Types of shipping containers

The development of maritime transport has contributed to the increased popularity of containers. Thanks to the standardization of dimensions, they are a key part of international transportation, and the diverse types of shipping containers allow for the transportation of many types of cargo.

Containers are mostly used in intermodal transport thanks to their standardised construction, which enables transhipment without interfering with the interior of the container. The same unit can be used for transport by ship, train and truck, which makes them a clear advantage.

Most often, however, containers are used in maritime transport, mainly because of its greatest potential. The world’s largest container ship in 2022 could carry over 24,000 of them, while an electric barge (PortLiner EC 350) can only accommodate 350, a medium-length cargo train (up to 650m) – 84 and a truck – 2 units.

The use of containers also has some disadvantages – transport by ship usually takes much more time than by other means of transport, especially when combined with weather conditions – storms, typhoons, hurricanes – which can cause delays on the route. Furthermore, despite the container’s high load capacity, it is not always possible to make full use of it, due to road restrictions, for example.

Types of shipping containers and their purpose

Containers are divided depending on their intended use, i.e. the type or quantity of the load they carry, as well as on their loading capacity. The most standard ones are those loaded through doors, but if required, the goods can be loaded through the roof, from the sides, or even through the side and the roof. Usually each type is available in two sizes – 20 and 40ft containers.

The most popular types of shipping containers:

1. General purpose containers

The most common type of a sea container, used mainly for the transport of general cargo. The door is placed on one of the walls. The tare weight of a container, i.e. the empty weight of the container, depending on its size, is 2-3.5 tonnes. The maximum payload varies and depends on the technical requirements and arrangements with the carrier, as well as whether it is a 40 or 20ft container.

General purpose containers can also be divided into:

open sided containers, i.e. containers with open sides;
open top and hard top container, which do not have a roof. They are mostly used for the transport of loose goods and for loads exceeding the height of the container. Lack of the roof allows goods to be loaded from the top, which is particularly useful for cargo that is difficult to load through limited doors. However, they are significantly more expensive than standard containers.

2. Tank containers

Round containers, designed for the transport of liquid or gaseous materials such as fuel or milk. The cylindrical tank is usually fitted into a metal frame, the dimensions of which are similar to those of a 20ft container. This type of container can hold around 20,000 litres and is normally filled at 80%.

3. Thermal containers

They contain a built-in fridge and walls reinforced with thermal insulation that allows the temperature to remain positive or negative at all times. These containers are typically used for storing food or medicine.

4. Bulk containers

They can be used to transport dry bulk goods. Although their dimensions are similar to those of standard containers, they are distinguished by additional elements facilitating loading and unloading of goods, such as round openings placed on the roof.

5. Flat rack and platform containers

They are ideal for transporting goods that are heavy or exceed the width of the container, as well as oversized cargo. Flat rack containers have a dedicated floor, front and rear to allow loading from the side or top. They are strengthened so that the goods can be transported safely. Platform containers, on the other hand, only have a floor and are used for transporting very heavy loads.