Container Types

Standard containers: Standard containers are also known as general purpose containers. Standard containers are used for all types of general cargo (dry cargo). Standard containers are mainly used as 20' and 40' containers. The trend is towards even longer dimensions, e.g. 45' and even 54'.

High cube containers: High-cube containers are similar in structure to standard containers, but higher. High-cube containers are used for all types of general cargo (dry cargo).  However, they are particularly suitable for transporting light, voluminous cargoes and overheight cargoes up to a maximum of 2.70 m tall.  High-cube containers are for the most part 40' long, but are sometimes made as 45' containers.

Open top containers: In contrast to standard containers, roof of the container is fully open and covered with removable tarpaulin. Usual open-top container dimensions are 20' and 40'. Open-top containers are used for all types of general cargo (dry cargo). However, overheight cargoes and cargoes needed to be handled by cranes are transported being suitable to be loaded from the top.

Flat rack containers: Flatracks consist of a floor structure with a high loading capacity composed of a steel frame and a softwood floor and two end walls, which may either be fixed or collapsible. Flatracks are available in 20' and 40' sizes. Flatracks are mainly used to transport heavy-lifts and overheight or overwidth cargoes. Sometimes, a number of the flatracks are used side by side as a platform for project cargoes.   

Platforms (plats): Platforms consist solely of a floor structure with extremely high loading capacity; they have no side or end walls. This high loading capacity makes it possible to concentrate heavy weights on small areas. Platforms are available in 20' and 40' sizes. Platforms are used principally for oversized and very heavy cargoes.

Ventilated containers: Ventilated containers are also known as passive (naturally) ventilated or coffee containers. Ventilation is provided by ventilation openings in the top and bottom side rails. The common size for ventilated containers is 20'. Ventilated containers are used especially for cargoes which have to be ventilated in transit. One of the most significant of such commodities is green coffee beans, hence the name coffee container.

Reefer containers: Refrigerated containers are used for goods which need to be transported at a constant temperature above or below freezing point. These goods are divided into chilled goods and frozen goods, depending on the specified transport temperature. 
High-cube integral units are used in particular for voluminous and light goods (e.g. fruit, flowers).

Bulk containers: Bulk containers have three loading hatches in the roof. On the door side, there are two discharge hatches, which are sometimes equipped with short discharge tubes for guiding the bulk cargo. Alternatively, two unloading hatches may be mounted in the doorways, for emptying the containers. The common size for bulk containers is 20'.  Bulk containers are used in particular for transporting bulk cargo, such as grain, feedstuffs and spices. However, they may also be used for transporting general cargo.

Tank containers: Tank containers consist of a carrier tank and protection box frame. Tank containers are used for liquid cargoes, such as foodstuffs and chemicals.