What types of shipping containers are there?

What are the types of containers?

Classification by Purpose of Use

1. General Purpose Container, also known as Dry Container

Mainly used for shipping general cargo, often used to transport stationery, daily necessities, medicine, textiles, handicrafts, chemical products, hardware and electrical appliances, electronic machinery, instruments, and machine parts. This type accounts for 70% to 80% of all containers. Except for frozen goods, live animals, and plants, any cargo suitable for container shipping in terms of size and weight can use dry containers.

2. Reefer Container

Reefer containers are divided into external and built-in types. The temperature can be adjusted between -60°C and +30°C. Built-in containers can start the refrigeration unit at will during transport to maintain a set temperature; external types rely on refrigeration units on specialized container vehicles, ships, yards, and stations for cooling. This type is suitable for transporting butter, chocolate, frozen fish and meat, condensed milk, margarine, and similar items in summer.

3. Open Top Container

This container has no roof but has a removable top bow supporting a tarpaulin, plastic sheet, or coated fabric cover. Cargo can be loaded from the top using a crane. The top can be opened or the container has no fixed roof; it is covered with waterproof sheeting during transport and has watertightness requirements similar to dry containers. Suitable for loading heavy goods such as glass sheets, steel products, and machinery.

4. Flat Rack Container

Flat rack containers have no roof or sides; their characteristic is loading and unloading from the side. Primarily used for oversized cargo, they are also convenient for loading livestock and bare cargo like steel that requires no outer packaging. They facilitate the lifting of large, wide, and tall cargo.

5. Pen Container

This type has metal mesh on the sides, providing good ventilation and easy feeding. It is a special container designed specifically for transporting live animals such as cattle and horses.

6. Tank Container (also known as Liquid Container)

A special container built for transporting liquid cargo such as food, medicine, and chemicals. Its structure consists of a liquid tank fixed within a metal frame. An international standard tank is a stainless steel pressure vessel mounted in a sturdy external frame. The inner tank is usually made of 316 stainless steel. Most tank containers are equipped with steam or electric heating devices, inert gas protection systems, pressure relief devices, and optional equipment for fluid transport and loading/unloading.

7. Platform Container

Platform containers are shaped like railroad flatcars, with a high load-bearing floor and no superstructure. Suitable for oversized and extra-long cargo, with lengths over 6 meters, widths over 4 meters, heights around 4.5 meters, and weights up to 40 metric tons. Two platform containers can be joined together to carry up to 80 metric tons, making this type very convenient for transporting automobiles.

8. Ventilated Container

Ventilated containers have 4 to 6 ventilation holes in the side walls, and the inner walls are coated with a plastic layer. Suitable for transporting fresh vegetables, fruits, and other goods that are sensitive to heat and stuffiness.

9. Insulated Container

Insulated containers have an insulation layer inside, and air inlets/outlets on the roof with adjustable angles, allowing the internal temperature to be regulated using outside air and wind direction. When sealed, they can remain unaffected by outside temperatures for a certain period. Suitable for cargo sensitive to temperature and humidity.

10. Bulk Container

Bulk containers typically have 2~3 small hatches on the top for loading. The bottom has a lifting frame that can tilt up to a 40° angle for unloading. This type is suitable for grain, cement, and other bulk cargo. If phytosanitary treatment is required, fumigation can be conducted inside the container.

11. Free Flowing Bulk Material Container

Free flowing bulk material containers are basically similar to bulk containers, but use nozzles and suction pipes for loading and unloading.

12. Dress Hanger Container

Dress hanger containers are suitable for shipping garments. With the development of international trade and the constant evolution of product categories, various new types of specialized or multi-purpose containers will continue to be designed in the future.