Container Types

Shipping Container Types, Sizes & Dimensions

Compare 15 shipping container types, including 20ft, 40ft, High Cube, Reefer, Open Top, and Flat Rack, with dimensions and capacity.

Choosing the right container depends on cargo size, weight, and handling needs. This guide covers 15 common container types with their dimensions, payload, and uses.

Container types covered

  • 20' Standard (22G1): Standard 20-foot dry container, most common for general cargo
  • 40' Standard (42G1): Standard 40-foot dry container, ideal for voluminous cargo
  • 40' High Cube (45G1): 40-foot high cube container, extra height for light voluminous cargo
  • 45' High Cube (45G1): 45-foot high cube container, maximum volume for domestic and some international routes
  • 20' High Cube (25G1): 20-foot high cube container, extra height in compact size
  • 20' Reefer (22R1): 20-foot refrigerated container for temperature-controlled cargo
  • 40' Reefer (42R1): 40-foot refrigerated container for temperature-controlled cargo
  • 40' Reefer High Cube (45R1): 40-foot high cube refrigerated container
  • 20' Open Top (22U1): 20-foot container with removable roof for top-loading
  • 40' Open Top (42U1): 40-foot container with removable roof for top-loading
  • 20' Flat Rack (22P1): 20-foot flat rack with collapsible ends for oversized cargo
  • 40' Flat Rack (42P1): 40-foot flat rack with collapsible ends for oversized cargo
  • 20' Tank Container (22T1): 20-foot ISO tank for liquid bulk cargo
  • 20' Platform (22P0): 20-foot platform container (flat bed) for very heavy cargo
  • 40' Platform (42P0): 40-foot platform container for oversized heavy cargo

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common shipping container sizes?

20ft and 40ft containers are the most widely used, along with the taller 40ft High Cube.