Types of Most Common Shipping Containers

With the ever-increasing need for shipping containers, manufacturers have upped production to meet the demand. And each customer has a preference, there are different types of containers to choose from. These containers are modified to accommodate different kinds of cargo and satisfy customers’ needs. If you want to buy yours, here is a list of the type of containers you should expect.

1. Dry containers

These are shipping containers used to ferry dry goods, and they are also known as general-purpose containers. The standard features you will find in dry corrugated box-like SCF containers include a fully enclosed, rigid roof, a floor, and sidewalls.

These features make this category of shipping containers weatherproof. It’s important to know that the container’s interior can be modified with flex tanks or liner bags to carry bulk liquid cargo.

2. Double door containers

As the name suggests, these containers have openings on both ends. They are also known as tunnel containers. One advantage of these containers is faster loading and unloading. The doors are closed with a secured locking mechanism and sealed to protect the cargo from weather elements.

3. Insulated containers

These containers are constructed like a vacuum flask equipped with a mechanical compressor to regulate temperature. The temperature can be either hot or cold, depending on the cargo you want to ship. If you intend to ferry perishables or biological equipment, you should choose these containers.

4. Refrigerated containers

These are like the insulated containers but are specifically cold. They are used to ship perishable products, and these containers are also called refrigerated ISO containers.

5. High cube containers

High cube containers are similar to dry containers but are taller. They are 40 to 45 inches tall, a foot taller than the dry containers. These containers come with a recess in their floors to center the container on gooseneck chassis. The chassis allows these containers to lie low during transportation.

6. Flat track containers

These containers are collapsible to make them flat. Additionally, these containers are ideal for transporting wide loads such as vehicles, and the end walls remain standing to secure the cargo on transit.

7. Swap containers

Swap containers are equipped with folding legs beneath them and are restricted for land use since they can’t be stacked. However, their convertible tops make them best to ship different goods.

8. Open side containers

These containers are similar to dry containers with a slight difference. They have a door on the side that opens completely. These tanks are best to ship large cargo that can’t fit in the standard container doors.

9. Half-height containers

These containers are dense and open at the top. This feature makes them best to transport cargo like stones, and the open-top enables easy loading and offloading.

10. Tank containers

Another specialized type that you will find in containers like SCF shipping containers is tank ones. Also known as tankers, they are made of steel. In some tank containers, anti-corrosive materials are used to make them if they are used to transport acidic products. When shopping for shipping containers, your intended use will determine which one to go for. But for a start, you should check this list to understand the types available.

Read Also:

• 6 Facts Shippers Need to Know About Container Fumigation Requirements
• Review of the Types of Shipping Containers You Can Buy
• How To Select The Right Container For Your Product