| Standard Dry Freight Container |
Common external lengths: 20 ft or 40 ft.
Typical external dimensions are approximately 6.06 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m for 20 ft and
12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m for 40 ft.
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Packaged general cargo, cartons, machinery, furniture, and non-temperature-sensitive goods.
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Confirm a valid CSC safety approval plate for international sea transport. Check the container's
maximum gross mass, tare mass, inspection status, and cargo-securing equipment.
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Use certified lifting equipment and designated corner fittings. Distribute weight evenly over the floor,
block and brace cargo, and keep doors clear during loading.
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Compatible with container ships, rail wagons, road chassis, and standard intermodal terminals when
dimensions and gross mass are within route limits.
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Not suitable for temperature-controlled goods, liquid bulk, or cargo requiring frequent access unless
specially modified.
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| High-Cube Dry Container |
Usually 40 ft long and approximately 2.90 m high externally, providing more internal volume than a
standard-height container.
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Lightweight, high-volume cargo such as packaged consumer goods, textiles, appliances, and assembled
components.
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Verify the CSC plate, maximum gross mass, internal height, door opening, and the height restrictions
imposed by the intended road, rail, and terminal route.
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Prevent top-heavy loading. Use suitable dunnage, lashing, airbags, or other approved restraint methods
to prevent longitudinal and lateral movement.
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Suitable for ocean, rail, and road intermodal transport where the higher profile is accepted by the
route and equipment.
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May exceed local road or rail clearance limits. The greater internal height does not automatically mean
a greater permitted payload.
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| Refrigerated Container |
Commonly available in 20 ft and 40 ft formats. Internal capacity is reduced by the refrigeration unit
and insulated walls.
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Chilled or frozen food, pharmaceuticals, biological materials, chemicals, and other temperature-sensitive
cargo.
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Validate the required temperature range, calibration records, data-logging method, electrical connection
requirements, food or pharmaceutical controls, and applicable dangerous-goods rules.
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Pre-cool when required, avoid blocking air channels, maintain the correct set point, inspect door seals,
and provide uninterrupted power during storage and transit.
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Compatible with powered ship, rail, road, and terminal systems. Confirm plug availability and generator
requirements before dispatch.
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Requires continuous monitoring and power management. Cargo may be damaged by incorrect airflow, loading
density, or temperature excursions.
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| Open-Top Container |
Similar footprint to a standard freight container, with a removable roof or flexible cover and increased
top-loading access.
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Tall machinery, construction equipment, timber, scrap metal, and heavy cargo that cannot be loaded through
standard doors.
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Check CSC approval, cargo height, lashing points, axle loads, securing plans, and any carrier restrictions
on over-height or over-width cargo.
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Load from above with approved lifting equipment. Protect the cover from sharp edges and secure the cargo
against tipping, sliding, and weather exposure.
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Generally compatible with sea, rail, and road transport if the loaded unit remains within applicable
dimensional and mass limits.
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Reduced weather protection compared with a closed container. Over-height cargo can require special route
planning and permits.
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| Flat Rack |
Typically available in 20 ft and 40 ft lengths, with fixed or folding end walls and no continuous side
walls or roof.
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Heavy machinery, vehicles, pipes, steel products, and wide or over-height project cargo.
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Confirm the permitted gross mass, concentrated-load limits, lashing capacity, cargo dimensions, and
carrier acceptance for out-of-gauge cargo.
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Prepare an engineered securing plan. Use certified lashings, chains, blocking, bracing, and edge protection;
maintain safe access for cranes and lifting teams.
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Designed for intermodal transport, including ship, rail, and road movement, subject to terminal and route
restrictions.
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Provides little natural protection against rain, dust, and impact. Cargo may incur additional handling
charges and require special stowage.
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| ISO Tank Container |
A reusable tank mounted in an intermodal frame. Capacity varies by design, commonly within the
approximately 14,000–26,000 litre range.
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Bulk liquids, liquefied gases, powders, and hazardous or non-hazardous products approved for the specific
tank design.
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Verify the tank's inspection and test dates, pressure rating, valve condition, product compatibility,
markings, and applicable dangerous-goods regulations such as the IMDG Code, ADR, or RID.
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Use compatible hoses and fittings, control filling limits, ground the system where required, inspect
valves, and follow written loading, unloading, and emergency procedures.
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Highly suitable for ship, road, and rail transport when the tank certification and dangerous-goods
documentation are valid for every leg.
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The tank must be cleaned and, where required, certified between products. Temperature, pressure, and
filling restrictions depend on the cargo and tank specification.
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| Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) |
Common nominal volumes include 500, 600, and 1,000 litres; actual dimensions and stackability vary by
construction and manufacturer.
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Liquids, pastes, powders, and granulated materials in industrial or agricultural supply chains.
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For dangerous goods, confirm the UN packaging approval, packaging group suitability, inspection status,
labels, and closure requirements. Check food-contact or chemical-compatibility requirements where relevant.
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Use pallets or an integral base, protect valves and cages, keep loads stable, and follow the stated
stacking limits. Do not lift a filled IBC by an unsuitable valve or fitting.
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Suitable for road, rail, sea, and warehouse handling when secured against movement and protected from
impact, heat, and freezing as required.
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Many IBCs are not designed for unrestricted reuse. Requalification, cleaning, and product compatibility
must be confirmed before each reuse cycle.
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| Steel Drum |
Common industrial sizes include approximately 60, 120, and 208 litres, although actual nominal volumes
vary by design.
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Oils, solvents, powders, coatings, food ingredients, and other liquids or solids compatible with steel.
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Check UN performance markings for dangerous goods, closure type, gasket condition, corrosion, labels,
safety data, and applicable transport mode requirements.
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Move with drum clamps, pallets, or approved drum-handling equipment. Keep drums upright unless the cargo
and packaging instructions specifically allow another orientation.
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Compatible with road, rail, sea, and air only when the packaging specification, quantity limits, and
documentation meet the relevant modal rules.
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Vulnerable to corrosion, dents, and closure damage. Do not roll or drop drums, and keep incompatible
substances segregated.
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| Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container (FIBC) |
Common working capacities range from about 500 to 2,000 kg or litres, depending on material, filling
density, and construction.
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Dry powders, granules, agricultural products, minerals, plastics, and other free-flowing solids.
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Confirm the safe working load, safety factor, lifting-loop design, liner specification, electrostatic
classification, and UN approval when used for applicable dangerous goods.
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Lift only from designated loops, avoid sharp edges and dragging, control static electricity where required,
and follow the stated stacking and discharge procedures.
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Suitable for road, rail, sea, and warehouse transport when placed on stable pallets or floors and
restrained against shifting and moisture exposure.
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Performance can be affected by moisture, ultraviolet exposure, abrasion, static discharge, and excessive
stacking pressure.
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| Dangerous-Goods Storage Container |
May be a modified freight container, fire-resistant cabinet, or purpose-built unit; capacity depends on
the design and regulatory classification.
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Flammable liquids, corrosives, toxic substances, oxidizers, gases, and other regulated materials.
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Complete a hazard classification review using the current safety data sheet. Verify segregation, fire
protection, ventilation, spill containment, signage, emergency equipment, and local storage permits.
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Restrict access, inspect for leaks, maintain separation of incompatible substances, control ignition
sources, and keep an inventory and emergency response information available.
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Storage compliance does not automatically authorize transport. Transport packaging, vehicle requirements,
labels, documents, and route rules must be checked separately for each mode.
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National and local requirements can be stricter than international baseline rules. A container suitable
for storage may not be approved for carriage.
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| Pallet Box or Rigid Bulk Bin |
Commonly designed for pallet footprints, with capacities often ranging from approximately 500 to
1,200 litres depending on construction.
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Automotive parts, produce, recyclable materials, components, and non-hazardous bulk solids.
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Check the rated load, stacking capacity, hygiene or food-contact requirements, repair history, and
suitability for the intended warehouse and transport environment.
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Use compatible forklifts or pallet jacks, keep forks fully engaged, distribute the load evenly, and
secure empty units to prevent movement during transit.
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Suitable for warehouse, road, rail, and sea freight when placed on compatible pallets or secured directly
in the cargo space.
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Open or vented designs may not protect goods from rain, dust, pests, or contamination. Plastic performance
can change at extreme temperatures.
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