What are the types of containers available?

There are various types of containers, mainly including the following:

1、 Classified by purpose

Dry Cargo Container:

This is the most common type of container, mainly used for transporting ordinary goods that do not require temperature control, such as electronic products, clothing, furniture, mechanical equipment, etc. Its structure is usually enclosed, and the box wall is made of corrugated or flat metal plates, which have good strength and sealing.

The size of dry cargo containers generally comes in standard specifications such as 20 feet, 40 feet, and 45 feet, as well as some customized containers with special sizes. There are usually no special equipment or devices inside, and goods can be conveniently loaded and unloaded using equipment such as forklifts and cranes.

Reefer Container:

Used for transporting goods that require maintaining a specific temperature, such as frozen food, medicine, flowers, etc. Refrigerated containers are equipped with refrigeration equipment that can adjust the temperature inside the container according to the requirements of the goods, usually with precise control between -30 ℃ and+30 ℃.

The box structure is similar to a dry cargo container, but requires higher insulation and sealing performance to ensure stable temperature inside the box. Refrigerated containers are also equipped with temperature monitoring and alarm systems to promptly detect and handle temperature anomalies during transportation.

Open Top Container:

The top of this container can be opened for easy loading and unloading of ultra-high cargo, such as large machinery, sculptures, glass products, etc. The top of an open top container is usually covered with canvas or a hardtop, which can be disassembled and installed as needed.

The box structure is basically the same as that of a dry cargo container, but there are differences in the top design. The height of an open top container is usually slightly higher than that of a regular dry cargo container to accommodate the transportation needs of ultra-high cargo. When loading and unloading goods, a crane or hoist can be used to lift the goods into or out of the container from the top.

Flat Rack Container:

Mainly used for transporting large goods that are ultra long, ultra wide, and ultra high, such as heavy machinery and equipment, steel structures, pipelines, etc. The frame container has no top or walls, only a bottom frame and four columns, which can be flexibly adjusted according to the shape and size of the goods.

The load-bearing capacity of a frame container is usually larger than that of a regular dry cargo container and can withstand heavier cargo. During transportation, goods usually need to be secured with ropes, steel straps, etc. to ensure safety. The loading and unloading of frame containers generally require the use of large equipment such as cranes or hoists.

Tank Container:

Specially used for transporting liquid, gas, and powdered goods such as petroleum, chemical products, food raw materials, etc. A tank container consists of a tank body and a frame. The tank body is usually made of materials such as stainless steel and aluminum alloy, which have good corrosion resistance and sealing properties.

The capacity of tank containers generally ranges from several thousand liters to tens of cubic meters, and can be selected according to the nature of the goods and transportation needs. When loading and unloading goods, specialized pipelines and pump equipment are usually required to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of the goods.

2、 Classified by size

20 foot container:

The length is 20 feet (about 6.1 meters), the width is 8 feet (about 2.44 meters), and the height is 8.6 feet (about 2.6 meters). The 20 foot container is one of the most commonly used container sizes internationally, suitable for transporting small and medium batches of goods.

The load capacity of a 20 foot container generally ranges from 17.5 tons to 24 tons, depending on the type of cargo and packaging method. Its internal volume is about 33 cubic meters, which can accommodate a certain amount of standard pallet cargo or bulk cargo.

40 foot container:

The length is 40 feet (approximately 12.2 meters), and the width and height are the same as a 20 foot container. The carrying capacity of a 40 foot container is generally between 22 and 26 tons, with an internal volume of approximately 67 cubic meters, which is about twice that of a 20 foot container.

A 40 foot container is suitable for transporting large quantities of goods such as household appliances, textiles, chemical raw materials, etc. In international shipping, the frequency of using 40 foot containers is also very high.

45 foot container:

The length is 45 feet (approximately 13.7 meters), and the width and height are the same as 20 foot and 40 foot containers. The carrying capacity and internal volume of a 45 foot container are between 40 foot and 48 foot containers, and are generally suitable for transporting goods of special sizes or weights.

45 foot containers are commonly used in some specific trade routes and logistics needs, but their versatility is relatively low.

3、 Classified by Manufacturing Materials

Steel container:

Made of steel, it is the most common type of container. Steel containers have the characteristics of high strength, good durability, and superior fire resistance, and are suitable for the transportation of various goods.

The manufacturing process of steel containers is relatively mature and cost-effective, but their weight is relatively large, which will increase transportation costs during the transportation process. In addition, steel containers are prone to rusting during long-term use and require regular maintenance and upkeep.

Aluminum alloy container:

Made of aluminum alloy material, it has the advantages of light weight, corrosion resistance, and beautiful appearance. Aluminum alloy containers are about 30% to 40% lighter in weight than steel containers, which can reduce transportation costs and improve transportation efficiency.

The manufacturing process of aluminum alloy containers is relatively complex and costly, but their good corrosion resistance and aesthetic appearance make them widely used in the transportation of some high-end goods. For example, when transporting goods such as electronic products and precision instruments that require a high transportation environment, aluminum alloy containers are a good choice.

Fiberglass container:

Made of fiberglass material, it has the characteristics of high strength, corrosion resistance, and good thermal insulation performance. Fiberglass containers are lighter in weight, comparable to aluminum alloy containers, but their manufacturing process is more complex and the cost is higher.

Fiberglass containers have advantages in the transportation of some special goods, such as chemical products, food, and other goods that require high corrosion resistance and thermal insulation performance of the container. In addition, the appearance color of fiberglass containers can be customized according to customer needs, with a certain degree of aesthetics.