Types of marine containers | An explanation of classification by size, height, and function, and of the key points for container selection

There are many different types of marine container with different sizes, heights, and functions. The choice of container can greatly affect the loading efficiency and costs. It is therefore important to select the most suitable container for the type of cargo and the transportation conditions.

This article organizes the typical marine container types by size, height, and function. It also provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the key points for the selection of a container. We hope you will use this information as a useful reference for the selection of the ideal container.

What is a marine container?

A marine container is a large, sturdy container that was designed for the purpose of transporting cargo efficiently and safely in international logistics. The main materials used are steel and aluminum, and the container has high strength and durability to withstand external impacts, the weather, and seawater.

The greatest feature of these containers is that they are operated under common standards in all countries and regions. In the past, each country used different container sizes and shapes and there was no standardization. This meant that transshipment work took a lot of time and effort. Today, however, standardization by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) has progressed and the containers are manufactured according to a common global standard. This means that they can be smoothly loaded, unloaded, and transported at any port and on any truck in any country.

As a result, marine containers make a great contribution to the improvement of efficiency and safety in international logistics, and have become the foundation supporting modern global supply chains.

Types of marine container by size

Marine containers are classified into three main categories according to their length: 20-foot, 40-foot, and 45-foot. Each type has different characteristics and is suitable for different applications. This is explained in detail below. (There are slight differences depending on the shipping company, so it is necessary to check each time.)

20-foot container

The 20-foot container is the most standard and versatile size of container.

Due to their small size, 20-foot containers are also used for the transportation of small amounts of cargo and items shipped in relatively small lots.

40-foot container

A 40-foot container is a large container with approximately twice the length of a 20-foot container.

It is mainly utilized for transporting long items, or for transporting multiple vehicles together or furniture or appliances in bulk.

A trailer is required for its transportation, and it is important to check the installation location and the carry-in route. For the costs when selecting this type of container, consideration should be given not only to the price of the unit, but also to the delivery and installation costs.

40-foot high cube container

A 40-foot high cube container has the same length and width as a standard 40-foot container, but is about 30 cm taller, with a height of around 2.896 meters (9'6").

These containers are ideal for transporting cargo that is lightweight but voluminous, such as auto parts, home appliances, clothing, and furniture. However, in Japan, when this container type is combined with a trailer, there is a risk that the height limit (4.1 m) may be exceeded, so it is necessary to confirm the land transportation route.
It is one of the most versatile container types in international logistics.

45-foot container

A 45-foot container is a large size that is even longer than a 40-foot container. These measure approximately 13.7 meters in length.

These containers are commonly used, especially in the U.S. and Southeast Asia, and they have been internationally approved as an ISO standard. In Japan, their transportation on public roads is restricted, so their use is not widespread. However, their utilization is progressing in some areas, such as in special zones and the areas around ports.

45-foot containers are ideal when wanting to maximize the transportation efficiency, and when wanting to transport bulky cargo all together. However, it is necessary to check that the infrastructure and regulations can support their installation and transportation.

Types of marine container by height

Marine containers are also classified by height, and there are two main types: standard containers (8'6") and high cube containers (9'6"). It is important to select a container with the appropriate height for the intended use.

8'6" (Standard container)

Standard containers measure eight feet six inches high, which is approximately 2.6 meters. They are known as "General Purpose Containers,"" "GP," or "8'6" and are the most commonly used containers in the world. The length and width are the same as on other containers, but the height is standard, which means that they are used widely for the transportation of general cargo that does not require special conditions.

In addition to marine transportation, this container is also suitable for domestic transportation and warehouse storage, so it can be described as the most versatile option.

9'6" (High cube container)

High cube containers measure nine feet six inches high, which is approximately 2.9 meters. They are designed to be one foot (about 30 cm) taller than standard containers. This height increases the internal volume by approximately 12% and more cargo can be loaded in the container than in one of the same length and width. These are especially suited for transporting lightweight but bulky cargo and tall loads. They are selected when loading efficiency is a priority.

High cube containers are also called "HC containers" and "9'6" and are mostly the 40-foot type. The fare for their carriage as marine freight is often the same as for a standard container, so they are advantageous in terms of cost efficiency. However, height restrictions may mean that a special vehicle permit is required to transport these containers by road in Japan, so it is essential to check this in advance.

Types of marine container by function

There have been many different marine containers developed with a variety of functions to suit the characteristics of the cargo to be transported. The following explains the features of each type, from the basic dry containers to containers for special applications.

*For special containers such as flat containers, the sizes in the traffic restrictions vary depending on the port. It is also necessary to be careful when selecting containers for large cargo. Please contact Goto Kaisoten for more information.

Dry Container

Dry containers are the most common and most widely used standard type of container.

They are made of steel or aluminum and have excellent airtightness, waterproofing, and dustproofing. They are used to transport a wide range of general cargo, including clothing, miscellaneous goods, machine parts, furniture, and industrial products. They are designed for dry goods that do not require temperature control, so they are not suitable for temperature-sensitive cargoes such as food or pharmaceuticals, but their high versatility has made them the foundation of international logistics.

The most common sizes are 20 feet and 40 feet. Their robust construction protects the cargo from impacts and the weather during transportation. Their basic structure also means that rental rates are relatively inexpensive.

Reefer Container

Reefer containers are special containers with refrigeration and freezing functions. They are used to transport cargo that requires temperature control. Heat insulating material is applied on the inside and a cooling system makes it possible to maintain a constant temperature from around -20°C to +20°C.

Their main application is for cargoes that need to be transported while maintaining freshness and quality, such as frozen foods, fresh foods, wine, pharmaceuticals, and works of art. The container requires a power source, so during the transportation, electricity is supplied from the marine vessel or truck power source, or from a dedicated generator. Reefer containers have become indispensable for the expansion of cold chain logistics and the development of the global distribution of perishable goods.

Open Top Container

Open top containers are containers that can have their tops opened. The open top makes it possible to use a crane for the loading and unloading of the cargo from above. They are particularly suitable for transporting tall cargo and items that are large and heavy.

They are used for cargoes that are impossible or difficult to load in a regular dry container, such as construction machinery, large equipment, long items, and tall cargo. During transportation, the cargo is covered with a waterproof sheet to protect it from rain and dust, but it is not completely sealed, so caution is necessary regarding the weather and the transportation environment.

Flat Rack Container

A flat rack container is a container consisting only of a floor and end frames (vertical frames at both ends). It is possible to fold or remove the side walls, so this container is ideal for transporting cargo that has a special shape or size that cannot be loaded into a regular dry container. This includes items such as non-standard large cargo, heavy machinery, pipes, steel materials, and construction materials.

It is easy to perform the loading and unloading with a crane and the container can be used to provide flexible support to suit the shape of the cargo. However, as the container has no sides or roof, it is necessary to sufficiently consider the weather and theft risks.

Flat Bed Container

Flat bed containers only have a floor, so they have an even simpler structure than flat rack containers. They are suitable for transporting very large cargo that cannot fit into a regular dry container because of its tall height or wide width, and also long items and heavy items.

It is also possible to connect multiple flat bed containers together on board a ship to carry even larger cargo.

Tank Container

Tank containers are special containers that have been designed to safely transport a large amount of a liquid or gas. They have a high-strength tank installed inside and are used to transport a variety of liquids and gases, including chemicals, petroleum products, foodstuffs, and pharmaceuticals.

They are built in compliance with ISO standards and are equipped with safety devices to prevent leakage and damage. They also have pressure and temperature control functions. They are subjected to strict pre-transportation inspections and maintenance inspections and have become the mainstream for liquid and gas transportation in international logistics.

Key points for selecting a marine container

The choice of marine container has a significant impact on the transportation efficiency and costs. It is important to select the most suitable container based on consideration of various factors such as the nature of the cargo, cost efficiency, and the transportation route.

Choose the container type that matches the nature of your cargo

The most important thing is to choose the container type that is appropriate for the nature and characteristics of the cargo to be transported.

For example, a dry container is appropriate for general industrial products and miscellaneous goods, but a reefer container is essential if the cargo requires temperature control, such as in the case of foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals. In addition, an open top container or flat rack container will be appropriate if the cargo has a special shape, such as long items or large machinery, and a tank container will be appropriate to transport a liquid or gas.

The efficiency and safety of the transportation can be improved by organizing information on the size, weight, shape, and temperature control requirements of the cargo in advance and then selecting the most suitable container type for each application.

Consider the cost efficiency

When selecting a container, it is important to consider the cost elements such as the rental rate, the freight fare, and incidental expenses. Special containers are generally more expensive than dry containers, so they should only be selected when they are actually necessary.

In addition, selecting the right size of container for the volume of cargo can reduce the space wasted and optimize the transportation costs. For example, if the cargo would fill two 20-foot containers, then it may be more cost effective to use one 40-foot container. Consider the pallet size and the way that the cargo will be loaded and select a size that makes it possible to maximize the use of the space inside the container.

Check for any transportation route constraints

Finally, always be sure to check that the container you have selected is compatible with the actual transportation route, and with the local infrastructure.

For example, high cube containers and 45-foot containers may be affected by the height and weight restrictions for roads during their domestic transportation. In addition, depending on the port or warehouse facilities, there will be cases when the handling of a special container will be difficult. It is essential to investigate in advance regarding the systems for accepting containers at the local site, the permits necessary, and the restrictions on transportation routes.

Carefully check that there is nothing unreasonable in the entire logistics flow, including in any transshipment or storage during the transportation.

Summary

The selection of a marine container can seem complicated at first glance. However, gaining a solid understanding of the cargo characteristics and transportation conditions and then selecting the appropriate container should reduce the risks of international logistics and help with business success. In particular, if your company is doing business overseas for the first time, then receiving support from experts is one of the options that should be considered.

Goto Kaisoten Ltd. provides the ideal container transportation service to meet the logistics needs of the customer.

• A comprehensive logistics company with over 140 years of history
• A global network that utilizes around 70 bases in Japan and overseas
• A one-stop service for everything from marine, air, rail, and truck transportation to packing, storage, and customs clearance
• Extensive experience in special projects such as liquid transportation and large cargo
• Superior customs clearance results and reliability as an AEO-accredited customs broker

We provide comprehensive support from the cargo pickup to its storage, marine transportation, and carriage to the local destination. Please contact Goto Kaisoten for your logistics needs.

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