As the types of cargo shift and change, you’ll find that cargo containers have to follow suit.
The shipping industry, logistics industry, and transportation all rely heavily on container containers. Products that you must carry from one area of the globe to another are stored in these shipping containers made of diverse materials.
After all, the different types of shipping containers safeguard things during long-distance transportation. They return them undamaged to you.
There is a wide range of options for container units based on the kind of goods being transported and any additional services required. Today, a wide variety of shipping containers are utilized to transport a wide range of commodities.
Keep on reading for our full breakdown of the various container types on the market.
The Foundation of All Types of Shipping Containers: General Purpose Containers
A general-purpose container is sometimes referred to as a “dry container” in certain circles. The inside of these cargo containers is totally sealed off from the outside world. They also have a strong roof, sides, and floor to protect them from the weather.
A dry container is the most popular sort of container; hence it is used to transport most types of typical freight. You may add adaptations such as liner bags or flexitanks to general-purpose containers. It helps with transporting liquid bulk cargo or dry bulk freight.
Flat Rack Containers
you may fold down the sides of this primary storage container to create a flat rack. Because of the end walls ‘ exceptional stability, you may safely transport heavy equipment, cars on tracks, large reels, and building materials.
You may transport as much as 45 metric tons of goods in specific 40’ flat rack shipping containers.
Double Door Containers
“Tunnel containers” are shipping containers with doors on both ends of the container.
In addition to making loading and unloading items easier, double-door containers provide considerably more capacity for commodities like steel and iron. Both doors use identical locking assembly and weather-resistant seals to keep goods safe from the elements.
Open Top Containers
A shipping container with an open-top can come with a removable convertible top.
A crane or rolling bridge must handle or load too large to fit through the entrance. An example would be tall equipment or other significant or bulky completed items.
There are 20′ and 40′ open-top containers with lashing rings fitted on the side rails. They also have corner posts to secure goods.
High Cube Containers
In terms of construction, high cube shipping containers are like regular purpose shipping containers, except they’re a foot taller.
These 40- and 45-foot containers are utilized when more volume is needed but not always necessary. Because of this recess, high cube containers may lay lower and have a higher structure because a gooseneck chassis support them.
Open Side Containers
Only the doors on the sides may open entirely in open side containers. Otherwise, they are quite similar to standard general-purpose shipping containers.
Loading and unloading items is a breeze with this feature’s increased space and ease of use. In 20′ and 40′ lengths, open-side shipping containers are ideal for transporting massive objects. These are objects that can’t fit through ordinary doors.
ISO Reefer Containers
It is common practice to send temperature-sensitive and perishable goods in an ISO shipping container.
The temperature is controlled by an external power source in this container type. Cor-ten steel, a specific kind of weathering steel, is often used to construct reefers in sizes of 20′ and 40′.
Insulated Containers
The ISO Reefer container is an insulated or thermal container. It includes a temperature management system to endure greater temperatures. To chill or heat the air within the container, they are supplied with electrical compliance.
Vacuum flasks, or “thermos” bottles, are the most common kind of insulated container. Consequently, they are ideal for long-distance transportation. This includes food, medications, organs, blood, and biological materials.
ISO Tank Containers
Tank containers, often known as tankers, carry and store liquids.
They are typically constructed of high-strength steel or other corrosion-resistant materials. Liquids must not surge in transport if the tank container is less than 80% filled. Nevertheless, there is no tolerance for thermal expansion if the tank container is more than 80% complete.
You might want to check the price range for these kinds of containers. Check out the shipping container cost here.
Half-Height Containers
Half-height shipping containers are the best option to carry big and dense bulk material. These are ideal for moving coal and stones, making them ideal for usage in the mining sector.
Because of their low center of gravity, half-height containers can carry larger weights than can taller containers, making them more useful in industrial settings. Loading and unloading are a breeze with half-height containers.
Swap Body Containers
Swap bodies are interchangeable containers for both road and rail transport.
The European Union makes extensive use of these devices. Convertible tops allow swap bodies to be used for delivering a wide variety of products.
Because they lack top corner fittings and cannot be stacked, you can only use swap bodies for ground transportation.
Best Shipping Containers: Unlocking the Different Types
If you’re new to the shipping industry, or logistics in general, you might have lost track of the different types of shipping containers that you can tailor to your needs. Hopefully, our guide has shed some light on the other shipping containers and what makes each category unique.
After all, one of the simplest ways to boost your logistic efficiency numbers is to use the right equipment for the right kind of cargo. And, if you’re still feeling a bit hazy on the details, no worries.
We’ve got you covered. Check out our business and logistics sections for all of our additional tips and explainers that you could possibly need.
