What type of cargo shipping container or foot container do I need to ship my cargo?

There are endless types of freight containers and shipping equipment available for transporting your cargo. Essentially, the type of cargo and its needs will determine what kind of container you will require. We’ve listed some of the most common cargo containers below:

1. Dry containers: They are called ‘dry’ because they don’t have any temperature controls – these are basic containers for cargo such as toys and clothes. Dry containers (DC) are the most common type of container in the world with 90% of goods shipped by sea loaded in dry containers. They come in different container dimensions, sizes and variants:

• 20-foot Container or 1 TEU: The standard 20-foot container or “dry van” is one of the most commonly used containers for shipment of goods as ocean freight along with the 40-foot container. 20-foot containers are designed to carry more weight than voluminous cargo. This is suitable for heavy cargo such as minerals, metal, machinery, sugar, paper, cement, and steel coils. You can use a cubic meter calculator for the dimension of 20ft container.
• 40-foot Container or 1 FFE: This freight container is one of the most common types of a cargo container, and as such, it is used to load most types of usual cargo. 40-foot dry containers are designed to carry and store more voluminous cargo rather than heavy cargo, for example, furniture, steel pipes, paper scrap or cotton.
• 40 High Cube Container (40HC): These shipping containers are made for even lighter cargo. 40HC are taller (you can fit in more cargo) but due to weight limitations per container, you cannot use them for heavier goods.
• Controlled Atmosphere (CA Container): This type of freight container offers the right conditions inside the cargo container to help to slow down ripening, preserve perishable produce and vastly improve the shelf life of goods, especially during long-distance trips.

2. Refrigerated containers: These are cargo containers able to control temperature. They are perfect for storage and for transporting perishables such as flowers or food that need to be kept cold across long distances.

3. Special Dimensioned containers for specific cargo:

• Open Top Container: Suitable for cargo that is over height and cannot be easily loaded through the door.
• Flat Rack: A cargo container ideal for shipping goods that are oversized, such as heavy machinery, yachts and construction materials.
• Platform: Used for odd-sized cargo which does not fit in any other type of shipping container.
• Transportable tank: Made of strong steel or other anti-corrosive materials for the storage and transportation and long-life protection of liquid materials.