What are the main types of shipping container for freight?

The main types of shipping containers for freight include standard dry containers, refrigerated containers, open-top containers, flat-rack containers, and tank containers. Each type serves specific cargo requirements in global trade operations.

2. Refrigerated Container (Reefer)

Refrigerated containers maintain controlled temperatures from -65°F to +65°F for perishable cargo like food, pharmaceuticals, and flowers.

Dole and Chiquita use reefer containers to ship bananas and pineapples from Central America to markets in North America and Europe.

Pfizer and other pharmaceutical companies rely on temperature-controlled containers to maintain drug integrity during global distribution.

Fresh seafood exporters in Norway and Chile use reefer containers operated by carriers like Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM to reach Asian markets.

3. High Cube Container

High cube containers provide an extra foot of height compared to standard containers, making them ideal for lightweight, bulky cargo.

Furniture retailers like IKEA use high cube containers to maximize space utilization for their flat-packed products shipped from suppliers worldwide.

Textile manufacturers shipping clothing for brands like H&M and Zara prefer high cubes to fit more garments per container.

Electronics packaging often requires extra height, making high cube containers popular for companies like LG and Sony shipping large appliances.

4. Open-Top Container

Open-top containers feature removable roofs with tarpaulin covers, accommodating oversized cargo that won't fit through standard container doors.

Construction equipment manufacturers like Caterpillar use open-top containers to ship machinery that exceeds standard height limitations.

Steel producers ship large coils and beams in open-top containers operated by carriers like Evergreen and ONE.

Project cargo for infrastructure development often requires open-top containers for loading heavy equipment with cranes.

5. Flat-Rack Container

Flat-rack containers have collapsible or fixed end walls with open sides, handling wide or unusually shaped cargo.

Automotive manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz use flat-rack containers to ship vehicles and large automotive parts globally.

Wind turbine components require flat-rack containers due to their size and weight, with specialized carriers providing these services.

Construction companies use flat-rack containers for shipping prefabricated building components and heavy machinery.

6. Tank Container

Tank containers transport liquid cargo including chemicals, food-grade liquids, and petroleum products in specialized cylindrical tanks.

Chemical companies like BASF and Dow use tank containers to ship industrial chemicals safely through Maersk and MSC networks.

Wine producers in Europe and South America use food-grade tank containers to export bulk wine to bottling facilities worldwide.

Liquid fertilizer manufacturers rely on tank containers for safe transport of agricultural chemicals to farming regions.

7. Specialized Container Types

Ventilated containers with natural airflow systems handle agricultural products like coffee beans and cocoa that need air circulation during transport.

Insulated containers provide temperature stability without active refrigeration for products requiring moderate climate control.

Car-carrying containers include internal racking systems for efficient automotive transport by manufacturers like Toyota and Hyundai.

8.09.17Cargo-Specific Selection

Dense, heavy cargo like steel and machinery works best in 20-foot containers to avoid exceeding weight limits.

Lightweight, bulky products benefit from 40-foot high cube containers to maximize space utilization.

Temperature-sensitive goods require reefer containers regardless of size to maintain product quality during long ocean voyages.

Oversized cargo needs open-top or flat-rack containers depending on whether height or width presents the main constraint.

Bottom Line: Types of Containers

Different container types serve specific freight requirements, from standard dry containers handling general cargo to specialized tank containers for liquids. Companies choose container types based on cargo characteristics, with major shipping lines like Maersk, MSC, and COSCO offering comprehensive fleets to meet diverse global shipping needs.

Understanding container types helps shippers optimize costs and ensure proper cargo protection during international transport.