Types of Shipping Containers

There are many types of shipping containers out there, each with its specific purpose. The most common type of container is the ISO Standard container, which is used for the vast majority of intermodal freight transport. These containers are generally either 20 or 40 feet long and are 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet tall. They are made of steel and have either corrugated or smooth sides. There are also specialized containers, such as reefers (refrigerated containers), tank containers (for liquids), and flat-racks (for oversized cargo or oddly-shaped cargo). Here are the six main types of containers used for shipping various commodities.