Complete Guide to Ocean Shipping Containers

Standard Container

Description

Standard containers are completely-enclosed units with rigid walls, roof, and floor. At least one end wall has a door for ease of access.

Available sizes (L x W x H)

– 20’ x 8’ x 8’6”
– 40’ x 8’ x 8’6”
– 40’ x 8’ x 9’6” (high cube)

Description

Made specifically with heavier cargo in mind, hardtop containers are created with steel roofs which can be removed for ease of packing. The removable roofs make it easier for cranes to help load goods in the container. The door header on the end wall(s) can be swung out.

Available sizes (L x W x H)

– 20’ x 8’ x 8’6”
– 40’ x 8’ x 8’6”
– 40’ x 8’ x 9’6” (high cube)

Hardtop Container

Flat Rack Container

Description

Flat racks are containers with a steel frame, no sidewalls, a wood floor, and fixed or collapsible end walls. Some flat racks even have end walls which fold flush with the base.

Available sizes (L x W x H)

– 20’ x 8’ x 8’6”
– 40’ x 8’ x 8’6”
– 40’ x 8’ x 9’6” (high cube)

Description

A platform container is simply a floor structure without any side or end walls. They’re made of a steel frame and a wooden floor.

Available sizes (L x W x H)

– 20’ x 8’ x 8’6”
– 40’ x 8’ x 8’6”

Platform Container

Open Top Container

Description

Open top containers are essentially general/standard containers without a rigid roof. Instead, they boast a flexible tarpaulin roof, which can be moved or entirely removed. The tarpaulin is also supported on either movable or removable bows. The door header on the end wall(s) can be swung out.

Available sizes (L x W x H)

– 20’ x 8’ x 8’6”
– 40’ x 8’ x 8’6”
– 40’ x 8’ x 9’6” (high cube)

Description

Short for “refrigerated container,” reefers are thermal, insulated units with compressors to either heat or cool the container’s packaged cargo. The walls of reefers usually contain polyurethane foam for efficient insulation (known as “sandwich construction”). Many reefer containers also boast adjustable ventilation, allowing for better internal airflow.

Available sizes (L x W x H)

– 20’ x 8’ x 8’6”
– 40’ x 8’ x 8’6”
– 40’ x 8’ x 9’6” (high cube)

Reefer Container

Insulated Container

Description

An insulated container is similar to the reefer container. It has Polyurethane foam on its walls to maximize insulation, but uses the vessels cooling or “clip-on”unit for temperature control.

Available sizes (L x W x H)

– 20’ x 8’ x 8’6”
– 40’ x 8’ x 8’6”