A Comprehensive Look at the Different Shipping Container Types and Sizes

Container shipping is one of the most practical and versatile ways to move cargo. According to the Philippine Ports Authority, the container throughput in the country reached 4,179,226 TEUs by the 2nd quarter of 2025. These numbers come from various types of shipping containers, ranging from standard dry, reefer, open top, flat, and more. These units can carry large volumes of diverse cargo, enabling an economic and streamlined domestic trade.

To guide you on which type of container is best for your goods, this article presents the diverse shipping container types and sizes that you can find in domestic and international ports.

 

Your Complete Guide to the Different Shipping Container Types and Sizes

 

Common Shipping Container Sizes

To differentiate the types of shipping containers, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defined the standard sizes through ISO 668 and ISO 1496.

  • 10 feet – 10 ft (L) x 8 ft(W) x 8.6 ft (H)
  • 20 feet – 20 ft (L) x 8 ft(W) x 8.6 ft (H)
  • 40 feet – 40 ft (L) x 8 ft(W) x 8.6 ft (H)

Container sizes also come in high cube (HC), which allow additional height to accommodate a larger volume or bigger sized cargo.

  • 40 feet HC – 40 ft (L) x 8 ft (W) x 9.6 ft (H)
  • 45 feet HC – 45 ft (L) x 8 ft (W) x 9.6 ft (H)

7 Types of Shipping Containers

1. Dry Containers

The most common, standard types of shipping containers are often categorized as dry containers. They are named such due to the absence of temperature control. Dry containers are used for shipping and storage of general cargo, and are made of weatherproof, corrugated steel or aluminum. The sturdy material makes it ideal for conversion, repurposing, or modification as well.

Types of Cargo: Non-perishable items, manufactured goods, boxes, palletized cargo, automobiles

Features: Lashing devices, cam lock system, weatherproof steel, corrosion-resistant coating

 

2. Reefer Containers

Among the types of shipping containers, the reefer or refrigerated container contains the necessary features to transport food, meat, medicine, and other temperature-sensitive items. These containers are equipped with electrical cooling or heating units, which maintains consistent levels of temperature even over long distances. Temperatures typically range from -35°C to 35°C, while some specialized units can reach as low as -70°C.

Types of Cargo: Food, dairy products, beverages, produce (fruits and vegetables), meat, frozen goods, pharmaceutical products, agricultural products, electronics

Features: Cooling/heating unit, compressor, interior fans, control unit, evaporator, condenser, insulated walls, air vent

 

3. Side Door Containers

As the name suggests, these types of cargo containers open from the side, enabling a faster and easier loading and unloading process. They are practically designed for oversized cargo, but also provide better accessibility for forklifts and simultaneous loading. Similar to the dry variety, side door shipping containers are also made of corrugated steel, however, the doors are made of flat steel panels. This maximizes interior cargo space, and makes the doors lighter to accommodate frequent use and full-length opening.

Types of Cargo: Industrial machinery, irregularly-shaped items, oversized goods, project cargo, construction materials, temperature-sensitive goods (via reefer side door containers)

Features: Large and lightweight steel doors, full side access, moisture-proofing rubber, standard rear door

 

4. Flat Rack Containers (Special Cargo)

Out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo are typically loaded onto 20ft or 40ft flat rack containers. These sea cargo containers do not have a roof and are made with either fixed or collapsible sides, allowing bulky cargo to be loaded from any end. Flat rack containers often have two side walls (usually both ends) raised, but its structure can depend on the shipping requirements. 

Types of Cargo: Construction equipment, industrial machinery, oversized vehicles, agricultural equipment, wind turbine parts, large pipes and steel

Features: Collapsible or fixed side panels, open sides, lashing systems

 

5. Open Top Containers (Special Cargo)

Open top containers are just like standard sea cargo containers; however, they are built with a removable roof. Cargo is loaded from the rear door or the top, which is then covered with a heavy-duty tarpaulin cover to protect it from the elements. This design is suitable for OOG cargo, items that go over the standard container height, or irregularly-shaped goods.

Types of Cargo: Overheight industrial machinery, bulk cargo, vehicles, construction equipment and materials, steel, pre-fabricated materials

Features: Open roof, soft and removable tarpaulin cover, detachable hard cover, standard rear door

 

6. Platform Containers (Special Cargo)

A platform container only features a steel deck. Unlike a flat-rack container, it lacks sides or ends, allowing transport of OOG cargo without further restrictions. Cargo is secured with robust lashing rings to keep it in place, while multiple platforms can be linked together to carry goods that cover a large platform. 

Types of Cargo: Project cargo, OOG cargo, oversized machinery, extremely large vehicles and industrial components

Features: Reinforces steel frame, wooden floor, versatile and open design, lashing rings, reinforced corner posts

 

7. Tank Containers (Liquid Cargo)

Liquid cargo is transported on various types of shipping containers, but tank containers are the most common. This specialized container is designed for the safe transport of liquid and gas bulk, featuring a stainless steel tank barrel supported by a steel frame and corner posts, which follows the size of a standard container. Its enhanced features provide secure storage, minimized risk of contamination, leaks, or tampering.

Types of Cargo: Liquid bulk, chemicals, acids, solvents, fuel

Features: Discharge valves, manhole/man lid, enhanced locking systems, heating or cooling units, protective linings or coatings for corrosive cargo

 

The varied range of shipping container types and sizes offer customizable ways to protect and transport your cargo safely. Whether your goods will be transported short or long-haul, picking the right container will guarantee product integrity from the start to end of its journey.

 

ALSO READ: Essential Facts for Manila To Mindanao Sea Cargo Shipping

Book Various Types of Cargo Containers with Trans-Asia Shipping Lines

Ship with one of the most trusted cargo companies in the Philippines. Trans-Asia Shipping Lines offers cargo shipping routes from Manila to Cebu, Manila to Davao, Manila to Cagayan de Oro, Manila to General Santos and Manila to Zamboanga.  We also ship from Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Zamboanga, Cebu and Mindanao to Manila. Check out our freighter rates here and connect with us today to book a container cargo.