Choosing the right shipping container depends on what you’re moving, not just how much of it. Standard dry containers work for most general cargo, but specialized goods, oversized machinery, temperature-sensitive products, or liquids need different equipment entirely. Here’s a breakdown of the main container types and when each one makes sense.
Table of Contents
- Standard Dry Containers (20ft / 40ft / 40ft HC)
- Reefer Containers
- Open Top Containers
- Flat Rack Containers
- Tank Containers
- How to Choose the Right Container
- Frequently Asked Questions
Standard Dry Containers (20ft / 40ft / 40ft HC)
Standard dry containers are the workhorse of ocean freight, fully enclosed steel boxes used for general cargo that doesn’t need temperature control or special handling. They come in three common sizes:
- 20ft container: Roughly 33 cubic meters capacity, suited to heavier, denser cargo that doesn’t need much volume.
- 40ft container: Roughly 67 cubic meters, doubling the volume of a 20ft box for the same height.
- 40ft High Cube (HC): Same footprint as a standard 40ft but roughly 30cm taller, offering more volume for bulky but lightweight cargo.
Reefer Containers
Reefer (refrigerated) containers maintain a controlled temperature range throughout transit, essential for perishables like fresh produce, seafood, meat, dairy, and some pharmaceuticals. They plug into a power source on the vessel and at port terminals to keep cargo within a set temperature band for the entire journey.
Open Top Containers
Open top containers have a removable tarpaulin roof instead of a fixed steel top, allowing cargo to be loaded from above by crane. This suits tall or bulky items that won’t fit through a standard container’s door, such as machinery or large industrial equipment.
Flat Rack Containers
Flat rack containers have no sides or roof, just a base and end walls (sometimes collapsible). They’re built for oversized or irregularly shaped cargo that exceeds standard container dimensions, such as vehicles, boats, large machinery, or construction equipment. Cargo is secured directly to the flat base with lashing.
Tank Containers
Tank containers are cylindrical vessels mounted in a rectangular steel frame, built specifically for transporting liquids in bulk: chemicals, oils, food-grade liquids, or other bulk fluids that can’t be shipped in standard boxed cargo form.
How to Choose the Right Container
Start with your cargo’s physical characteristics: does it need temperature control? Is it oversized or an unusual shape? Is it liquid? For most general dry goods, standard containers cover the vast majority of shipments, and the choice between 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft HC usually comes down to volume versus weight density rather than cargo type.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a 40ft container and a 40ft High Cube?
They share the same length and width, but the High Cube is taller by roughly 30cm, giving extra volume useful for bulky, lightweight cargo that would otherwise “cube out” before reaching its weight limit.
Can I ship liquids in a standard dry container?
Only in approved packaging like drums or IBC totes secured inside the container. Bulk liquids without separate packaging require a dedicated tank container.
Do reefer containers cost more than standard containers?
Yes, reefer containers typically cost more due to the specialized equipment, ongoing power requirements during transit, and monitoring involved in maintaining temperature control.
What container type is used for shipping a vehicle?
Depending on size, vehicles can go in a standard container, but oversized vehicles or machinery often require a flat rack container instead.
Not sure which container type your cargo needs? Contact Paramount Express Agencies and we’ll help you choose the right equipment for your shipment.
