What are the different types of shipping containers?
There are many different types of shipping containers, each designed for a specific type of cargo, transport requirement or storage situation. The most common container types are standard shipping containers, reefer containers, tank containers, open top containers and flat rack containers.
Alconet Containers sells and supplies these container types worldwide from our depot in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Below you will find an overview of the 5 main types of shipping containers, what they are used for and when each container type is the best choice.
1. Shipping container
The most common type of container is the shipping container, also called a dry van container or dry box. This container type is used for transport by road, rail and sea, and is also widely used as secure storage space.
Standard shipping containers are usually available as 20ft, 40ft and 40ft High Cube containers. The 20ft and 40ft sizes are the most common container dimensions. A High Cube container is slightly higher than a standard shipping container and offers extra internal loading space.
Dry box, dry van container and cargo container are often used as synonyms for a standard shipping container.
2. Reefer container
A reefer container is a refrigerated shipping container used for temperature-controlled transport and storage. Reefer containers are fitted with a cooling unit and are suitable for cargo that must remain chilled, frozen or temperature controlled during transport.
Typical cargo for a reefer container includes vegetables, fruit, dairy, meat, fish, flowers and pharmaceuticals. Read more about what a reefer container is and how a reefer container works.
3. Tank container
Tank containers are used for transporting liquids, gases and chemicals. A tank container consists of a cylindrical tank mounted inside a container frame, making it suitable for intermodal transport by road, rail and sea.
The IMO certification of a tank container determines which type of liquid or chemical can be transported. Because of this, it is important to choose the right tank container for the product, safety requirements and transport regulations.
4. Open top container
Open top containers are designed for cargo that needs to be loaded from above. Instead of a fixed steel roof, an open top container can be covered with a removable tarpaulin.
This container type is especially useful for heavy, tall or irregularly shaped cargo that cannot be loaded easily through standard container doors. Open top containers are often used for machinery, steel structures, bulk materials and project cargo. View our open top containers for current availability.
5. Flat rack container
Flat rack containers are used for transporting heavy, wide or oversized cargo with unusual dimensions. A flat rack container has no fixed side walls and no roof, which makes it possible to load cargo from the top or from the side.
Flat racks are commonly used for machinery, vehicles, steel constructions, pipes and other project cargo. Read more about what a flat rack container is and when this type of container is the right choice.
Which container type do you need?
The right container type depends on the cargo, dimensions, weight, temperature requirements and loading method. Standard shipping containers are suitable for general cargo and storage. Reefer containers are used for temperature-sensitive goods. Tank containers are used for liquids and chemicals. Open top and flat rack containers are suitable for oversized or heavy cargo.
If you are not sure which type of shipping container you need, Alconet can help you compare the options and choose a suitable container based on your application, destination and transport requirements.
Container overview
We deliver these types of containers from our depot in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and through our worldwide network. Are you curious about our current container offer? Have a look at the container overview. Do you have any questions about the container types? Get in touch with us!
