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Container Types
Dry, reefer, open top, flat rack, tank and more
Dry
20' Standard DryISO 22G1General cargo, dense freight, bagged and palletised goods. The default box for heavy cargo where weight limits bite before volume does.
40' Standard DryISO 42G1General cargo where volume matters more than weight. Roughly double the space of a 20' for only a little more payload.
40' High CubeISO 45G1Light, bulky cargo. The extra foot of height is the most requested upgrade in LCL and full-load bookings alike.
45' High CubeISO L5G1Long or high-volume cargo on trades where 45' equipment is available. Not accepted everywhere; check inland road limits.
Reefer
20' ReeferISO 22R1Temperature-controlled cargo. Insulation and the machinery reduce internal space noticeably against a dry box.
40' Reefer High CubeISO 45R1Perishables on long ocean legs: fruit, fish, pharmaceuticals. The high cube version is now the standard reefer.
Open Top
20' Open TopISO 22U1Cargo loaded by crane from above, or over-height cargo shipped under tarpaulin.
40' Open TopISO 42U1Long machinery and cargo that cannot be loaded through the doors.
Flat Rack
20' Flat RackISO 22P1Heavy, wide or awkward cargo: machinery, vehicles, cable drums. Out-of-gauge charges usually apply.
40' Flat RackISO 42P1Long project cargo and plant. Collapsible ends on most modern units.
Tank
20' Tank ContainerISO 22T1Bulk liquids, chemicals and food grade product. Capacity is quoted in litres by the operator, commonly 21,000-26,000 L.
Ventilated
20' VentilatedISO 22V1Cargo needing passive airflow, such as coffee and cocoa, where condensation is the risk rather than temperature.
These are typical industry figures for planning and quoting. They are not carrier specifications: tare weight, payload and internal dimensions vary by manufacturer, build series and individual unit, and the maximum payload is also limited by road and rail rules on the route. The plate on the container is what counts.
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