Container Types Made Simple: 8 Styles Explained

Most people picture one kind of shipping container: a steel box with doors at one end. That's the standard container, and it's what most buyers need. But there are several other styles built for specific jobs, and picking the right one can save money and hassle.

Here are the eight types you'll come across, from simple shipping containers built for storage to refrigerated units, with what each is best for and what to watch out for.

1. Standard (dry) container

Also called: dry van (DV), general purpose (GP), standard (ST).

The everyday workhorse: an enclosed steel box with corrugated walls, a wooden floor and double doors at one end. It's 8′ 6″ tall and comes in 10ft, 20ft and 40ft lengths, plus smaller 8ft units.

Best for: general storage at homes, businesses, farms and job sites; moving; shipping.

Watch out for: nothing special. It's the default for a reason. See the 20ft standard container.

2. High cube

Also called: HC, HQ.

Built like a standard container but a foot taller: 9′ 6″ outside instead of 8′ 6″. That adds roughly 12% more space on the same footprint.

Best for: tall items, racking, and conversions where you'll insulate the ceiling and still want headroom.

Watch out for: height limits at your site, under trees and wires, or in HOA rules. See the 20ft high cube.

3. Open side

Also called: side door, side opening.

A container with full-length doors down one side as well as standard doors on the end. Open the side and you can reach everything at once.

Best for: inventory you need to reach daily, forklift loading along the length, market stalls and pop-ups.

Watch out for: you'll need level, clear ground along the open side. See the 20ft open side container.

4. Open top

Also called: OT.

The steel roof is replaced by removable roof bows and a heavy tarp, so cargo can be lowered in by crane.

Best for: tall machinery, bulk materials such as timber or stone, and anything that won't fit through the doors.

Watch out for: a tarp isn't as tight or secure as steel, so check it regularly for long-term outdoor storage. See the 20ft open top container.

5. Refrigerated (reefer)

Also called: reefer, RF.

An insulated container with a built-in refrigeration unit that holds a set temperature, cooling or heating as needed.

Best for: food, produce, flowers, pharmaceuticals, restaurants, events and food banks.

Watch out for: power. Most reefers need 460V three-phase power, so confirm your site can supply it, or plan for a generator. See the 20ft reefer.

6. Insulated

Insulated walls, roof and doors, but no refrigeration unit. Many are former reefers with the machinery removed.

Best for: documents, electronics, furniture, wine and paint; offices and workshops you'll heat or cool.

Watch out for: insulation slows temperature change but doesn't control it. Add AC or heating if you need a set temperature. See the 20ft insulated container.

7. Flat rack

Also called: FR.

A heavy steel base with end walls and no sides or roof. Cargo goes on from the top or sides and is lashed down.

Best for: machinery, vehicles, boats, pipe, steel and other oversized cargo.

Watch out for: goods are exposed to weather and theft, so it's not a storage box. See the 20ft flat rack.

8. Custom and modified

Any container can be modified with personnel doors, roll-up doors, windows, insulation, electrical, shelving, AC and paint.

Best for: site offices, workshops, tool rooms, booths, pop-up shops and homes.

Watch out for: permits. Spaces people work or live in, and anything wired for power, often need them. See custom and office conex.

The types side by side

How to choose

Ask yourself:

1. Does it need to stay cold? Reefer.
2. Does it need steady temperatures but not refrigeration? Insulated.
3. Is anything taller than the standard door opening? High cube, or open top for very tall loads.
4. Will you load with a forklift along the side, or need to reach everything? Open side.
5. Is the cargo too big for any box? Flat rack.
6. Will people work inside? Custom, usually from a high cube.
7. None of the above? A standard container.

Then pick the size. Compare all sizes and types.

FAQ

What is the most common type of shipping container?

The standard dry container, in 20ft and 40ft lengths.

What's the difference between a dry van and a high cube?

A dry van is a standard container, 8′ 6″ tall. A high cube is 9′ 6″ tall, with about a foot more interior height.

Can any container type be modified?

Most can. Standard and high cube containers are the most common starting points for offices and workshops.

Do specialty containers cost more?

Yes. Open side, open top, flat rack, insulated and especially refrigerated containers cost more than standard units of the same size.