A Comprehensive Overview of Container Transportation: Types and Parameters

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of various container types (general purpose, open-top, hard-top, etc.) and their specifications, including external/internal dimensions, capacity, tare weight, gross weight, and payload. It aims to help logistics professionals select suitable containers to enhance transport efficiency and reduce costs. As fundamental infrastructure in modern shipping, container diversity and parametric management significantly impact the entire supply chain.

In today's global shipping and logistics systems, containers serve as indispensable transportation tools with diverse specifications tailored for various cargo requirements. This analysis examines eight primary container types—general purpose, open-top, hard-top, flat rack, refrigerated, dry bulk, ventilated, and tank containers—providing professionals with essential parameters for optimal transport solutions.

1. General Purpose Containers

The workhorse of global shipping, suitable for standard cargo transportation:

20-foot container:

External: 6058mm (L) × 2438mm (W) × 2438mm (H)
Internal: 5930mm × 2350mm × 2260mm (nominal height)
Capacity: 31.5 m³ | Tare weight: 1600kg
Max gross: 24000kg | Payload: 22400kg

40-foot container:

External: 12192mm × 2438mm × 2591mm
Internal: 12062mm × 2350mm × 2380mm
Capacity: 67.6 m³ | Tare weight: 2990kg
Max gross: 30480kg | Payload: 27490kg

2. Open-Top Containers

Designed for oversized cargo with removable top structures:

20-foot container:

Capacity: 30.4 m³ | Tare weight: 2030kg
Payload capacity: 21970kg

40-foot container:

Capacity: 60.8 m³ | Tare weight: 3800kg
Payload capacity: 26680kg

3. Hard-Top Containers

Fully enclosed units offering superior cargo protection:

20-foot container:

Internal: 5918mm × 2339mm
Capacity: 30.8 m³ | Tare weight: 2200kg
Payload capacity: 21800kg

4. Flat Rack Containers

Specialized units for long or heavy project cargo:

20-foot container:

Capacity: 29.2 m³ | Tare weight: 2500kg
Payload capacity: 21500kg

40-foot container:

Capacity: 53.8 m³ | Tare weight: 4810kg
Payload capacity: 25670kg

5. Refrigerated Containers

Temperature-controlled units for perishable commodities:

20-foot container:

Capacity: 25.9 m³ | Tare weight: 2750kg
Payload capacity: 21250kg

40-foot container:

Capacity: 57.3 m³ | Tare weight: 4750kg
Payload capacity: 25730kg

6. Dry Bulk Containers

Specialized units for granular or powdered cargo:

20-foot container:

Capacity: 30.8 m³ | Tare weight: 1980kg
Payload capacity: 22020kg

7. Ventilated Containers

Units designed for cargo requiring air circulation:

20-foot container:

Capacity: 31.5 m³ | Tare weight: 2420kg
Payload capacity: 21580kg

8. Tank Containers

Specialized ISO tanks for liquid or gaseous cargo:

20-foot container:

Capacity: 14.383 m³ | Tare weight: 3120kg
Payload capacity: 20880kg

Understanding these container specifications proves critical for logistics professionals. Proper selection enhances operational efficiency, reduces transportation costs, and ensures cargo integrity across diverse shipping requirements—from general merchandise to temperature-sensitive goods or oversized project cargo. The standardized container system continues to provide flexible, cost-effective solutions for global trade.