In the world of international transport and supply chain management, choosing the right container can be the difference between a safe, cost-effective operation and one full of setbacks. At UTB Logistics we know that knowledge is power, so we prepared this detailed guide on container types — their uses, specifications, and key recommendations — to help ensure your shipments are always efficient and well managed.
Transport containers — also called intermodal containers — are standardized structures designed to move goods securely across different modes of transport: sea, road and even rail/air in certain cases. Their design protects cargo, streamlines loading and unloading, optimizes available space, and reduces handling time.
Before containers were standardized, cargo was handled piece by piece, causing delays, high costs and greater risk to the goods. Everything changed in the mid-20th century when the modern container was standardized thanks to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and pioneers like Malcolm McLean, who championed the idea of moving sealed metal boxes directly from trucks to ships without repacking. This innovation transformed global logistics and enabled what we now call intermodal transport.
Throughout this guide you’ll learn the main container types on the market, their characteristics, common dimensions, advantages, and the types of cargo each is designed for — so you can choose the right container based on your merchandise and operational needs.
Container Types and Their Specifications
Standard Container (Dry / General Purpose)
Description: The most common type — fully enclosed, no temperature control, suitable for dry cargo on pallets, boxes or bales.
Typical use: General dry goods, spare parts, packaged products.
Benefits: Versatile, widely available, cost-effective, compatible with many routes and modes.
High Cube (HC) Container
Description: Similar to the standard container but with extra height (approximately 1 ft / 0.30 m more) for additional volume.
Typical use: Voluminous goods, lightweight tall cargo, racking for tall items.
Benefits: Greater cubic capacity without increasing length; efficient for loads that “fill by height.”
Open Top Container
Description: Container with a removable top (or tarpaulin) to allow loading from above or to accommodate large machinery.
Typical use: Heavy machinery, oversized parts, cargo that cannot fit through side doors.
Benefits: Allows crane/top loading; ideal for irregular or very tall items.
Flat Rack Container
Description: A base/platform container with no walls or with foldable sides — designed for oversized cargo.
Typical use: Large equipment, prefabricated modules, vehicles, project cargo.
Benefits: Flexibility for oversized loads, ability to secure exposed cargo, high weight capacity.
Reefer Container
Description: Container equipped with a refrigeration/heating unit to maintain controlled temperatures.
Typical use: Perishables, pharmaceuticals, climate-sensitive chemicals.
Benefits: Protects cargo from temperature, humidity and adverse weather; essential for the cold chain.
Tank / Bulk / Special Containers
Description: Containers designed for liquids, gases or bulk cargo; include integrated tank units or special structures.
Typical use: Transport of fuels, liquid chemicals, bulk grains, or any cargo requiring specialized containment.
Benefits: Adapted for loads that don’t fit in standard containers; comply with specific safety and regulatory requirements.
Container Sizes and Capacity Comparison
| Container type | Internal length (m) | Internal width (m) | Internal height (m) | Approx. capacity (m³) | Max payload (kg) |
| Dry Van 20′ | 5.90 | 2.35 | 2.39 | 33.2 | 28,200 – 28,500 |
| Dry Van 40′ | 12.03 | 2.35 | 2.39 | 67.7 | 28,800 – 29,600 |
| High Cube 40′ | 12.03 | 2.35 | 2.69 | 76.3 | 28,500 – 30,400 |
| High Cube 45′ | 13.55 | 2.35 | 2.69 | 85.7 | 27,500 – 32,500 |
| Open Top 20′ | 5.90 | 2.35 | 2.39 | 32 – 33 | 28,000 – 30,000 |
| Open Top 40′ | 12.03 | 2.35 | 2.39 | 66 – 67 | ~30,000 |
| Flat Rack 20′ | 5.94 | 2.35 | (no sides/top) | — | 30,000 – 34,000 |
| Flat Rack 40′ | 12.19 | 2.35 | (no sides/top) | — | 40,000 – 45,000 |
| Reefer 20′ | 5.44 | 2.29 | 2.27 | 28.4 | 27,400 – 28,200 |
| Reefer 40′ | 11.56 | 2.29 | 2.25 | 67.0 | 29,000 – 30,000 |
| Tank Container (cistern) | 6.05 | 2.35 | 2.39 | 21,000 – 26,000 liters | 34,000 |
| Ventilated Container | 5.90 / 12.03 | 2.35 | 2.39 | 32 – 67 | 28,000 – 30,000 |
Conclusion
At UTB Logistics, our goal is that every shipment not only finds the right container but also the optimal logistics solution. Understanding container types, uses and specifications allows you to anticipate needs and avoid surprises.
If you’re planning an international shipment or seeking to optimize your supply chain, our team is ready to help you choose the correct unit, secure transport and ensure your cargo arrives on time and in the best possible condition.
Written by:
Carlos Ortíz
