Types of Shipping Containers

Cannonball Express Transportation

Author

February 8, 2017

Shipping Containers TypesThere are many shipping containers that serve different purposes.  We have created a list of the top 14 most commonly used shipping containers to help you find the most suitable container for your shipping needs. If you need assistance shipping any of these containers, please contact us and we can arrange the transportation.

Types of Shipping Containers

1)      10’, 20’, 40’ dry storage container10’, 20’, 40’ dry storage container

These are some of the most common shipping containers.  They are used for shipping dry goods that do not require temperature control.

2)      Flat rack container Flat rack container

Flat rack containers are especially suitable for heavy loads and cargo that needs loading from the top or sides. There are collapsible containers and non-collapsible containers with or without walls. Flat rack containers are manufactured from steel and come in 20′ and 40′ sizes.

3)      Open top containerOpen top container

Open top containers do not have solid roofs instead they have removable bows and a weatherproof tarpaulin roof which can be secured with ropes and allows for a significantly simplified loading and unloading process, the door header may also be swung out allowing for easier access to the cargo. Open top containers are ideal for bulky cargo such as machinery.

4)      Tunnel containerTunnel container

Tunnel container storage containers come with doors on both ends of the container. They are very useful when quick loading and unloading of materials is required.

5)      Open side storage containerOpen side storage container

These doors of this type of storage unit can be changed to form completely open sides Having a side completely open side allows for the storage of much wide merchandise and easier loading.

6)      Insulated and thermal containerInsulated and thermal container

These storage containers have a regulated temperature control allowing them to maintain a higher temperature to keep goods warmer.

7)      TanksTanks container

These are liquid storage containers. They are typically constructed of strong steel and other anti-corrosive materials to protect the liquid freight inside it.

 

 

8)      Double door containerDouble door container

Double doors make it easy for loading and unloading of the freight. Construction of this sort of shipping containers is typically made of steel and iron. They are available in standardized sizes of 40ft and 20ft.

9)      Refrigerated ISO containerRefrigerated ISO container

Refrigerated ISO freight container is one that is temperature regulated and always has a carefully controlled low temperature. These types of units are used for the shipment of perishable substances like vegetables and fruits over vast distances.

10)   Special purpose containersSpecial purpose containers

These containers can be different shapes and sizes and are often custom made for specific cargo.

11)   Swap bodiesSwap bodies containers

This intermodal container can be swapped from a truck chassis to a railcar. These shipping containers have foldable legs to support the containers in-between the two transport modes. Swap body transport is commonly used in Europe. A swap body both weighs and costs less than standard shipping containers.

12)   Half height containerHalf height containers

This container was designed for the transport of heavy, low volume cargo on ships and trains. The containers can also be used for vehicle transportation, or as a cargo platform for local transport of sand, gravel etc.

13)   Car carriers

These are used for the transportation of liquid materials, Car carriers containerscars, and special goods such as weapons. A freight container in Otay Mesa used for these products is made of strong materials and built specifically to protect a certain type of good. There are many different types of containers; these are just some of the more common ones in use today.

14)   DrumsDrums containers

Drums are cylindrical shipping containers made of steel, plastic or fiber. They are often used for liquids and granular materials.

Nebraska Warehouse One-Stop-Shop | TechnologyEnabled 3PL Value-Added Services Warehouse | Freight Broker | Logistics

Nebraska Warehouse doesn’t just help to facilitate your shipments, but we are truly a one-stop-shop solutions provider. Our services include:

Latest News

The latest information about our Omaha storage warehouse services

Mental Health Awareness in the Trucking Industry

Long hours on the road, irregular schedules, days or weeks of separation from those you...


More Details

April 23, 2025

Developing Resilient Supply Chains for Pharmaceuticals

In the pharma supply chain, you're not moving boxes of generic products around. You’re shipping...


More Details

April 9, 2025

Using Data Analytics for Better Fleet Management

As cliched as it might sound, data analytics has genuinely revolutionized many industries—fleet...


More Details

March 14, 2025

The Impact of Fuel Prices on Refrigerated Transportation Costs

We might not think about it often, but the global sale of perishable foods, pharmaceuticals,...


More Details

February 12, 2025

Emergency Preparedness in Refrigerated Shipping: Lessons from the LA Fires 

The 2025 LA fires have caused almost incomprehensible damage, including destroying thousands...


More Details

January 31, 2025

Why Winter is a Critical Time for Temperature-Sensitive Shipments

Winter brings below-freezing temperatures. Preparation for the shipping and logistics industries...


More Details

December 23, 2024

Top 5 Industries That Rely on Refrigerated Shipping

  Refrigerated transportation is a huge industry that serves many different sectors of...


More Details

November 18, 2024

Why Temperature-Controlled Shipping Is Essential During the Holiday Season

The shipping and e-commerce industries are busy like Santa’s workshop around the holiday...


More Details

October 29, 2024

Top Safety Tips for Truck Drivers: Keeping the Road Safe for Everyone

Truck drivers do a much-unnoticed service to the American and global economy. But without them,...


More Details

October 10, 2024

Top Industries That Rely on Reefer Transportation Services

Logistics professionals know all too well that not all products can ship on a regular trailer....


More Details

September 20, 2024