90% of global trade is carried out by sea, so as an important component of shipping, do you know about containers?
The standard ISO dry cargo container is 7.8 feet (2.3 metres) wide and 7.9 feet (2.3 metres) high and comes in two lengths: 20 feet (5.9 metres) and 40 feet (12.03 metres). These are the most popular type of container and are used to transport dry goods including machinery, grain, paper and electronics.
This popular shipping container type is available in three standard sizes: 20ft, 40ft and 40ft high cubes.
Standard versus special shipping containers. What’s the difference?
Perhaps you are wondering what the difference is between a standard container and a special container. Standard containers, or dry containers, are only used for transporting dry goods. These are boxes made of aluminium or steel with a set of doors at one end.
A special container, on the other hand, is a box that has been modified to meet specific transport needs. This category includes refrigerated containers, flat rack boxes and tank containers, to name just a few. Special containers are used to transport temperature-sensitive items, liquids and gases, or oversized/bulky-shaped cargo.
Let’s take a look at the dimensions of the China freight Dry Cargo Container below.
20ft Dry Cargo Container Dimensions
The 20ft dry cargo container is a favourite for transporting a wide range of dry goods.
This container size is often in demand due to its convenient smaller size. It is easy to load and unload from a ship and can be used in ports where advanced lifting equipment is not available. It is also ideal for intermodal transport (by road, train and ship).
The 40ft standard container is another popular choice for transporting dry goods. This type of box is a sibling of 20ft and is twice as long.
Got extra cargo that won’t fit in a 20ft? Don’t stress, we’ll let you in on a little secret. 40ft is usually only about 20-30% more expensive than 20ft, but twice as much space.
A 40ft cube is exactly the same as a 40ft dry cargo container, only with the added height. This size of the container is perfect for transporting taller or oversized items that don’t fit in a standard box. Or if you just want to fit more cargo in your box.
Dimensions of reefer shipping containers
The term ‘reefer’ is short for ‘refrigerated container’. These boxes are used to transport temperature-sensitive goods such as fruit, meat, flowers, seafood, dairy products and pharmaceuticals.
Reefer containers use sophisticated cooling equipment to cool or freeze the goods. You can also section containers for cooling and freezing at the same time. Reefer containers can maintain any temperature between -30°C and +30°C.
Let’s take a look at the following sizes of 20ft, 40ft and 40ft HC reefer containers
Double door container sizes 20ft 40ft
Double door containers have doors at both ends for quick and easy loading and unloading of goods. These boxes are perfect for transporting cars, bicycles, boats and other vehicles.
Tank Standard Container Dimensions
If you need to transport liquids, gases, powders or hazardous materials, a tank container is your answer. Tank containers are cylindrical in shape and are housed in a rectangular frame. They are made of stainless steel.
Tank containers are lined with insulation, as well as a protective layer of aluminium or polyurethane. This makes them a safe and reliable option for transporting a wide range of materials.
Insulated container specifications
Insulated containers have double walls to keep the goods inside cool. The interior is completely sealed to avoid condensation, as well as any moisture build-up.
Insulated containers are used to transport wine, fresh goods and beverages for short journeys.
Pallet width container sizes
These containers are designed for the transport of goods on wooden Euro pallets. Two pallets can be placed side by side and stacked to the ceiling. These containers are manufactured to exact dimensions so that the Euro pallets fit snugly together with no room to move or slide.
Flat rack container dimensions
Flat rack containers have no roof and no long side walls. This container type makes it easy to load awkwardly shaped goods. You can load goods from either side or the top with great ease.
Once the goods have been successfully loaded, they can be secured and fastened using lashing rings. The newer flat racks can carry between 40,000 and 50,000 kg of cargo!
Hard Top Shipping Container Dimensions
Perhaps you are wondering: what is the difference between an open top and a hard top container? The answer is simple.
An open-top container is covered by a tarpaulin sheet, whereas a hard top container has a removable steel roof. The purpose of both types of container is the same – the removable roof provides space for oversized cargo. It also makes it possible to load from the top.
Side door container dimensions
Side door containers have an extra door that opens on the long side of the container.
The extra space created by the side door allows for quick and easy loading and unloading of awkwardly shaped or bulky goods. The extra door also makes it possible for more workers to load the cargo at the same time.
