Insights
Shipping Container Types Explained for Buyers
Quick answer: The main container types are standard dry (general cargo and storage), high cube (one foot taller, for bulky cargo and conversions), reefer (refrigerated), open top (loaded from above) and flat rack (oversized loads). Choose by cargo size, weight, temperature needs and loading method first, then by length, height and condition grade.
Last reviewed: October 2026.
Shipping container types differ in height, doors, temperature control and how cargo is loaded, and choosing the wrong one costs time and money. This guide explains the main types, what each is built for and how to match a container to your cargo before you buy or lease. It is written for importers, exporters, forwarders and builders who need a clear, practical answer.
Why does container type matter before you buy?
A shipping container looks like a simple steel box, but the variations are significant. The type determines what you can load, how you load it, what equipment you need at either end and whether the unit can be converted into something else later. Buying a container that does not fit the cargo often means double handling, damaged goods or a unit that cannot be accepted by the intended carrier or site.
Almost every container in international trade follows ISO dimensions and fittings, which is what allows it to move between ships, trains and trucks. The main differences come from three decisions: the length, the height and the special features such as refrigeration or a removable roof.
- Length: the two standard lengths are 20ft and 40ft.
- Height: standard containers are 8ft 6in high, and high cube containers are 9ft 6in high.
- Features: the box may be sealed, ventilated, refrigerated, open at the top or open at the sides.
Before comparing types, write down what you are moving or building, how heavy and bulky it is, and where it is going. Those answers narrow the choice quickly.
What is a standard dry container and when is it the right choice?
The standard dry container is the workhorse of global trade. It is a fully enclosed steel box with corrugated walls, a timber or composite floor and a set of double doors at one end. It is not temperature controlled, which is why it is called dry. Typical cargo includes boxed and palletised goods, bagged commodities, furniture, textiles, machinery parts and general merchandise.
A standard dry container for general cargo is usually the cheapest and most available option, and it is the easiest to resell or lease out because almost every shipper understands it. It is also the most common starting point for storage and site use, because it is secure, weather resistant when in good condition, and simple to place on level ground.
The choice between 20ft and 40ft is usually about weight and volume. A 20ft unit is compact and handles dense, heavy cargo well, while a 40ft unit gives more volume for lighter, bulkier goods. Remember that each container has a maximum gross weight, and road or site limits may be stricter than the container itself.
Condition matters as much as type. A new or one-trip unit suits cargo that must arrive clean and dry, while a cargo-worthy or wind and watertight unit may be enough for storage. For a full explanation of how condition is described, see our guide to quality and condition grades.
How does a high cube container differ from a standard one?
A high cube container is built to the same footprint as a standard box but is one foot taller, which adds internal volume and headroom. The 40ft high cube, often written 40HC, is the most common version, and it is the default choice for many exporters of light, voluminous cargo because it holds more per shipment.
The extra height is also valuable beyond shipping. Builders and fabricators often prefer a high cube container with extra headroom for offices, workshops, cold rooms and living units, since insulation, flooring and ceiling linings reduce the usable internal height. If you plan to convert a container, starting with a high cube gives you a more comfortable result. Our team explains the options on the container conversions page.
There are practical points to check before ordering high cubes. Some routes, road networks, rail lines and bridges have height limits, so confirm that a taller unit can be moved to your final destination on the vehicle you plan to use. Also check the clearance at the loading dock or site gate.
| Container type | Main purpose | Key feature | Things to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard dry | General cargo and storage | Sealed steel box with end doors | Condition grade, floor, door seals |
| High cube | Bulky cargo and conversions | One foot taller than standard | Height limits on route and at site |
| Reefer | Temperature-controlled cargo | Built-in refrigeration unit | Power supply, unit servicing, pre-trip checks |
| Open top | Tall, heavy or crane-loaded cargo | Removable roof with tarpaulin | Tarpaulin condition, lashing, weather cover |
| Flat rack | Out-of-gauge and heavy items | No roof or side walls, strong end frames | Securing points, permits for wide loads |
What is a reefer container and what does it need?
A reefer is an insulated container with an integrated refrigeration unit that holds cargo at a set temperature. It is used for fresh produce, frozen food, dairy, some chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and other goods that spoil or degrade if the temperature drifts. The unit can usually chill, and in many models it can also heat, depending on the cargo.
Reefers are more complex than dry boxes. They need a reliable power connection on the vessel, at terminals, at depots and during any stationary periods, and the refrigeration machinery needs regular servicing and checking before each trip. A reefer that looks sound on the outside can still fail if the machinery has not been maintained, so ask for inspection and test records before buying.
Many buyers also repurpose reefers as static cold stores, because the insulated shell is already built. In that case, confirm that the refrigeration unit works, that the insulation and floor are in good condition and that you have a suitable power supply on site. If you only need occasional cold storage, leasing may be more sensible than buying, and you can read about that on our container leasing page.
Key checks for a reefer
- Does the refrigeration unit run through a full cooling cycle?
- Are the insulation panels and floor free of damage and moisture?
- Do the door seals close tightly?
- Is the electrical connection compatible with the supply you will use?
When should you choose an open top container?
An open top container has the same footprint as a standard box but replaces the fixed roof with a removable cover, usually a tarpaulin supported by roof bows. Some designs also have a swinging door header that lets you open the whole end. The purpose is simple: cargo can be loaded or unloaded from above with a crane or forklift attachment, which is how tall, heavy or awkward items are handled.
Typical cargo includes machinery, steel components, timber, pipes and bulky equipment that cannot be pushed through the door of a standard container. Because the roof is flexible, the condition of the tarpaulin, the bows and the securing points is critical. A torn or poorly fastened cover lets water in, and a badly secured cargo shifts.
Open tops are less common than dry boxes, so availability can vary and lead times may be longer. They also require careful planning for handling and stowage on vessels. If your cargo is wider or taller than the container, you may need a different solution again.
What are flat racks and other special container types?
For cargo that does not fit inside any box, open top and flat rack containers form part of a wider family of special equipment. A flat rack has a strong floor and end frames but no roof or side walls, so it can carry very heavy or oversized loads that overhang the platform. Platforms are similar but without end walls. Both need careful lashing and sometimes special permits and routing for out-of-gauge loads.
Other types you may meet include:
- Side-door or open-side containers with doors along the length for easy access, often used for storage and retail conversions.
- Insulated or thermal containers without active refrigeration, for temperature-sensitive cargo on shorter journeys.
- Tank containers for liquids and gases, built inside an ISO frame to meet transport rules for those materials.
- Ventilated containers for cargo that needs airflow, such as some agricultural products.
Special types often involve extra documentation, handling and carrier approval. Always confirm acceptance with the shipping line or forwarder before you order. Our transport and logistics team can advise on the route and handling.
How do you choose the right container type for your cargo?
Work through the decision in a fixed order, because each step reduces the options for the next.
- Define the cargo: size, weight, packaging and how it will be loaded.
- Decide on temperature needs: dry, insulated or refrigerated.
- Pick the length and height: 20ft, 40ft, standard or high cube.
- Choose the loading method: end doors, side doors or from above.
- Set the condition grade: new, one-trip, cargo-worthy, wind and watertight or as-is.
- Decide whether to buy or lease, depending on how long you need the unit.
- Confirm delivery: route, handling equipment, height and weight limits.
Condition and documentation are as important as type. Ask for photographs, the container number and the CSC safety approval plate details, and make sure the unit has been inspected. For a clear view of what each grade means, see the quality conditions page.
What is the verdict on choosing shipping container types?
For most buyers, a standard dry container in 20ft or 40ft is the sensible default, and a 40ft high cube is the natural step up for bulky cargo or conversions. Choose a reefer only when temperature control is essential, an open top or flat rack only when the cargo physically cannot go through a door, and always match the condition grade to the job.
The cheapest container is not the best value if it cannot carry your cargo or be moved to your site. Tell us what you are shipping or building, where it is going and how long you need the unit. We will recommend the right type, size and condition and explain the delivery. When you are ready, you can contact the team to request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common type of shipping container?
The standard dry container, usually in 20ft and 40ft lengths, is the most widely used type. It is a sealed steel box with doors at one end, designed for general palletised and boxed cargo.
What is the difference between a standard and a high cube container?
A high cube container is one foot taller than a standard container of the same length, which gives more internal volume. It is common in 40ft form and is often chosen for bulky cargo and for conversions that need extra headroom.
When do I need a reefer container?
You need a reefer when cargo must be kept at a controlled temperature, such as chilled or frozen food and some pharmaceuticals. A reefer has its own refrigeration unit and needs a power supply at the port, on the vessel and at the depot.
Can cargo be loaded into an open top container from above?
Yes. An open top container has a removable roof, normally a tarpaulin over bows, so a crane can lower tall or heavy items in from above. It is used for machinery, bulky equipment and out-of-gauge cargo.
How do I choose the right container type?
Start with the cargo: its dimensions, weight, loading method and temperature needs. Then decide on size, condition grade and whether you are buying or leasing, and request a quote that states all of these.
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