The Most Common Types of Shipping Containers, Explained

Do you own a small business? If so, then you understand the importance of being able to ship products to your customers.

And yet shipping large quantities isn’t as simple as it might seem. The key is choosing the best type of shipping container for the job. If you’re unsure what type of shipping containers might be right for your needs, you’ve come to the right place for help.

This article takes a look at some of the different types of shipping containers and what they’re used for. Keep reading to get the inside scoop.

General Purchase Shipping Containers

First, let’s take a look at general purpose containers. This type of shipping container is also called a “dry container” because it’s fully enclosed and therefore able to protector your contents from any type of weather conditions. In fact, general purpose containers are fully weatherproof.

You can use a general purpose shipping container to store most types of cargo, and can also be fitted to be used with flexi-tanks and liner bags for hauling liquid cargo.

Open Top Shipping Containers

This type of shipping container has a top that can be removed to fit oversized cargo or for easier loading. The convertible top provides tremendous flexibility and is great for hauling tall machinery or bulky fished products that won’t easily fit in a general purpose container. 

An open top shipping container also features lasing rings for securing cargo to preventing it from shifting during transport.

High Cube Shipping Containers

This type of steel shipping container is similar in structure to the average general purpose shipping container but is taller. This obviously great for hauling larger amounts of cargo without exposing anything to outside elements.

High cube containers are especially great when you prefer to maximize shipping volume while investing in fewer containers.

Double Door Shipping Containers

This type of shipping container makes loading your cargo a breeze. That’s because it features doors that open at both ends. This provides you with the ability to unload at each end at the same time, cutting way down on the amount of time required to load and unload your cargo.

Both doors feature weather tight seals. Plus, this type of shipping container is slightly wider than general purpose containers, giving you more space for cargo.

Here’s more information about metal storage container cost.

Swap Body Shipping Containers

A swap body container is great for shipping by either rail or road. This type of container features a convertible top that makes it great for shipping a wide range of cargo, but it isn’t stackable.

Insulated Shipping Containers

Insulated shipping containers are ideal for transporting perishable cargo. They feature regulated temperature control that enables them to withstand extreme temperatures. This type of container is commonly used for transporting chemicals, foods, pharmaceuticals, and biological materials.

A Guide to the Different Types of Shipping Containers for Small Business

When it comes to transporting goods from one place to another, you need the right type of equipment. Fortunately, this guide to the different types of shipping containers will help you find what you need.

Keep scrolling to discover more great business-related tips and advice on this blog.

Chris Z