12 Container types and dimensions: Best guide [+how to get containers]

Understanding the different container types and dimensions can help you ship your cargo safely. Read this blog to find out about 12 different types and how to choose the right one for your cargo. Also, learn how you can find deals that suit your budget today.

With so many options available in the market, it’s crucial to opt for the right one. This will ensure that your cargo is safe, as well as saving you money.

So what happens once you’ve narrowed down the criteria, but can’t seem to source what you need within your network, especially at short notice?

Container xChange can help you. On our trading platform, find suppliers for standard and special containers in 2500+ locations globally. We have 50,000+ containers available, so there’s a high chance you’ll get your hands on the exact type you’re looking for. 

Moreover, we offer 100% market price transparency. This way, you can compare the deals and choose the best option for your needs. Simply use the public search below to browse through multiple offers from 1500+ vetted sellers. Fill in your container type, location and click search to get started!

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How knowing container types and dimensions can save you money

There are 12 container types available in the market. These each come in various sizes and dimensions.

Each type is manufactured to transport a different type of cargo. For example, temperature sensitive cargo like medicines and food items can only be stored and shipped in reefers.

Choosing the right option not only keeps your cargo safe but also saves you money. If you use a standard container for medicines, you’re at higher risk of damaging your cargo and not passing the customs. This can cost you both money and time.

It’s also equally important to choose the right size based of the volume of your cargo. For example, if your cargo can’t fit inside a 20ft unit, it’s better to choose the 40ft variety. This way you’ll avoid using two 20ft containers and save money. 

Read on to find out more about the most popular container sizes available in the market and how to choose the right one. 

What are the three most popular container types and dimensions?

As we’ve just discussed, knowing the right type and size is important to your business. Now, let’s look at the popular sizes come in:

• 20ft container
• 40ft container  
• 40ft high cube container

Read on to figure out how to choose the right option for your shipping needs.

Dry containers

As we’ve already mentioned, standard dry containers are the most popular type in the market. These can carry most types of dry cargo such as boxes, pallets, sacks, barrels, etc. They can also be customized on the inside to carry a specific type of goods. For instance, hangers can be fit inside to carry clothes that could be directly transported to the store.

These containers are usually made of steel or aluminum, and come in two main sizes: 20ft and 40ft. They’re also airtight and water-resistant, preventing damage from the outside.

20ft dry container

The 20ft container is popular due to its smaller size. They’re also one of the most affordable sizes in the market. If you don’t have much cargo, this is the right choice for you. 

You can get new 20ft containers for $2,000 on average. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, then cargo-worthy units are more suitable for you. You can get second-hand 20ft containers for as low as $900 in some locations on our platform.

40ft container

If you have cargo that won’t fit inside a 20ft option you should choose the 40ft container instead. They offer more space for your cargo. As a result, many companies also use 40ft containers for storage.

It is also more cost-effective to buy one 40ft container than choosing two 20ft containers, as one 40ft is usually only around 30% more expensive than one 20ft. The average price of a new 40ft container is $3,500 and cargo-worthy is $1700. However, you can get cargo-worthy 40ft containers for as low as $1000 on our platform!

Here are the dimensions of 40ft HC and 45ft HCs.

High cube shipping container dimensions
Measurements	40ft HC	45ft HC
Internal length	12.03m/39.5ft	13.55m/44.5ft
Internal width	2.35m / 7.8ft	2.35m / 7.8ft
Internal height	2.70m / 8.10ft	2.70m / 8.10ft
Tare weight	3,900kg / 8,598 lbs	4,800kg / 10,552 lbs
Payload capacity	28,600 kg / 63,052 lbs	27,700kg / 61,067 lbs
Cubic capacity	76.3 m3 / 2,694.5 cu ft	86 m3 / 3,037 cu ft

It’s easy to get your hands on dry and high cubes as they’re extremely popular in the market. However, you might end up paying more than the current market prices due to a lack of transparency in the industry.

On our online trading platform, we offer you 100% market price transparency on shipping containers. Once you submit your requirement, you’ll get multiple matching offers from suppliers in one dashboard. You can compare prices from different sellers and choose the best one. Plus, we don’t charge any commission on sales!

Want to check our sales offers from 1500+ vetted sellers in your location? Simply click the banner below and start browsing container deals now.

Special shipping container types and dimensions

Now that you have an overview of standard dry containers, let’s take a look at specialized containers. 

A special container is designed for goods that cannot be transported or stored in a conventional dry unit. These containers may have: 

• Special positioning of the door(s)
• Special height and width
• Modifications to keep the cargo fresh

Now let’s take a look at different kinds of special containers and find out which one is most suitable for your cargo.

Reefer container

Reefer containers are basically mobile refrigerators used to move temperature-sensitive goods. The flooring of a reefer has a T-shaped decking that sends chilled air into the container. This makes sure there is consistent airflow among the goods. They can maintain any temperature between -30°C and +30°C.

Reefers carry temperature-sensitive items such as fruits, vegetables, ice cream, drugs and meat. Each item has a different temperature requirement and it needs to be maintained to protect its freshness. Reefers can also be sectioned to cool and freeze at the same time. 

They’re powered by a generator that provides electricity, and are expensive considering the power and maintenance requirements. The average price of a 40ft cargo-worthy reefer container is $6,700. Click here to check out the prices of reefers in your location.

Reefer dimensions

Reefers are available in three sizes, 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft HC. Let’s take a look at the table below to get their dimensions.

Reefer shipping container dimensions
Measurements	20ft	40ft	40ft HC
Internal length	5.44m / 17.9ft	11.56m / 37.9ft	11.56 m/ 37.9ft
Internal width	2.29m / 7.5ft	2.28m / 7.5ft	2.29m / 7.5ft
Internal height	2.27m / 7.5ft	2.25m / 7.4ft	2.55m / 8.36ft
Tare weight	3,080kg / 6,791.4 lbs	4,800kg / 10,584 lbs	4,480kg / 9,880lbs
Payload capacity	27,400 kg / 60,471 lbs	27,700 kg / 61,078 lbs	29,520kg / 65,080 lbs
Cubic capacity	28.3m3 / 999 cu ft	59.3 m3 / 2,093.3 cu ft	67.3 m3 / 2,380 cu ft

Double door container

Double door containers are built to have doors that swing open on both ends. Both sets of doors are built with the same specifications. The two doors provide the most convenient option for loading and unloading. As you can load and unload goods from either ends of the container, as required. 

For instance, if you want to load a car, you can just drive it through a double door container. You don’t need to reverse it while unloading.

We have multiple sales offers for 40ft double door units on our platform with the average price being $4,500. Click here to check offers on double door containers.

Double door dimensions

Double door units have three sizes, 20ft, 40ft and 40ft HC. Here are the dimensions of each.

Double door shipping container dimensions
Measurements	20ft	40ft	40ft HC
Internal length	5.9m / 19.4ft	12.03m / 39.5ft	12.03m / 39.5ft
Internal width	2.35m / 7.8ft	2.4m / 7.9ft	2.34m / 7.8ft
Internal height	2.39m / 7.9ft	2.39m / 7.9ft	2.69m / 8.9ft
Tare weight	2,300kg / 5,071.5 lbs	3,750kg / 8,268.8 lbs	5,200kg / 11,470lbs
Payload capacity	25,000 kg / 55,126.9 lbs	27,600kg / 61,200 lbs	28,600kg / 63,052 lbs
Cubic capacity	33.2 m3 / 1,172 cu ft	67.7 m3 / 2,389 cu ft	76.3m3 / 2,694 cu ft

Open-top container

Open-top containers, as the name suggests, have an open top. The roof is covered with a tarpaulin sheet instead of a solid roof. This way, it can be covered or left open according to convenience. A double door is made of steel with wooden flooring and the door heads can be swung open for easy loading and unloading.

Open-tops are used when your cargo is too large to fit in a standard unit For instance, machinery or heavy materials that can’t be stowed sideways but loaded  from the top through heavy-lifting cranes. Due to their open top, they have more capacity than their standard counterpart. It has lashing rings that keep the cargo stable. A 40ft open top container has the capacity to load 26,500kgs.

Open top dimensions

Open tops have three sizes: 20ft, 40ft and 40ft HC. Take a look at the table below for dimensions of each.

Open top shipping container dimensions
Measurements	20ft	40ft	40ft HC
Internal length	5.89m / 19.4ft	12.03m / 39.5ft	12.03m / 39.5ft
Internal width	2.35m / 7.8ft	2.4m / 7.9ft	2.35m / 7.8ft
Internal height	2.35m / 7.8ft	2.34m / 7.8ft	2.70m / 8.10ft
Tare weight	2,260kg / 5,982 lbs	3,980kg / 8,774 lbs	4,250kg / 9,370 lbs
Payload capacity	28,220 kg / 62,214 lbs	26,500kg / 58,422 lbs	28,250kg / 62,281 lbs
Cubic capacity	32.7 m3 / 1,155 cu ft	66.7 m3 / 2,356 cu ft	74.9 m3 / 2,645 cu ft

Want to see the prices for open top containers in your preferred location? Click here to check out availability and prices in 2500+ locations right now.

Pallet wide container

Pallet wide container is a special unit designed to accommodate Euro pallets, commonly used in Europe.  

A 20ft dry container can carry 11 Euro pallets, while a 20ft pallet wide can carry 15 pallets. This is possible because the containers are approximately 5m wider on the inside than standard units. 

Pallet wide containers are manufactured from steel but the floor is made with wooden planks for higher durability and friction coefficient. 

Pallet wide dimensions

The pallet wide comes in three sizes: 20ft, 40ft and 40ft HC. Check the shipping container dimensions of these three sizes now:

Pallet wide shipping container dimensions
Measurements	20ft	40ft	40ft HC
Internal length	5.89m / 19.32ft	12.03m / 39.46ft	13.55m / 44.5ft
Internal width	2.44m / 8ft	2.44m / 8ft	2.41m / 7.9 ft
Internal height	2.39m / 7.84ft	2.38m / 7.80ft	2.69m / 8.85ft
Tare weight	2,400kg / 5,291.09 lbs	3,800kg / 8,377.56 lbs	4,280kg / 9,435.7lbs
Payload capacity	28,080 kg / 61,905.80 lbs	26,680kg / 58,819.33 lbs	29,720kg / 65,521.38 lbs
Cubic capacity	34.34 m3 / 1,213 cu ft	69.86 m3 / 2,467.12 cu ft	86.2m3 / 3,044.12 cu ft

Flat rack container 

Flat rack containers only have sides on the short ends. They are used for heavier and bulkier cargo that needs loading from the top or sides. Such cargo may include pipes, machinery, or even buses.

Flat rack containers are built with strong corner posts and reinforced frames in order to withstand heavy loads and provide stability during transportation.

The biggest advantage of this container type is its versatility. You can load a flat rack with almost any size or type of cargo as long as it meets the payload criteria.

Flat rack dimensions

The table below shows the dimensions of flat rack units in different sizes.

Flat rack shipping container dimensions
Measurements	20ft	40ft
Internal length	5.94m / 19ft	12.13m / 39.8ft
Internal width	2.35m / 7.7ft	2.40m / 7.9ft
Internal height	2.35m / 7.7ft	2.14m / 7ft
Tare weight	2,360kg / 5203.8 lbs	5,000kg / 11,025 lbs
Payload capacity	30,140 kg / 66,458.7 lbs	40,000kg / 88,200 lbs
Cubic capacity	32.7 m3 / 1,154.3 cu ft	62.2 m3 / 2,195.7 cu ft

Flat rack containers are suitable for shipping specialized cargo. However, it’s difficult to get your hands on flat racks in your desired locations through traditional sourcing channels. 

This is where xChange can help you. You can find multiple sales offers for flat rack containers on our trading platform – with the average price being $3000. Click here to check out sales offers in your preferred location.

Side door container

A side door container, also known as an ‘open side’, has extra doors that open on its long side. The side doors make it extremely convenient to load cargo that is bulky and can’t fit through the end doors.

More workers can work simultaneously while loading or unloading cargo, as the side doors give full access to the container.

Side door dimensions

Side door units are available in three sizes. Here are the dimensions of each.

Side door shipping container dimensions
Measurements	20ft	40ft	40ft HC
Internal length	5.9m / 19.4ft	12.03m / 39.5ft	12.03 m / 39.5 ft
Internal width	2.35m / 7.7ft	2.28m / 7.4ft	2.34 m / 7.8 ft
Internal height	2.34m / 7.7ft	2.29m / 7.5ft	2.69 m / 8.9 ft
Tare weight	2,700 kg / 5,950 lbs	4,700 kg / 10,362 lbs	5,200 kg / 11,470 lbs
Payload capacity	27,780 kg /  61,244 lbs	27,300 kg / 60,180 lbs	28,600 kg / 63,052 lbs
Cubic capacity	33.0 m3 / 1,165 cu ft	64 m3 / 2,2306 cu ft	76.3 m3 / 2,694 ft3

If you too have bulky cargo and need the best quality side door containers, click here to find sales offers from vetted sellers in your location.

Hard top container

Hard top containers are very similar to open tops with the only difference being a detachable steel roof instead of a tarpaulin sheet. The roof of a hard top container has points through which a forklift can lift the roof. As seen with the previous containers, this design allows for easy loading/unloading of specific types of cargo.

Hard top containers are especially functional for heavy goods and tall cargo — which needs to be loaded through the roof or doors using a forklift, crane, or crab. Cargo transported using hard top containers include marble, glass sheets, raw materials (like coal), large machinery, etc.

Hard top dimensions

Take a look at the table below to get hard top shipping container dimensions now. 

Hard top shipping container dimensions
Measurements	20ft	40ft	40ft HC
Internal length	5.89m / 19.4ft	12.03m / 39.5ft	12.03m / 39.5ft
Internal width	2.35m / 7.8ft	2.4m / 7.9ft	2.4m / 7.9ft
Internal height	2.35m / 7.8ft	2.34m / 7.8ft	2.69 m / 8.9 ft
Tare weight	2,260kg / 5,982 lbs	3,980kg / 8,774 lbs	5,200 kg / 11,470 lbs
Payload capacity	28,220 kg / 62,214 lbs	26,500kg / 58,422 lbs	28,600 kg / 63,052 lbs
Cubic capacity	32.7 m3 / 1,155 cu ft	66.7 m3 / 2,356 cu ft	76.3 m3 / 2,694 ft3

Tank container

Tank containers, also known as tankers or ISO tanks, are cylindrical units used to transport dangerous goods, gasses, and liquids.

Each tank goes through a thorough inspection before it’s allowed to carry goods. The tank must comply with the size, durability, and strength as per the ISO standards.

Tank container dimensions

Here are the dimensions:

20ft tank shipping container dimensions
Measure	20FT
Inside length	6.058 m
Inside width	2.438 m
Door width	0 m
Door height	0 m
Capacity	21,000 l
Tare weight	26290 kg

Insulated container

Insulated containers maintain the same temperature inside, regardless of the temperatures outside its four walls. They’re also suitable for transporting temperature-sensitive goods.

Insulated containers often have a double wall. The walls are vacuumed to prevent the transfer of heat between they’re exterior and interior. Moreover, the interior is fully sealed to avoid condensation and contamination. 

One key difference between reefer and insulated containers is that reefers provide precise temperature control inside the container. Whereas, insulated containers only maintain the initial temperature.

Insulated container dimensions

Take a look at the table below if you want to know the exact dimensions of insulated equipment:

Insulated shipping container dimensions
Measurements	20ft	40ft
Internal length	5.75m/18.10ft	1.561m/37.11ft
Internal width	2.26m/5.7ft	2.28 m/7.6ft
Internal height	2.11m/6.11ft	2.249m/7.5 ft
Tare weight	2,650 kgs/ 5840lbs	4,800 kgs/ 10580lbs
Payload capacity	21,350 kgs/ 47070lbs	27,700 kgs/ 61070lbs
Cubic capacity	27.4 m3 / 970cu ft	59.18 m3 / 2090cu ft

Half height container

Half height containers are designed to accommodate goods that are heavy but don’t require the full vertical space of a standard unit. They are often used for transporting dense materials such as minerals, coal, and other bulk commodities.

Half height containers follow the DNV (Det Norske Veritas) standards. A DNV-approved half height container is equipped with slings, shackles, and multiple internal lashing points. There are also net securing points, cargo restraining nets, anti-slip surfaces, and forklift points for safety purposes.

A half height container also comes as an open top container for easy loading and unloading of cargo. You also have the option to customize it with a removable side or swinging doors. You can also choose from a range of sizes that suit your needs.

Half height container dimensions

Check out the dimensions of the half height below:

20ft Half height shipping container dimensions
Measure	20ft
Internal length	19.3ft (5.88m)
Internal width	7.3ft (2.22m)
Internal height	3.1ft (0.94m)
Tare weight	2,378 kg/ 5,240 lbs
Payload capacity	10,000 kg / 22,050 lbs
Cubic capacity	12.25 m³/ 432.6 cu ft

After discussing so many containers, you might be confused as to which one is best suitable for your cargo. Read on to know how to choose the right option for your shipping needs.

How to choose between different container types and dimensions

Now that you know all about the different container types and dimensions, it’s time to decide which one is suitable for your cargo. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your selection:

• Type of cargo: Determine if your cargo is general, perishable, hazardous, or oversized. For dry cargo, you can choose standard containers. But if you’re shipping perishable temperature-sensitive cargo, you should choose a reefer.
• Capacity: Once you’ve determined the type of equipment you need, you should also pay attention to the container size. If you have only a few small items, then a 20ft container will be perfect for you. However, if you have a larger number of items or have a higher volume cargo, you should choose a container of bigger size.
• Cost: The most important factor to consider is the cost of shipping containers. New containers are more expensive than used ones. And specialized containers cost more than standard dry containers.

Moreover, shipping container prices keep changing and depend on a variety of factors. Read on to know how you can access real-time prices. 

Get real-time shipping container prices for free

Accessing container prices is important if you want to make the best deals. However, prices keep changing and depend on a variety of factors like condition, location and supply & demand.

One easy way to keep track of real-time container prices is through xChange Insights. With Insights, you can: 

• Access real-time prices standard container in 180+ locations globally 
• Identify the best cities to buy, sell or lease equipment, 
• Make a good deal even in a new market, and
• Maximize your profits

For example, according to Insights, the price of a 40ft cargo-worthy container in Denver, Colorado is $3,000. However, you can get the same container for just $1,700 in New York. This way you’ll end up saving around $1000 per unit!

And the best part? You can use Insights for free! Click here to see how Insights works and how it can help your business earn more profits.

Source all container types and dimensions on Container xChange

Getting the exact container types and dimensions you need, in your desired location is tricky if you’re using traditional sourcing channels. Even if you do find what you’re looking for, there’s no guarantee that you’re paying the right price due to the lack of transparency in the industry. 

However, if you’re a member of xChange, you can easily trade containers with 100% market transparency. We’ve created an online trading platform.

You can browse through various container types across conditions, locations, and prices. When you’ve set your eyes on a particular offer, or a bunch of them, you can reach out to the seller directly and negotiate the price. 

We have over 50,000+ containers at 2500+ locations. So there’s a higher chance you’ll get your hands on the options you need. Moreover, we don’t charge any commission on deals. 

And once you finalize a deal with another vetted member, xChange wallet will ensure that your money is safe. 

Sounds safe and convenient right? Just click the banner below and look through container offers in your location.

Container types and dimensions: Common FAQs

What are the different types of containers?

Standard container types include 20ft, 40ft and 40ft high cube containers (with extra height). Specialized types include reefer, pallet wide, tank, open top containers, etc.

Which container types and dimensions are the most common?

Some of the most common container types are 20ft DC, 40ft DC and 40ft DC high cube. They are standard units used for shipping dry cargo.

Which container is used for shipping temperature-sensitive goods?

Reefers, or insulated containers are used for shipping temperature-sensitive goods. If your cargo is to be shipped at a specific temperature, then a reefer is your ideal choice. However, if your cargo can be shipped by maintaining the initial temperature of the container, you should use an insulated unit.