15 Common Shipping Containers Types: A Complete Guide

In this guide, I’ll provide all the common and less common shipping container types in detail to help you better understand the types of shipping containers available in the market. Here are some of the most common types of containers.

  • Standard Dry Container
  • High Cube Dry Container
  • Refrigerated Containers (Reefers)

Last Updated: September 27, 2024 | Category: Guide

Shipping Containers TypesPin

Before I list the common types of shipping containers, I’d like you to try out a small shipping container type finder tool that I’ve created. This will help you get an idea of what type of container you need.

1. Standard Dry Container

Standard dry containers transport general cargo like electronics, clothing, and furniture. They are enclosed, weatherproof, and cost-effective for secure storage and shipping.

Estimated Price Range:

  • Used: $1,500 – $4,000
  • New: $3,500 – $6,500

Sizes Available:

  • 10ft (10′ x 8′ x 8’6″)
  • 20ft (20′ x 8′ x 8’6″)
  • 40ft (40′ x 8′ x 8’6″)
  • 45ft (45′ x 8′ x 8’6″)

Common Uses: Transporting consumer goods, storage, construction site offices.
Best For: Businesses needing secure, cost-effective shipping and storage.
Variations: Available in high cube versions for extra height.
Availability & Cost: Prices depend on location, condition (new or used), and modifications.

Standard Dry ContainersPin

2. High Cube Container

These containers are similar to standard dry containers but have an extra foot of height for increased storage capacity.

Estimated Price Range:

  • Used: $2,000 – $5,500
  • New: $4,000 – $7,000

Sizes Available:

  • 40ft High Cube (40′ x 8′ x 9’6″)
  • 45ft High Cube (45′ x 8′ x 9’6″)

Common Uses: Taller equipment, container homes, extra storage space.
Best For: Maximizing vertical storage space.
Cost Consideration: Slightly more expensive but offers more capacity.

_High Cube ContainerPin

3. Refrigerated Containers (Reefers)

Reefers transport perishable goods like food and pharmaceuticals. With built-in cooling, they maintain temperatures from -30°C to +30°C, ensuring freshness.

Estimated Price Range:

  • Used: $5,000 – $12,000
  • New: $12,000 – $25,000

Sizes Available:

  • 20ft Reefer (20′ x 8′ x 8’6″)
  • 40ft Reefer (40′ x 8′ x 9’6″))

Common Uses: Perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and pharmaceuticals.
Temperature Range: Typically between -30°C to +30°C (-22°F to +86°F).
Energy Source: Electric or diesel-powered cooling.
Insulation & Maintenance: Requires regular maintenance for efficiency.

Refrigerated Containers (ReefersPin

4. Open-Top Container

Open-top containers have a removable roof for loading oversized cargo like machinery and construction materials. They allow crane or forklift access.

Estimated Price Range:

  • Used: $2,500 – $6,000
  • New: $6,000 – $10,000

Sizes Available:

  • 20ft Open Top (20′ x 8′ x 8’6″)
  • 40ft Open Top (40′ x 8′ x 8’6″)

Common Uses: Heavy machinery, industrial equipment, logs.
Loading & Unloading: Crane or forklift access.
Structural Integrity: Reinforced corners for stability.

Open-Top ContainerPin
Photo Credit: Cargostore Worldwide Manufacturer

5. Flat Rack Container

Flat racks have collapsible sides for oversized cargo like heavy machinery and vehicles. Their open-frame design simplifies loading and securing shipments.

Estimated Price Range:

  • Used: $3,000 – $7,500
  • New: $7,500 – $12,000

Sizes Available:

  • 20ft Flat Rack (20′ x 8′ x 8’6″)
  • 40ft Flat Rack (40′ x 8′ x 8’6″)

Common Uses: Transporting large equipment, heavy machinery, and vehicles.
Stackability: Can be stacked when not in use to save space.
Securing Cargo: Lashings, straps, and other securing methods.

6. Tank Container (ISO Tank)

ISO tanks transport liquids like chemicals and food-grade products. They are made of stainless steel, and meet safety standards for hazardous and non-hazardous liquids.

Estimated Price Range:

  • Used: $10,000 – $25,000
  • New: $25,000 – $50,000

Sizes Available:

  • 20ft ISO Tank (20′ x 8′ x 8’6″)

Common Uses: Fuel, chemicals, food-grade liquids (milk, wine, edible oil).
Material Composition: Stainless steel with protective coatings.
Capacity & Safety: Leak-proof design, hazardous material compatibility.
Regulations: Must meet international shipping standards.

7. Double Door (Tunnel) Container

These containers have doors on both ends, making loading and unloading more accessible. It is ideal for high-traffic storage and logistics operations.

Estimated Price Range:

  • Used: $3,000 – $7,000
  • New: $7,000 – $12,000

Sizes Available:

  • 20ft Double Door (20′ x 8′ x 8’6″)
  • 40ft Double Door (40′ x 8′ x 8’6″)

Common Uses: Fast-moving cargo, secure storage.

8. Side Opening Container

Side-opening containers have full-length doors for easy access to bulky cargo. It makes them ideal for event storage and retail setups.

Estimated Price Range:

  • Used: $4,000 – $9,000
  • New: $9,000 – $15,000

Sizes Available:

  • 20ft Side Open (20′ x 8′ x 8’6″)
  • 40ft Side Open (40′ x 8′ x 8’6″)

Common Uses: Warehousing, event storage, retail stock storage.

Side Opening ContainerPin

Other Shipping Containers Types

Container TypeAvailable SizesCommon UsesEstimated Price Range (USD)
Insulated Container20ft, 40ftStoring and transporting temperature-sensitive goods (food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals).$3,000 – $8,000
Half-Height Container20ft, 40ftTransporting heavy bulk materials (coal, gravel, scrap metal).$2,500 – $6,500
Ventilated Container20ft, 40ftShipping agricultural products (coffee, cocoa, textiles) that need airflow.$2,500 – $5,500
Pallet-Wide Container20ft, 40ftOptimized for European pallet transport, increasing space efficiency.$3,500 – $7,500
Swap Bodies20ft, 40ftRoad and rail transport, easily switchable between trucks and rail systems.$5,000 – $10,000
Car Carriers20ft, 40ftTransporting multiple vehicles securely.$4,000 – $9,000
Drums55-gallon (various materials)Transporting liquid and granular goods (chemicals, fuel, food-grade liquids).$50 – $300 per drum

One Comment

  1. Thank you for exploring our comprehensive guide on shipping container types. I hope this resource has provided valuable insights into the various container options available for your specific needs. If you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your feedback is always appreciated as I strive to offer the most informative content.

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