types, uses, and dimensions of shipping containers

Types and Dimensions of ISO Shipping Containers

Types and Uses of Shipping Containers

It’s estimated that there are over 17 million shipping containers zipping around the world as you’re reading this. They’re on ships, trains, trucks, and others waiting in the depot for the next assignment.There are several types of shipping containers in use, but the most common are:

• 20’ standard and high cube containers• 40’ standard and high cube containers

• 20’ and 40’ Refrigerated Containers• Open Top Containers• Flat Rack Containers

The following slides will introduce you to each type of container, including some general uses, and dimensions. Please note that the dimensions are not exact, as each manufacturer can use slightly different materials that effect the actual weight of the container.If you have any questions about shipping containers, either purchasing them, selling them, or how to effectively use them, please contact ContainerAuction.com and one of their representatives will put you in touch with a local expert.

ContainerAuction.com – Marketplace for Buying Shipping Containers

20’ Standard and High Cube Containers

20’ shipping containers are among the most common in service, and the most popular with retail buyers interested in storage for their personal or business use. Since most ports are geared for 20’ and 40’ units, they’re easy to move and provide a reasonable amount of transportable storage.Due to the small footprint, they fit in small areas and provide a great amount of quick, secure storage.


Length Width Height Tare Weight

20’ 8’ 8’6” 4,600 lbs


20’ 8’ 9’6” 5,185 lbs

20’ Standard Shipping Container

20’ High Cube Shipping Container

20’ Shipping Containers for Sale

40’ Standard and High Cube Containers

40’ shipping containers are the most popular with shipping lines, as they are the most cost effective in terms of construction and load capacity. While they are a little harder to move due to weight, for a slightly higher cost the internal storage capacity doubles. This makes 40’ containers popular storage units for construction companies, oil field storage, or longer term on‐site storage


40’ 8’ 8’6” 5,820 lbs


40’ 8’ 9’6” 6,600 lbs

40’ Standard Shipping Container

40’ High Cube Shipping Container

40’ Shipping Containers for Sale


Refrigerated Shipping Containers

Refrigerated shipping container, or “reefers” are used to carry anything that needs to be kept at a constant temperature – fruits and vegetables, frozen fish, meat, dairy products such as milk and ice cream, and anything else that requires a controlled climate.Retail buyers also use them to control temperature, and some creative uses of them have been for meat packing during hunting seasons, and summer ice cream storage.


20’ 8’ 8’6” 6,750 lbs


40’ 8’ 8’6” 10,600 lbs

20’ Refrigerated Shipping Container

40’ Refrigerated Shipping Container

Refrigerated Shipping Containers for Sale


Open Top Containers – Hard Top and Soft Top

Open top containers are a specialized container typically used for the transportation of any oversized items or equipment, and they can come with a hard top or soft top (tarp).Typically, they are used to transport things like tall equipment, or things that need extra room to load such as large pieces of granite or stone. The open top allows things to be crane loaded and secured for transportation.


20’ 8’ 8’6”* 5,410 lbs


40’ 8’ 8’6”* 11,250 lbs

20’ Open Top Shipping Container

20’ Open Top Shipping Container

Open Top Shipping Containers for Sale


20’ and 40’ Flat Rack Containers

Flat rack containers are idea for heavy equipment that needs to be loaded from the top or sides. Things such as pipes and heavy machinery are the most common loads for a flat rack. Once they’re not in use, the ends can collapse down for easier storage.Due to the nature of this type of container, they’re less common to be used in a retail, or non‐commercial setting.


20’ 8’ 8’6” 5,200 lbs


40’ 8’ 9’6” 11,025 lbs

20’ Flat Rack Shipping Container

20’ Flat Rack Shipping Container

Flat Rack Shipping Containers for Sale


Conclusions and Questions

ContainerAuction.comRyan Herr

[email protected](307) 222‐9085


types, uses, and dimensions of shipping containers

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