Container types There are a number of types of container in common use. They all have basically the same frame, and the differences relate to what they can be used for and access. The exterior dimensions of all containers conforming to ISO standards are 20 feet long x 8 feet wide x 8 feet 6 inches high or 9 feet 6 inches high for high cube containers. Some of the most commonly used types are: Ventilated Container 20' Ideal for cargo requiring ventilation Bulk Container 20' For bulk cargoes Tank Container 20' For transportation of liquid chemicals and food stuffs Dry Freight Container 20' and 40' General purpose container High Cube Container 40' and 45' 9'6" High For over height and voluminous cargo Open top container 20' and 40' Removable tarpaulin for top loading of over height cargo Flat Rack Container 20' and 40' For over width and heavy cargo Platform Container 20' and 40' For extra length and heavy cargo Insulated Container 20' and 40' For additional insulation of sensitive cargo Reefer Container 20' and 40' For cooling, freezing or heating of foods or chemicals High Cube Reefer Container 40' and 45' 9'6" High For over height and voluminous cargo requiring cooling or freezing Dry Van Boxes The most common type They have corrugated steel walls, timber base, steel or glass reinforced plastic (GRP) top. Corrugated walls can be made from plate from as little as 1.6mm (1/16 inch) in thickness. Their frame consists of side and end rails and corner pillars, fitted with corner castings. The closed end is approximately 4.5 times more stiff, in racking strength, than the door end. Refrigerated Containers General construction as for dry van boxes. They usually have their own refrigeration unit, with an air or a water-cooled heat exchanger. A small number of CONAIR boxes use close-coupled ventilation. They have their own data logger to record temperature. Tank Containers Steel skeletal framework within which the tank is housed. Steel framework must have equivalent strength to a dry van box. The tank has its own design and strength criteria and it may be a pressure vessel. Flat-Rack Containers The container frame can be folded flat for ease of transportation when empty. The structure must have equivalent strength to a dry van box. P&I cover may not extend to cargoes carried on deck in a flat-rack container. Related Information Most commonly used Container Sizes Safe navigation in a seaway Hull strength & stability requirement for containerships Cargo stowage and planning in containership Cargo care at sea Containership hull strength and stability Securing arrangement in containerships Cargo securing in containership requirements Safe cargo operation in containership Cargo stowage and related safety guideline Other Info Pages Home Our home page Site Map Page listing for this site. Site Use and Privacy - Read our privacy policy and site use information. Contact us Copyright © 2009 Ships business.com All rights reserved.