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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Other Shipping Containers Types
Container Type | Available Sizes | Common Uses | Estimated Price Range (USD) |
---|---|---|---|
Insulated Container | 20ft, 40ft | Storing and transporting temperature-sensitive goods (food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals). | $3,000 – $8,000 |
Half-Height Container | 20ft, 40ft | Transporting heavy bulk materials (coal, gravel, scrap metal). | $2,500 – $6,500 |
Ventilated Container | 20ft, 40ft | Shipping agricultural products (coffee, cocoa, textiles) that need airflow. | $2,500 – $5,500 |
Pallet-Wide Container | 20ft, 40ft | Optimized for European pallet transport, increasing space efficiency. | $3,500 – $7,500 |
Swap Bodies | 20ft, 40ft | Road and rail transport, easily switchable between trucks and rail systems. | $5,000 – $10,000 |
Car Carriers | 20ft, 40ft | Transporting multiple vehicles securely. | $4,000 – $9,000 |
Drums | 55-gallon (various materials) | Transporting liquid and granular goods (chemicals, fuel, food-grade liquids). | $50 – $300 per drum |
Compare storage container rental and sales supplier in your area today.
- No obligation to accept.
- 100% FREE
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.