of shipments.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Structurally, these containers are similar to standard containers but provide <strong>greater operational flexibility during cargo handling<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2560 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Farryn-blog-\u0645\u0639\u0631\u0641\u06cc-\u0627\u0646\u0648\u0627\u0639-\u06a9\u0627\u0646\u062a\u06cc\u0646\u0631-\u0648-\u06a9\u0627\u0631\u0628\u0631\u062f-\u0622\u0646_\u0647\u0627-040512-dakheli-FN.webp\" alt=\"Open Side Container\" width=\"475\" height=\"273\" srcset=\"https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Farryn-blog-\u0645\u0639\u0631\u0641\u06cc-\u0627\u0646\u0648\u0627\u0639-\u06a9\u0627\u0646\u062a\u06cc\u0646\u0631-\u0648-\u06a9\u0627\u0631\u0628\u0631\u062f-\u0622\u0646_\u0647\u0627-040512-dakheli-FN.webp 475w, https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Farryn-blog-\u0645\u0639\u0631\u0641\u06cc-\u0627\u0646\u0648\u0627\u0639-\u06a9\u0627\u0646\u062a\u06cc\u0646\u0631-\u0648-\u06a9\u0627\u0631\u0628\u0631\u062f-\u0622\u0646_\u0647\u0627-040512-dakheli-FN-300x172.webp 300w, https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Farryn-blog-\u0645\u0639\u0631\u0641\u06cc-\u0627\u0646\u0648\u0627\u0639-\u06a9\u0627\u0646\u062a\u06cc\u0646\u0631-\u0648-\u06a9\u0627\u0631\u0628\u0631\u062f-\u0622\u0646_\u0647\u0627-040512-dakheli-FN-130x75.webp 130w\" sizes=\"(max-width:767px) 475px, 475px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 lang=\"en\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Insulated Container<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p lang=\"en\">Insulated containers do not have an active refrigeration or heating system. Instead, their <strong>thermally insulated walls reduce rapid temperature fluctuations<\/strong> during transit.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">A <strong>mechanical compressor system<\/strong> may be used to help maintain temperature stability, making these containers suitable for <strong>short\u2011distance routes or cargo with moderate temperature sensitivity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Certain chemicals and products that require <strong>temperature stability but not extreme cooling<\/strong> are commonly transported using insulated containers.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">These containers are typically available in <strong>20\u2011foot sizes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 lang=\"en\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Ventilated Container<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p lang=\"en\">Ventilated containers are equipped with <strong>air vents integrated into the walls or roof<\/strong>, enabling natural air circulation inside the container.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Some commodities require continuous airflow to prevent <strong>mold growth, moisture accumulation, or spoilage<\/strong> during transport. Examples include:<\/p>\n<ul lang=\"en\">\n<li>Coffee beans<\/li>\n<li>Cocoa<\/li>\n<li>Tea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p lang=\"en\">Ventilated containers help maintain cargo quality throughout the shipping journey.<\/p>\n<h3 lang=\"en\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">Special Purpose Container<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p lang=\"en\">Special purpose containers are designed for cargo that <strong>cannot be transported using standard container equipment due to unique dimensions, shapes, or handling requirements<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">These containers are often <strong>custom\u2011built or semi\u2011customized<\/strong> based on the exact characteristics of the cargo. Because of their higher design and manufacturing costs, they are typically used in <strong>large industrial projects or for transporting unique equipment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">One example is the <strong>live animal transport container<\/strong>. These containers are specifically designed with <strong>ventilation systems and sanitation facilities<\/strong> to safely transport animals. Their internal layout reduces animal stress and ensures their well\u2011being during transit.<\/p>\n<h2 lang=\"en\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Container Sizes<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p lang=\"en\">Containers are manufactured in various sizes and capacities to accommodate different cargo volumes and operational requirements.<\/p>\n<h3 lang=\"en\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">20\u2011Foot Container<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p lang=\"en\">A standard <strong>20\u2011foot container<\/strong> typically has:<\/p>\n<ul lang=\"en\">\n<li>Internal length: approximately <strong>8.5 meters<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Internal width: <strong>2.3 meters<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Internal height: <strong>2.2 meters<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p lang=\"en\">Its cargo capacity generally ranges between <strong>21 and 28 tons<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">These containers are commonly used for transporting <strong>dense or heavy cargo that does not occupy large volumes<\/strong>, such as metals, tiles, and ceramic products.<\/p>\n<h3 lang=\"en\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">40\u2011Foot Container<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p lang=\"en\">A <strong>40\u2011foot container<\/strong> has an approximate length of <strong>12 meters<\/strong> and provides significantly more internal volume than the 20\u2011foot model.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Its loading capacity is around <strong>68 cubic meters<\/strong>, making it suitable for transporting <strong>larger and more voluminous cargo<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Most container types\u2014such as <strong>dry containers, reefers, flat racks, open tops, and insulated containers\u2014are available in both 20\u2011foot and 40\u2011foot configurations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 lang=\"en\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">High Cube Containers<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p lang=\"en\">High Cube containers are typically available in <strong>40\u2011foot and occasionally 20\u2011foot sizes<\/strong>. Their primary difference from standard containers is <strong>increased internal height<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">High Cube containers provide approximately <strong>30 centimeters of additional internal height<\/strong>, allowing more efficient loading of bulky cargo.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">They are generally used for <strong>high\u2011volume shipments that are relatively lightweight<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 lang=\"en\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 12pt;\">45\u2011Foot High Cube Container<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p lang=\"en\">The <strong>45\u2011foot High Cube container<\/strong> is longer and taller than the standard 40\u2011foot container.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">Typical specifications include:<\/p>\n<ul lang=\"en\">\n<li>Length: approximately <strong>13.5 meters<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Height: approximately <strong>2.7 meters<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Volume capacity: around <strong>86 cubic meters<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Maximum payload: approximately <strong>27 tons<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p lang=\"en\">These containers are commonly used for <strong>very large or high\u2011volume shipments requiring additional cargo space<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 lang=\"en\"><strong><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Which Container Is Right for Your Shipment?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p lang=\"en\">Now that we have reviewed the different container types, selecting the right container should be based on <strong>cargo weight, volume, cargo characteristics, and transportation conditions<\/strong> to ensure the shipment reaches its destination safely and cost\u2011effectively.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">The correct container choice has a <strong>direct impact on cargo safety, delivery time, and total transportation costs<\/strong>. An incorrect decision can lead to operational delays, cargo damage, or increased logistics expenses.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">The logistics specialists at <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/en\/\">Farryn <\/a>Sahel Arvand<\/strong> possess comprehensive expertise in container equipment, port operations, cargo characteristics, and international shipping routes. They can assist you in selecting the most appropriate container solution for your shipment.<\/p>\n<p lang=\"en\">By contacting our team, you can receive a <strong>reliable, cost\u2011efficient logistics solution tailored to your cargo requirements<\/strong>, ensuring a smooth and hassle\u2011free transportation process.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the cargo transportation process, selecting the appropriate container is one of the most critical operational decisions. The choice of container directly affects cargo safety, delivery efficiency, and overall logistics costs. Selecting the correct container ensures that cargo reaches its destination securely while optimizing handling operations and minimizing transportation expenses. Shipping containers are manufactured in a wide range of designs and dimensions, each developed to accommodate specific cargo types and load volumes. In this guide, we review the main types of maritime containers used in international shipping to help shippers select the most suitable option for their cargo.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":2564,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4664","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-maritime-articles"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4664","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4664"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4664\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2564"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4664"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4664"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farryn-co.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4664"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}