Maritime containers are a fundamental component of global cargo transportation. These standardized containers allow for efficient and secure handling of cargo, facilitating its transfer between different modes of transportation, such as ships, trains, and trucks. Below are the different types of containers and their measurements.
History and Standardization of Containers
The concept of cargo containers is attributed to trucker Malcolm McLean in the 1950s. McLean devised a system for loading and transporting goods in containers that could be moved without unpacking their contents. This led to the founding of the Sea-Land Service company, which became one of the first shipping lines to adopt the widespread use of containers.
With the growth of container shipping, there arose a need to standardize dimensions and specifications. In 1968, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) established standards for maritime containers. The most common sizes are the 20-foot container and the 40-foot container.
This innovation greatly improved the process of cargo transportation and paved the way for container standardization. This standardization had a massive impact on global trade, enabling manufacturers to offer a wide variety of products at low cost, shipping goods directly from factories to stores and warehouses worldwide.
Read more about the history of maritime containers here.
Types of Containers
With the development of international trade, standard containers evolved into different types and dimensions to meet the needs of exporters and importers. The 12 most common types of containers are:
- Standard Container
- Standard 20-foot container
- Standard 40-foot container
- High Cube (HC) 40-foot container
- High Cube (HC) 45-foot container
- Ventilated Container
- 20-foot Ventilated Container
- Refrigerated Container
- 20-foot refrigerated container
- 40-foot refrigerated container
- Flat Rack Container
- 20-foot flat rack container
- 40-foot flat rack container
- Open-Top Container
- 20-foot open-top container
- 40-foot open-top container
- 20-foot tank container
- 20-Foot Tank Container
1. Standard Container
The standard 20-foot and 40-foot containers are the most commonly used in maritime cargo transport. They differ from other container models in that they are hermetically sealed and do not have refrigeration or ventilation systems.
a. 20-Foot Container
Dimensions
- Width: 7 feet 8 1/8 inches (2.34 meters)
- Height: 7 feet 6 1/4 inches (2.29 meters)
- Length: 19 feet 4 1/4 inches (5.9 meters)
- Maximum gross weight: 52,831 pounds (23,956 kilograms)
- Tare weight: 4,914 pounds (2,229 kilograms)
- Maximum payload: 47,899 pounds (21,727 kilograms)
- Cargo capacity: 1,172 cubic feet (33.2 cubic meters)
Its base allows for the transport of up to 11 stacks of European pallets or 10 stacks of standard pallets. The 20-foot container is known as a “20-foot dry container” or “20-foot dry van.”
b. 40-Foot Container
Dimensions
- Width: 7 feet 8 1/8 inches (2.34 meters)
- Height: 7 feet 6 1/4 inches (2.29 meters)
- Length: 37 feet 11 1/4 inches (12.01 meters)
- Maximum gross weight: 67,199 pounds (30,481 kilograms)
- Tare weight: 5,220 pounds (3,701 kilograms)
- Maximum payload: 59,039 pounds (26,780 kilograms)
- Cargo capacity: 2,389.75 cubic feet (67.67 cubic meters)
Its base allows for the transport of up to 25 stacks of European pallets. The 40-foot container is known as a “40-foot dry container” or “40-foot dry van.”
c. 40-Foot High Cube (HC) Container
Dimensions
- Width: 7 feet 8 1/8 inches (2.34 meters)
- Height: 8 feet 6 1/4 inches (2.56 meters)
- Length: 39 feet 5 5/8 inches (12.01 meters)
- Maximum gross weight: 67,196 pounds (30,480 kilograms)
- Tare weight: 8,747 pounds (3,968 kilograms)
- Maximum payload: 58,448 pounds (26,512 kilograms)
- Cargo capacity: 2,694 cubic feet (76.3 cubic meters)
d. 45-Foot High Cube (HC) Container
Dimensions
- Width: 7 feet 9 1/2 inches (2.37 meters)
- Height: 8 feet 5 3/4 inches (2.58 meters)
- Length: 44 feet 4 3/4 inches (13.53 meters)
- Maximum gross weight: 74,960 pounds (34,000 kilograms)
- Tare weight: 10,910 pounds (4,950 kilograms)
- Maximum payload: 64,050 pounds (29,050 kilograms)
- Cargo capacity: 3,122 cubic feet (88.4 cubic meters)
2. Ventilated Container
The ventilated container features a ventilation system that allows for air circulation, ensuring that no gas condensation or moisture affects the cargo. It is ideal for transporting goods that need to maintain a constant temperature without abrupt changes, such as coffee.
a. 20-Foot Ventilated Container
Dimensions
- Width: 7 feet 8 1/8 inches (2.34 meters)
- Height: 7 feet 6 1/4 inches (2.29 meters)
- Length: 19 feet 4 1/4 inches (5.9 meters)
- Maximum gross weight: 52,897 pounds (23,994 kilograms)
- Tare weight: 5,297 pounds (2,394 kilograms)
- Maximum payload: 47,899 pounds (21,600 kilograms)
- Cargo capacity: 1,172 cubic feet (33.2 cubic meters)
3. Refrigerated Container
The refrigerated container allows for maintaining a temperature between -25°C and +25°C to transport fresh and frozen foods, as well as other shipments from the pharmaceutical industry.
a. 20-Foot Refrigerated Container
Dimensions
- Width: 7 feet 8 1/8 inches (2.34 meters)
- Height: 7 feet 6 1/4 inches (2.29 meters)
- Length: 17 feet 11 5/8 inches (5.45 meters)
- Maximum gross weight: 67,200 pounds (30,480 kilograms)
- Tare weight: 6,970 pounds (3,160 kilograms)
- Maximum payload: 60,230 pounds (27,320 kilograms)
b. 40-Foot Refrigerated Container
Dimensions
- Width: 7 feet 5 3/8 inches (2.26 meters)
- Height: 6 feet 11 7/8 inches (2.13 meters)
- Length: 37 feet 11 1/4 inches (11.48 meters)
- Maximum gross weight: 67,053 pounds (30,415 kilograms)
- Tare weight: 10,778 pounds (4,889 kilograms)
- Maximum payload: 56,275 pounds (25,526 kilograms)
- Cargo capacity: 2,039.7 cubic feet (57.76 cubic meters)
4. Flat Rack Container
Flat rack containers are designed to transport goods that do not fit in standard or dry van containers due to their irregular weight or size. Some models have folding sides for easier loading and unloading.
a. 20-Foot Flat Rack Container
Dimensions
- Width: 8 feet (2.43 meters)
- Height: 7 feet 3 7/8 inches (2.233 meters)
- Length: 19 feet 9 3/4 inches (5.638 meters)
- Maximum gross weight: 99,200 pounds (45,000 kilograms)
- Tare weight: 6,400 pounds (2,900 kilograms)
- Maximum payload: 92,800 pounds (42,100 kilograms)
- Cargo capacity: 1,154.3 cubic feet (32.7 cubic meters)
b. 40-Foot Flat Rack Container
Dimensions
- Width: Not specified
- Height: Not specified
- Length: 39 feet 3 7/8 inches (11.98 meters)
- Maximum gross weight: 98,326 pounds (44,600 kilograms)
- Tare weight: 12,897 pounds (5,850 kilograms)
- Maximum payload: 85,429 pounds (38,750 kilograms)
- Cargo capacity: 1,860 cubic feet (52.7 cubic meters)
5. Open Top Container
The open top container is similar to the flat rack but with an open top and the advantage of having side walls and the possibility to cover the top with a tarpaulin to protect the cargo.
a. 20-Foot Open Top Container
Dimensions
- Width: 7 feet 8 1/8 inches (2.34 meters)
- Height: 7 feet 6 1/4 inches (2.29 meters)
- Length: 19 feet 4 1/4 inches (5.9 meters)
- Maximum gross weight: 52,897 pounds (23,994 kilograms)
- Tare weight: 5,297 pounds (2,394 kilograms)
- Maximum payload: 47,619 pounds (21,600 kilograms)
- Cargo capacity: 1,172 cubic feet (33.2 cubic meters)
b. 40-Foot Open Top Container
Dimensions
- Width: 7 feet 8 1/8 inches (2.34 meters)
- Height: 7 feet 6 1/4 inches (2.29 meters)
- Length: 39 feet 5 5/8 inches (12.01 meters)
- Maximum gross weight: 67,196 pounds (30,480 kilograms)
- Tare weight: 8,487 pounds (3,850 kilograms)
- Maximum payload: 58,709 pounds (26,630 kilograms)
- Cargo capacity: 2,389.75 cubic feet (66.67 cubic meters)
6. Tank Container, Isotank
Tank containers, or isotanks, are designed for the transport of liquids or gases and are an effective solution for intermodal bulk transportation.
a. 20-Foot Tank Container
Dimensions
- Width: 8 feet (2.43 meters)
- Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters)
- Length: 20 feet (6.09 meters)
- Cargo capacity: 6,450 gallons (26,001 liters)
Conclusion
In summary, the different types of containers and their measurements are essential components in the logistics of cargo transportation. Their standardization in terms of dimensions and types facilitates global trade and ensures efficient and safe cargo transportation. The choice of container type depends on the nature of the cargo and the specific requirements of the shipment. Understanding the dimensions and capacities of each container type is crucial for selecting the most suitable option for each cargo.
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