Types of containers used for cargo shipping

Containers are an essential part of the shipping and transportation industry, as these are the structures that help in the storage of various kinds of products that should be shipped to various parts of the world. The containers help in moving the products easy and ensure it is safely transported without damaging.

Shipping containers are of various types, depending on the type of product that is shipped:

1. Dry storage container

The most common type of shipping containers is the dry storage container. It is of various dimensions and comes in sizes of 20ft, 40ft, and 10ft. It has a door at one side only and is best suited for goods loaded loose or on pallets or skids.

2. Flat rack container

The flat rack container is collapsible and can be folded to make it a flat rack for the shipping of a wide variety of goods. It is used for heavy or variously shaped freight, such as construction materials, pipes, heavy machinery, or industrial equipment.

3. Open top container

These containers with convertible top can be conveniently removed to make an open-top so that various materials of any height can be transported easily. The top of the containers will be covered with a tarpaulin to keep the container products safe and secure.

4. Tunnel container

These types of container storage units are accessible through the doors on both ends of the container. It is much easier and quicker to load and unload the products from the tunnel containers. It is used for FCL and LCL shipping.

5. Side Open or Open Side Containers

The open-sided containers also help in loading and unloading the products. The entire side of the container is joined in the four sides, and can be stored goods can be accessed easily throughout the whole length of the container unit. It is the perfect type of container when the forklifts are used to load and unload goods that are packed in pallets.

6. Tank Containers

The tank container is used for shipping hazardous and non-hazardous liquid products and gases. Tank containers are cylindrical tanks that are made of steel or other corrosion-resistant material with a steel frame. The dimensions of the steel-frame are the same as the standard containers. And so, the tank containers can be stacked with other containers in the cargo vessel.

7. Refrigerated containers or Reefers

Refrigerated containers are temperature-controlled shipping containers. it is fitted with insulation and refrigerator units that help in regulating the temperature inside and is exclusively used for shipment of perishable substances like fruits and vegetables over long distances.

8. Cargo storage roll container

Cargo storage roll containers are foldable containers. it is specialized container units that are used for transporting sets or stacks of materials. They are made of thick and strong wire mesh and rollers for easy and comfortable transportation of the products.

9. Car carriers

Car carriers are container storage units that are used for the shipment of cars. The car carriers also have collapsible sides to ensure that the car fit comfortably inside the containers and does not damage the vehicle.