Destinex

These large, standardized metal boxes are the heroes of global trade, enabling the efficient and cost-effective movement of goods between countries. Sometimes it could be difficult to find the correct container for your shipment, that’s why we made a summery of the most common ocean freight container with all its specifications. Here’s a detailed table with the inner dimensions, outer dimensions, volume and maximum payload for the most common ocean freight container types.  

Dry Containers 

These containers are ISO-standardized, making them suitable for multimodal transportation such as by truck, rail, or ship. Their standardized design allows for efficient handling, stacking, and transfer between different transport systems, making them ideal for global logistics. Dry containers are the most commonly used type of shipping container in ocean freight. They are fully enclosed, weatherproof metal boxes designed to transport dry, non-perishable goods like electronics, clothing, furniture, and machinery. Most common types are 20ft DV/ 40ft DV/ 40ft High Cube / 45ft DV / 45ft High Cube containers. 

Special containers 

When you have special cargo or special handling requirements then below containers are more suitable for your shipment. These containers are mostly used for shipments that do not fit in a dry container due to their overall dimensions or weight. Some shipments may fit within the dimensions of a dry container but require special handling, such as top lifting or loading from above. In these cases, an open-top container is the ideal solution. Unlike standard dry containers, open-top containers have a removable or convertible roof, allowing for easy loading and unloading of oversized cargo that cannot be accommodated through standard container doors. 

Tank Container 

Tank containers, also known as ISO tanks, are specialized shipping containers designed for the safe transport of liquids, gases, and powders in bulk. Tank containers are widely used in industries such as food, chemical manufacturing, petroleum and pharmaceuticals. Equipped with pressure relief valves, temperature controls, and spill-proof systems to handle hazardous materials safely. 

Capacity: Typically range from 14,000 to 26,000 liters, depending on the type of cargo. 

Reefer Container 

Reefer containers, short for refrigerated containers, are specialized shipping containers designed to transport temperature-sensitive goods that require controlled climates. Equipped with advanced cooling and heating systems, reefer containers maintain a consistent temperature throughout the journey, ensuring that perishable or sensitive cargo arrives in perfect condition. It can maintain temperatures ranging from -30°C to +30°C (-22°F to 86°F), depending on the cargo’s needs. They are equipped with ventilation systems which provides airflow to prevent spoilage or damage to goods like fruits and vegetables.