In global trade and logistics, the term shipping container is nearly ubiquitous. Yet not all containers are the same. Whether you’re importing, exporting, or planning domestic transport, understanding the types of shipping containers is essential. This knowledge helps you optimize cost, avoid damage, and choose the right container for your cargo. In this post, we’ll walk you through 10 common container types, explain their uses and constraints, and discuss typical factors that influence shipping container prices. Toward the end, you’ll also learn about one of the top logistics companies in India—Viraj Exim Logistics—and how they leverage this knowledge in their services.
1. Dry (Standard) Container
What It Is
The dry container—often referred to as a “general purpose” container—is the backbone of the container shipping industry. It’s a sealed, weather-tight enclosure with no temperature control.
Key Specifications
- Standard lengths: 20 ft and 40 ft (sometimes 45 ft).
- Standard height: About 8 ft 6 in (8’6″) internally.
- Door width & height: Usually around 7 ft 8 in by 7 ft 5 in (varies slightly)
Use Cases
Dry containers are used for most non-perishable goods, including clothing, furniture, electronics, packaged foods, and household items. Since they’re cost-effective, they form the majority of container traffic globally (roughly 90%).
Price Considerations
Because they are standard and widely available, the price of shipping containers (whether purchased or leased) tends to be lower than that of special containers. Prices depend on condition, location, modifications, and demand. For example, a new or A-grade container will cost more than a used or B-grade one.
2. High Cube Container
What It Is
A high-cube (HC) container is similar to a dry container but offers extra height—typically about one foot more (9 ft 6 in or ~2.9 m internal).
Why Use One
- Ideal for voluminous but lightweight cargo
- Offers extra internal volume for pallet stacking
- Suitable for goods sensitive to stacking height constraints
Constraints
- The extra height may push the load above port or road clearance limits in some regions
- More expensive relative to standard containers due to higher steel use and rarer availability
3. Open Top / Convertible Top Container
What It Is
Open-top containers have a removable roof (often made of tarpaulin) instead of a rigid roof. Convertible tops offer flexibility in being closed or opened.
Use Cases
- Oversized cargo that must be loaded from the top (e.g., machinery, tall structures)
- Cargo that exceeds the interior height of a standard container
Considerations
- Side walls are standard, so the container still offers some protection
- Additional cost over standard dry containers
- Handling and lashing must be carefully done to secure the cargo
4. Flat Rack Container
What It Is
A flat rack container is essentially a chassis: it has no side walls or roof (in many designs). Some have folding sides or end walls. (Wikipedia)
Use Cases
- Heavy, bulky, and oversized items (e.g., heavy machinery, engines, pipes)
- Project cargoes or large parts that don’t fit in closed containers
Payoffs & Risks
- Allows maximum width and height flexibility
- But cargo is more exposed to elements and handling risk
- Because there’s no side protection, securing and lashing are critical
5. Refrigerated Container (Reefer)
What It Is
A refrigerated container (or “reefer”) has built-in cooling/heating machinery to maintain a specific internal temperature range.
Use Cases
- Perishable goods: fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, pharmaceuticals, etc.
- Any goods needing a controlled environment
Special Attributes
- Requires external power (via ship’s genset or shore power)
- More expensive to lease or buy
- Monitoring, maintenance, and operational costs matter
6. Bulk / Grain Container
What It Is
Bulk containers (also called grain containers) are designed with large hopper-style openings or top openers for loading and discharging loose cargo (e.g., grains, powder, pellets).
Use Cases
- Dry bulk commodities like grains, fertilizer, malt, and feed
- Goods shipped in bulk rather than packaged units
Features & Caveats
- Internal lining or coatings may be required to avoid contamination
- Must be stable during transport and avoid shifting
- Because the container must handle heavy loads, structural design is more substantial
7. Tank Container (ISO Tank)
What It Is
Tank containers are cylindrical tanks mounted inside an ISO-standard steel frame. They are used to ship liquids, gases, or granular materials.
Use Cases
- Chemicals, edible oils, beverages, fuels, gases
- Bulk liquid movements that don’t require drums or bottles
Advantages & Challenges
- More efficient for liquid bulk than drums or barrels
- Requires stringent safety regulations, cleaning, and maintenance
- Often has expensive certification, inspection, and insurance overhead
8. Platform / Flatbed Container
What It Is
A platform or flatbed container (also referred to as a “platform container” or “platform deck”) has no top or walls—just a flat deck and corner castings for securing it in place.
Use Cases
- When cargo dimensions exceed the container walls
- Large structures, steel beams, turbines, boats, oversized machinery
Handling & Risk
- Cargo is entirely exposed
- Very careful lashing, protection with tarpaulins, and route planning are needed
9. Collapsible / Folding Container
What It Is
These containers are designed to fold or collapse (often from the walls) when empty, saving space during return trips or storage.
Use Cases
- Intermodal transport where return logistics matter
- Businesses emphasizing efficiency and minimizing deadhead costs
Limitations
- More complex design (may cost more upfront)
- Not as rigid as fully fixed containers
- Limited availability compared to standard types
10. SECU (Stora Enso Cargo Unit)
What It Is
A SECU is a non-standard container (larger than a typical ISO container) used primarily for very high-volume bulk shipments—initially developed for the paper industry.
Dimensions & Constraints
- Much larger than regular 40-foot ISO containers, the internal dimensions are approximately 13.8 meters in length and 3.6 meters in width.
- Too large for standard road transport; usually utilised via ship and rail.
Use Cases
- Massive bulk cargo where reducing container count is critical.
- Mainly used in trade corridors involving ports and rail
What Impacts Shipping Container Price?
When budgeting or planning, here are the main factors that influence shipping container price (both purchase and leasing):
- Condition & Grade: New (A-grade) containers cost much more than used or “one-trip” units.
- Location & Delivery: Transporting a container from the yard to your site (or to a port) incurs additional costs.
- Modifications: Added doors, vents, insulation, custom interiors, HVAC, lashing, etc., raising prices.
- Supply & Demand: In tight supply or during peak shipping seasons, prices rise steeply.
- Container Type: Special containers (reefers, open tops, flat racks, and tankers) are more expensive due to their complexity.
- Certification & Compliance: For specific uses, inspection, cleaning, or regulatory compliance may be needed.
Due to these variables, always request multiple quotes, clearly specify your delivery location, and confirm whether costs include transportation, maintenance, or setup.
About Viraj Exim Logistics — One of the Top Logistics Companies in India
When you search for top logistics companies in India, one name that stands out is Viraj Exim Logistics.
Who Whttps://virajftwz.com/e Are
Viraj Exim Logistics is a comprehensive logistics and supply chain firm that provides turnkey solutions for importers, exporters, and businesses involved in global trade. We offer a range of services that span freight forwarding (sea, air), customs clearance, Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) services, perishable cargo handling, and integrated 3PL support.
Why We Qualify Among India’s Top Logistics Firms
By combining technical logistics know-how (including container selection), global forwarding, warehousing, and customs clearance, Viraj Exim Logistics positions itself among the top logistics companies in India. Their local presence, combined with domain expertise and a client-centric approach, enables businesses to navigate the complexities of container shipping more reliably.
Conclusion
Understanding different types of shipping containers is more than an academic exercise — it’s a practical requirement for those involved in trade, import-export, or supply chain operations. Choosing the correct container optimizes costs, protects your goods, and ensures smoother transit.
From the versatile dry container to the specialized tank or SECU types, each container fulfils a specific need. And in every decision, the shipping container price factor looms large — the right match can mean significant savings or unnecessary expense.
If you’re operating in or with India, a logistics partner like Viraj Exim Logistics—a recognized firm among the top logistics companies in India (https://virajftwz.com)—can simplify your choice, execution, and provide peace of mind.
Reference:
Flat rack container, as depicted by Wikipedia[1].
SECU (container) by Wikipedia[2].
Shipping container by Wikipedia[3].
Refrigerated container, as per Wikipedia[4].
Tank container, as per Wikipedia[5].
