Standard dry containers are used to transport dry goods like clothing, electronics, pallets, and grains. They’re made of strong steel, and are completely wind and water-tight, keeping cargo safe from harsh weather conditions.

Dry containers come in three main sizes: 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft.

10ft Container:

Among the dry container options, the 10ft variant stands out as the smallest, suitable for accommodating lightweight shipments. Often utilized for on-site storage and as compact home office spaces, 10ft containers are relatively uncommon but available in both new and used conditions through the Container xChange trading platform.

20ft Dry Container:

The 20ft container emerges as a highly sought-after choice in the container market. Ideal for smaller shipments, its lightweight design facilitates easy stacking and swift loading and unloading processes. This versatility makes it an excellent solution for intermodal transport, seamlessly moving cargo across ships, trucks, and trains.

40ft Dry Container:

When your cargo exceeds the capacity of a 20ft unit, consider upgrading to a 40ft container for ample space. Widely utilized by companies for both transportation and storage purposes, these containers provide increased capacity. Opting for a single 40ft container often proves more economical compared to purchasing two 20ft units, with the former typically only around 30% pricier than the latter.

High cube containers have the same measurements as their standard counterparts but with an extra foot of height. The high cube is perfect for bulky, high-volume, yet light cargo.

High cubes come in 20ft, 40ft, 45ft, and 53ft varieties

40ft High Cube Container:

The 40ft high cube variant reigns as the most favored among high cube sizes within the market. Tailored for accommodating dry goods that surpass the dimensions of a standard 40ft unit, this container offers the ideal solution. Moreover, its cost typically only marginally exceeds that of the standard 40ft container.

53ft High Cube Container:

Largest among container options available, the 53ft variant caters to shipments of considerable size and bulk. Particularly prevalent in rail freight operations, notably within regions like the USA, this container's expansive dimensions facilitate the movement of substantial cargo volumes in a single haul, thereby aiding in cost reduction for shippers.

Reefer containers stand out as specialized units equipped with integrated refrigeration systems, purpose-built for the transportation of temperature-sensitive, perishable, and frozen goods.

Featuring T-shaped decking on their floors, refrigerated ISO containers facilitate the circulation of air throughout the container, ensuring consistent internal temperatures. With the capability to maintain temperatures ranging from 30 degrees to -30 degrees Celsius, reefers offer versatility in accommodating a variety of cargo types, including fruit, meat, ice cream, and pharmaceuticals.

These containers excel in providing tailored temperature control, allowing for compartmentalization of the interior space to accommodate different temperature requirements for various types of chilled cargo.

Flat rack containers feature walls only on their shorter ends, making them ideal for transporting bulky and irregularly shaped cargo that requires loading from the top or sides, such as pipes, poles, and large machinery.

These containers are constructed with robust corner posts and reinforced frames to ensure durability and stability while carrying heavy loads during transit.

The primary advantage of flat rack containers lies in their remarkable versatility. They can accommodate nearly any size or type of cargo, provided it meets the specified payload criteria.

Open top containers, as their name implies, feature an open roof covered by a detachable tarpaulin sheet instead of a solid structure.

These containers are preferred when transporting oversized cargo that cannot be accommodated within standard units, such as machinery or heavy materials that require top-loading using a crane.

Thanks to their open-top design, they offer increased capacity compared to standard containers and are equipped with lashing rings to ensure cargo stability during transit. For instance, a 40ft open top container boasts a loading capacity of 26,500 kilograms.

Double door containers, also referred to as 'tunnel containers', feature doors that swing open at both ends, enhancing the efficiency of loading and unloading operations.

The dual-door design facilitates swift and convenient cargo handling. For example, when transporting cars, vehicles can be driven in through one end during loading and easily driven out from the other end upon reaching the final destination, eliminating the need for cumbersome maneuvers.

A side door container, alternatively referred to as an 'open side' unit, features additional doors along its long side, providing enhanced accessibility for loading bulky cargo that may not pass through standard container doors.

These extra doors not only facilitate the loading process for oversized items but also contribute to expedited and efficient handling during both loading and unloading operations, allowing multiple workers to manage cargo simultaneously.

Hard top containers resemble open tops but feature a notable distinction: instead of a tarpaulin sheet, they are equipped with a detachable steel roof. The roof of a hard top container is designed with lifting points, enabling a forklift to easily lift it, facilitating efficient loading and unloading operations.

Common cargo transported using hard top containers includes marble, glass sheets, raw materials such as coal, and large machinery.

Tank containers, alternatively referred to as tankers or ISO tanks, are cylindrical vessels utilized for the transportation of hazardous goods, gases, and liquids.

Before being authorized for cargo transport, each tank undergoes rigorous inspection to ensure compliance with ISO standards regarding size, durability, and strength.

Insulated containers ensure consistent interior temperatures regardless of external conditions, making them ideal for transporting temperature-sensitive goods.

Typically featuring double walls, insulated containers employ vacuum-sealed insulation to prevent heat transfer between the interior and exterior environments. Additionally, their fully sealed interiors minimize the risk of condensation and contamination.

Contrary to reefers, which offer precise temperature control, insulated containers maintain a steady initial temperature without actively adjusting it during transport.