Types of Shipping Containers: The Ultimate Guide

While shipping containers may all look the same to the untrained eye, these storage, office and living solutions are surprisingly versatile. With nearly a dozen types of shipping containers covered in this guide, there are plenty of differences between each to consider if you’re planning to invest in a new or used container. Read on to learn more:

What are the Types of Shipping Containers?

Dry Container

A dry container is the classic shipping container, utilised worldwide for the shipping of non-perishable cargo that doesn’t require temperature regulation but still needs protection. These containers are enclosed metal boxes that are resistant to moisture, dust and external damage. Dry containers come in many varieties, which we list in more detail below. They can also be a range of lengths, including the 10 ft, 20 ft and 40 ft sizes that we stock at KH Containers.

Open Top Container

Open top containers feature an entirely open top that can easily be covered with a tarpaulin ‘lid’ to weatherproof the items inside. This type of container is a common choice for items that are awkward or bulky, allowing them to be top-loaded and any spillover covered safely. These containers don’t need space to the sides, front or back for access, enabling them to be placed in a compact layout.

Flat Rack Container

Flat rack containers are specialist shipping containers that are designed for oversized cargo, also known as ‘Out of Gauge’ shipments. These containers have no sides or top but do have a base and end walls. These provide stability for the shipment without restricting it to a specific size. Heavy machinery, construction materials and large vehicles are common items to ship with flat rack containers, as they wouldn’t fit in conventional containers.

High Cube Container

High cube containers are a spacious alternative to standard-size containers, offering additional headroom for taller stacks or bulkier items. These containers offer you an extra foot of height and are otherwise the same as your typical shipping container, with secure locking systems, watertight and waterproof designs and construction from heavy-duty steel.

Double Door Container

Double door containers have multiple points of entry instead of a single one, typically in the form of a ‘tunnel’ from one end of the container to the other. Doors at both ends of this container make it easier to retrieve goods directly without the need to move other items to find things at the back of the container. Having two doors also makes unloading the container more efficient, as people can work from each end and meet in the middle.

Open Side Container

Open side containers, also known as full side access containers, provide full access to the length of the container via a swing or bi-folding door along the full length of one side. This grants accessibility to the entire side of the container, giving more freedom to remove bulky items compared to the standard end doors. An open side container is often used on construction sites or in warehouses for immediate access to materials and are excellent options for conversions to pop-up shops or booths.

Refrigerated Container

Refrigerated containers are climate-controlled dry shipping containers, also known as ‘reefer containers’. These specialist containers require a power source for an integrated heating and cooling system that circulates temperature-controlled air. If you plan on shipping perishable or sensitive materials, including fresh produce, dairy products, vaccines, medicines and certain types of electronics, this type of container is the ideal choice.

Site Office Containers

Site office containers, or anti-vandal offices, are specialised containers that can be customised for the usage of employees to suit a range of on-site requirements. This includes workspaces, drying rooms, washroom facilities and canteens. Site offices are a popular choice on construction sites across the UK as a safe, weatherproof, cost-effective solution for temporary installation that is extremely secure.

Half Height Container

A half-height container is typically chosen either due to space or weight constraints. These containers are around half the height of a typical container, which means they have a lower centre of gravity. This is important for stability when transporting particularly heavy materials. Common applications for these containers include moving dense mining materials such as ores and waste materials and transporting chains, anchors and machinery for offshore oil rigs.

ISO Tank Container

Tank containers are units that are designed specifically for the transportation of gases, chemicals and liquids. They include a tank that is mounted within a steel frame, making these non-solid materials easy to ship. To be ISO (International Organization for Standardization) compliant, these containers must meet defined requirements covering dimensions, load ratings, structural strength and identification.

Shipping Containers at KH Containers

Specialised containers are available for a wide range of applications and use cases, from site offices to solutions for transporting oversized machinery. If you need a new or used container, KH Containers can help. We offer a wide range of sizes and types of containers, including 10, 20 and 40 ft lengths.

Give us a call on 0333 577 3191 to discuss your requirements, or fill in our contact form and we’ll be in touch with a free quote.