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Classification of Containers
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Containers are either made of steel (the most common for maritime containers) or aluminum
(particularly for domestic) and their structure confers flexibility and hardiness. Another factor behind
the diffusion of the container is that an agreement about its base dimensions and latching system was
reached through the International Standards Organization (ISO) within 10 years of its introduction.
From this standard, a wide variety of container sizes and specifications have been put in use. The most
prevalent container size is however the 40 foot box, which in its 2,400 cubic feet which carry on
average 22 tons of cargo. However, transporting cargo in a 20 foot container is usually 20% cheaper
than transporting cargo in a 40 foot container. Irrespective of the size a 20 foot container requires the
same amount of intermodal movements even if it takes about half the space during transport and at
terminals. There are five main types of containers:

Standard container. Container designed to carry a wide variety general cargo. They are often
labeled as dry containers because they carry dry goods either in break bulk (most common) or
bulk (less common) form. Cargo is loaded and unloaded through a double door which marks
the “back side” of the container.
Tank container. Container designed to carry liquids (chemicals or foodstuff). It is composed of a
tank surrounded by a structure making it the same size than a standard 20 foot containers,
including its four latching points.
Open top container. A container with an open roof and designed to carry cargo that is too large
to be loaded through standard container doors, such as machinery. The container is loaded
from the top with a tarpaulin used to cover its contents.
Flat container. Container having an open roof and sides designed to carry heavy and oversized
cargo. The cargo transported is left exposed to outdoor conditions.
Refrigerated container. Also known as a reefer. Container designed to carry temperature
controlled cargo, often around or below freezing point. It is insulated and equipped with
refrigeration plant maintaining the temperature constant.

In terms of the type of cargo for which the containers are mainly intended, they are classified as
follows.

General Cargo Container

The general cargo containers are further classified as:

Dry Cargo Containers

Dry Cargo Containers: The most commonly used shipping containers are general cargo boxes.

These are the steel containers that are visible in virtually every seaport around the world. They are fully
enclosed with strong, rigid walls, a roof and floor and resistant to the elements as well as animals, birds
and vermin.

One of the walls is usually adapted to create an aperture for a door opening. End loaders have a door
at one of the ends on the shortest side, while some containers are fitted with side wall doors for
convenient “side loading”. 20 foot shipping containers and their 40 foot equivalents are the most
common lengths while the standard width is 8 feet.

Special Dry Cargo Containers: Sometimes, loading (also known as packing) and unloading (also
known as unpacking) cannot be easily accomplished through the end or side doors and therefore,
special containers are used to do so.

Open Top Containers: Open top shipping containers have similar characteristics to dry cargo
containers but do not have a hard top steel roof. Instead, a canvas or reinforced cover is used to
protect the cargo. The cover is supported on special “roof bows”.

Such containers are used for heavy, bulky or fragile items such as sheet glass or machinery. Open top
containers are sometimes in short supply and are not always available in some markets.
 ”Flat Rack” & Platform Containers Flat rack containers lack the superstructure of enclosed, dry
cargo boxes. They do not have, therefore, fixed walls or any load-carrying structures. They do
have special corner fittings at the top and bottom of the container to ensure safe stacking and
handling at the container ports. These containers might be used in the transport and
distribution of wood or other heavy and difficult to manage objects. They are not always
available in some countries as supply is scarce.

Closed Ventilated Containers: Where goods need to be protected against excess moisture or
humidity, special ventilation-adapted containers are used.

Specific Cargo Container

For the transportation of food, frozen, perishable or cold goods, shipping containers are adapted to
specific purpose containers. Worldwide demand for these products has created a market and a
requirement for different types of specific purpose container which are summarised as follows.

Thermal Containers or “Reefers” Thermal containers are known in the industry as reefers. They
are characterized by interior insulation on the doors, roof, floor and walls. Used for prolonging
the shelf-life of food items and perishables, thermal reefers help to restrict the temperature
range inside the containers.

Reefers are commonly found in 20 foot and 40 foot shipping container sizes and are further classified
as

Insulated Shipping Containers: Insulated shipping containers do not utilize any devices for
temperature regulation. Only the internal insulation helps maintain an ambient temperature.
Refrigerated Shipping Containers: Refrigerated shipping containers have no external power or
energy supply, so cold temperatures are maintained using dry ice or liquefied gas.
 Mechanically Refrigerated Containers: In these cases, a power supply is required to a
refrigeration appliance. This is providing on land at sea ports, on road distribution trucks, or
even on some container ships.
Heated Containers: Similarly, a power supply is needed to run a heat-producing device.
Named Cargo Containers: These containers transport items such as cars, other vehicles,
livestock and poultry.
Dry Bulk Containers: Dry bulk containers are used where no external packaging is required.
Grains and dry foodstuffs fall into this category.

Tank Containers: Tank containers incorporate a tank for the transport and distribution of
chemicals, gases and hazardous liquids.

Unit Load Device (ULD)

The unit load device (ULD) is the air equivalent of the ISO container. Due to its unique shape
resembling an igloo, the ULD is sometimes called the igloo (or iglu). The air mode containers mainly
are of the IATA (International Air Transport Association) types. The popular sizes of ULD include the
IATA Type.

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