What are the standard types and sizes of shipping containers?

When it comes to shipping goods across the globe, understanding the standard types and sizes of shipping containers is crucial. Whether you're a business owner, logistics manager, or simply someone interested in the intricacies of global trade, knowing the different container options available can help you make informed decisions. In this blog, we’ll explore the various types and sizes of shipping containers, and how TailorMax Stockloter can assist you in finding the right container for your needs.

Standard Types of Shipping Containers

Shipping containers come in a variety of types, each designed to accommodate different kinds of cargo. Here are some of the most common types:

1. Dry Storage Containers: These are the most commonly used containers for general cargo. They are fully enclosed and weatherproof, making them suitable for a wide range of goods.

2. Refrigerated Containers (Reefers): These containers are equipped with a cooling system, making them ideal for transporting perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, and pharmaceuticals.

3. Open Top Containers: These containers have an open top, allowing for easy loading of oversized cargo that cannot fit through the doors of a standard container.

4. Flat Rack Containers: These containers have collapsible sides, making them perfect for heavy or bulky items such as machinery or vehicles.

5. Tank Containers: Designed to transport liquids, gases, and powders, these containers are built with a cylindrical tank mounted within a standard container frame.

6. High Cube Containers: Similar to standard dry storage containers but taller, high cube containers provide extra vertical space for lightweight, voluminous cargo.

Standard Sizes of Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are standardized to ensure they can be easily transported and stacked on ships, trains, and trucks. The most common sizes are:

1. 20-Foot Container (20' x 8' x 8.5'): Also known as a TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit), this container is the standard unit of measurement in the shipping industry. It can hold approximately 10 standard pallets.

2. 40-Foot Container (40' x 8' x 8.5'): This container is twice the length of a 20-foot container and can hold around 20-22 standard pallets.

3. 40-Foot High Cube Container (40' x 8' x 9.5'): Similar to the 40-foot container but with an extra foot in height, this container is ideal for lightweight, bulky items.

4. 45-Foot High Cube Container (45' x 8' x 9.5'): This container offers even more space, making it suitable for larger shipments that require extra length and height.

The container types mentioned above are widely utilized by TailorMax Stockloter in China. Over the past 15 years, we have assisted hundreds of factories in China and Bangladesh in resolving issues related to cancelled shipments and dead funding. By purchasing and shipping goods via FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less than Container Load) to overseas department stores, we have helped these factories maximize their cost savings and optimize their purchasing efficiency.