Shipping containers come in numerous shapes and sizes depending on your requirements. Most options are one of a few standard sizes used in international shipping, but you can get options with bespoke modifications for unusual cargo.
This article looks at the types of containers available and then moves on to a discussion about their size and what you can use them for. As you read this, you will discover that your options are extensive. While most containers are similar, you can find options suitable for your long-term requirements.
Popular Types of Containers
Let’s first look at some of the popular types of containers available. After this discussion, we will run through some pointers to help you find the perfect shipping option for you.
Standard Steel Container
Standard steel shipping containers are the most popular option for businesses and individuals. These come enclosed with high-strength, heavy-duty metal on all sides and are suitable for keeping outdoors long-term. Most are painted to protect the underlying metal and can be fitted with climate control systems when a power supply source is nearby.
Office Shipping Container
An office shipping container is a converted container set up for office use. These have features built-in, like electricals, plumbing, windows, insulation, and other elements that make them ideal for working.
Office shipping containers aren’t standard work premises but they can come in handy in numerous settings, including building sites and trade shows. Companies use them when they want to be close to the action instead of trying to manage everything from a distance.
Open-Top Shipping Containers
Open-top shipping containers are the same as standard types but skip the metal roof, using tarpaulin instead. These containers are useful for unusual loads or when a roof for the container isn’t necessary. Because these options still have all four sides, they are usually stackable, meaning they are still useful for international shipping.
Dangerous Goods Shipping Containers
Dangerous goods shipping containers come with extra protection to keep workers and the general public safe from interior contents. Manufacturers usually make these to a higher standard to prevent toxic substances from leaking out and causing damage to their surroundings and human health.
These containers are costlier to hire on a per-volume basis, but they more than make up for it due to their risk-mitigation qualities. Often, you can stack them and transport them on conventional container ships and trucks.
Refrigerated Containers
Refrigerated containers are useful for transporting perishable or delicate goods that require climate control. These connect to an external power source to cool the interior but otherwise function like a conventional shipping container.
Alternative-Use Shipping Containers
As well as offices, you can find shipping containers that are helpful for other commercial purposes, including:
- Bars
- Workshops
- Cafés
- Lunch rooms
As with offices, these come with the required modern conveniences, including plumbing, electrics, insulation, and suitable flooring.
Side-Opening Containers
Side-opening containers are helpful options for businesses transporting non-standard cargo. These have doors at the ends and the sides for additional access.
Finding the Perfect Container Type
Finding the right container type for you can be challenging. But with a little guidance, this section helps you simplify the process.
- Assess Your Requirements
Start by thinking about the type of container you need based on your cargo. What are you transporting?
For example, if you are moving hazardous goods, like oil-based fuels or lubricants, a dangerous goods container is the best option. Similarly, if you are moving something bulky or awkward, an open-top or side-opening option may be better.
- Think About The Environment
Next, you will need to consider the environment you will transport your goods through. For example, if your container will spend a long time outdoors, then a standard steel container may be the best option. Similarly, a refrigerated unit may be better if moving perishable goods through a hot environment.
- Look At Your Budget
You also want to consider the cost-effectiveness of your choices. Most shipping containers are relatively inexpensive (which is why most people use them), so standard options are usually your best bet. However, you should avoid falling into the false economy trap when shipping hazardous goods. Often, it is worth spending extra on a dangerous goods container to be on the safe side.
- Consider Whether You Need More Than A Shipping Container
Sometimes you need more than a shipping container–you require a place to do work or business. If that’s the case (and you’re not just moving cargo around), a converted unit is your best bet. These allow you to get closer to the action, whether that’s colleagues on a building site or customers at an event.
- Check Your Power And Utility Requirements
Lastly, check that the container is close to power and water supplies if you require lighting, kitchen setups, or climate control. Most commercial shipping fleets and trucks provide these on request, but it is always worth checking in advance.
Understanding Container Dimensions
Containers worldwide follow the U.S. military’s Conex standard. This standardisation makes it simpler for ports and logistics companies to handle cargo (instead of always having to deal with non-standard dimensions.
The following is a list of the three most popular dimensions of shipping containers and the capacities they offer:
10ft Shipping Container
- External Dimensions:
- Length: 10 ft (3.05 m)
- Width: 8 ft (2.44 m)
- Height: 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)
- Internal Dimensions:
- Length: 9 ft 3 in (2.83 m)
- Width: 7 ft 8 in (2.35 m)
- Height: 7 ft 10 in (2.39 m)
- Door Dimensions:
- Width: 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m)
- Height: 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
- Capacity: ~16 cubic meters (~560 cubic feet)
20ft Shipping Container
- External Dimensions:
- Length: 20 ft (6.10 m)
- Width: 8 ft (2.44 m)
- Height: 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)
- Internal Dimensions:
- Length: 19 ft 4 in (5.90 m)
- Width: 7 ft 8 in (2.35 m)
- Height: 7 ft 10 in (2.39 m)
- Door Dimensions:
- Width: 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m)
- Height: 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
- Capacity: ~33 cubic meters (~1,170 cubic feet)
40ft Shipping Container
- External Dimensions:
- Length: 40 ft (12.19 m)
- Width: 8 ft (2.44 m)
- Height: 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)
- Internal Dimensions:
- Length: 39 ft 5 in (12.01 m)
- Width: 7 ft 8 in (2.35 m)
- Height: 7 ft 10 in (2.39 m)
- Door Dimensions:
- Width: 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m)
- Height: 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
- Capacity: ~67 cubic meters (~2,390 cubic feet)
You can also sometimes find extended-height containers with ceilings that are over 9 ft 6 in (2.90 m) tall. These are handy when you want to fully enclose items.
Choosing the Right Container Size
Choosing the right container size is often more challenging than choosing the correct type. That’s because it is often hard to gauge the volume you require just by eyeballing container options.
Fortunately, this section can help. Here are some tips to follow:
Start By Looking At The Overall Volume Of Your Cargo
The first step is to start by candidly assessing your cargo’s overall volume. Knowing how much space it consumes will help you decide whether to choose a large or small container.
Most businesses and individuals use 10-foot containers for smaller loads and pieces of equipment. These are the best options if you know you don’t have much you need to move.
Large 40-foot containers, by contrast, are usually when you want to store inventory or ship items in bulk. Such units are more economical overall.
Evaluate Your Needs
The next step is to evaluate your needs, thinking about how you want to load and unload containers. Usually, front-opening options will be fine, but you may need side-opening, or open-top if loading from different angles.
Analyse The Space You Have
Also, consider whether you can transport the option you want to ship. Some containers are more practical than others for international shipping and so on.
If shipping by rail, check the units will fit the gauge. Standard Conex units almost always will, but non-standard options may require special arrangements.
Consider What You Want To Transport
Finally, consider what you want to use your containers to transport. Knowing this will determine the dimensions you require.
10-foot shipping containers are best for:
- Emergency supplies, including various disaster-relief items (ideal for nonprofits and charities)
- Small retail inventory, like clothes or electronics
- Office supplies for a new move, including branding materials
- Small-scale equipment for gardening or renovations
- Sports gear, like bicycles or surfboards
20-foot shipping containers are suitable for larger items, including:
- Furniture from family homes
- Personal belongings to move home
- Small cars and other vehicles, including ATVs and motorcycles
- Medium-sized machinery for offices and commercial installations (i.e. printers, fax machines, sewing machines, etc.)
- Medical supplies for hospitals or large clinics
Finally, 40-foot shipping containers are excellent options for:
- Construction materials and aggregates
- Bulk retail inventory
- Larger vehicles, including vans and boats
So there you have it: a full exploration of different shipping container types and sizes, and what you can use them for.