Standard Containers (Dry Van): Standard containers are general-purpose containers used to carry all kinds of dry cargo. They typically come in 20′ and 40′ lengths, although 45′ and, more recently, 54′ containers have also come into use.
High Cube Containers: Structurally similar to standard containers, high cube containers have a height of 2896mm compared with 2591mm for standard box containers, offering greater internal volume for loading. They are generally built as 40′ units. They are used for all kinds of dry cargo, light and voluminous goods, and out-of-gauge cargo up to 2.7m high.
* All container dimensions in the table above are approximate. Shippers should allow for tolerances.
Open Top Containers: Open top containers differ from standard containers in that the roof is completely open. Once loaded, they are covered with a tarpaulin. They generally come in 20′ and 40′ lengths. Because cargo can be loaded from the top, they are naturally suited to out-of-gauge cargo that will not fit through the container door and to loads that must be handled by cranes or similar equipment.
* All container dimensions in the table above are approximate. Shippers should allow for tolerances.
Flatrack Containers: Flatrack containers consist of a base platform and two end walls. The end walls can be fixed upright when needed, or folded down onto the base to form a transport platform. They are generally built in 20′ and 40′ sizes. They are used for heavy cargo and for over-width or over-height loads. Two or more flatracks can also be combined into a platform to carry and secure large-volume break bulk cargo.
Platforms (plats): Platforms consist solely of a base platform, with no end or side walls. They are suited to carrying heavy loads on a small footprint. They are usually built in 20′ and 40′ sizes and are used for out-of-gauge and heavy cargo.
* All container dimensions in the table above are approximate. Shippers should allow for tolerances.
Refrigerated (Reefer) Containers: Refrigerated (reefer) containers are specially insulated containers fitted with a refrigeration unit. They are generally built in 20′ and 40′ sizes. High cube reefers are used for light and voluminous goods (flowers, fruit, etc.). Their natural use is for food products carried at a constant temperature below or above 0 ºC.
Tank containers: Tank containers are used to carry liquid or gaseous cargo. They consist of a cylindrical tank mounted inside a rectangular steel frame.
* All container dimensions in the table above are approximate. Shippers should allow for tolerances.
