A Guide to Different Types of Shipping Containers and Their Uses

When choosing a shipping container, most people look for the types and sizes they need. ISO containers are widely used for dry cargo shipment or storage. There are also containers made specifically for offshore uses with a DNV certification. They come in various sizes, including 10 feet, 20 feet, 40 feet, or 45 feet, with a standard height of 8’6’’ or 9’6’’ high cubes.

Before purchasing or renting, take a look at some of the container conditions and types to better understand them:

One-Trip Shipping Containers

Also known as “new” containers, one-trips are containers that are already used once, and then sold or discarded. These containers have been loaded with cargo one time and have made a single trip. Hence, they have significantly less wear and tear than their more seasoned counterparts. Usually, businesses prefer one-trip containers because they are as close to new as you can get, despite the higher cost.

Signs of damage to one-trip shipping containers are considered minor. Every time a container is picked up, loaded, and unloaded, it gets wear and tear from the forks, dents, and bruises from being stacked. Thus, one-trip containers usually have minor dents and scratches on the sides, as well as inside the container. However, you should check your container thoroughly before buying or renting, especially if it has been used only once but there is visible container damage.

One-trip sea containers can be used for just about every application, such as the transport of goods, storage space, container homes, etc. No need to worry about the safety and security of your goods since these containers can withstand harsh weather conditions as they are built with tested and certified materials.

Used Shipping Containers

Used containers have already been used for multiple trips and carrying goods around the world. The exterior shows more tear and wear when compared to one-trip containers.

These types of containers have larger dents, rust patches, and sometimes logos from the original manufacturer. There are three types of used shipping containers:

  1. Cargo-worthy
    These containers are normally accompanied by a CSC plate and approved for safe goods transport. Typically, they have some dents and scrapes on the body but fulfill the performance criteria for exports.
  2. WWT (wind and watertight)
    These containers are below cargo-worthy containers but are still of good quality. WWT containers are wind and watertight which makes them suitable for keeping the cargo stored inside protected from external elements as well. They may have undergone some repairs to improve their condition and are cheaper than cargo-worthy containers.
  3. As-Is
    These containers are usually damaged and have been taken out of commission. As-is containers are not recommended if you want to ship your goods across the ocean. However, if you’re looking for storage containers, as-is containers are cheaper yet reliable storage units after some repairs.

Modified Shipping Containers

It’s not a secret anymore that shipping containers are a non-conventional substitute for a building structure. Typically, containers used for building structures are shipping containers that are no longer in use, or new containers that are purposely built for modified shipping containers. Some businesses or individuals opt for purpose-built containers if they need an extremely custom structure.

Different Sizes of Shipping Containers

Sea containers have several different sizes, from 10ft to the largest 45ft. Some shipping containers even have sizes 6ft, 8ft, and 10ft. Typically, companies use the size 20ft and 40ft for cargo transport and storage requirements. Below are the detailed dimensions of different sizes of containers:

6’ Dry Shipping Container L 6’ x W 6.5’ x H 6’1’’
8’ Dry Shipping Container L 7.4’ x W 8’ x H 8’2’’
10’ Dry Shipping Container L 10’ x W 8’ x H 8’6’’
20’ Dry Shipping Container L 20’ x W 8’ x H 8’6’’
40’ Dry Shipping Container L 40’ x W 8’ x H 8’6’’

High Cube

The height is one feature that distinguishes a high cube container from a standard one. While regular shipping containers are typically 8 feet 6 inches tall, high cube containers are 9 feet 6 inches tall, giving them an additional foot of height.

As a result, high-cube containers are a popular solution for people who require additional vertical room for transportation or storage. This extra height means more storage space, which is particularly beneficial for tall or bulky objects. Below are the detailed dimensions of high cubes:

20’ High Cube Container L 20’ x W 8’ x H 9’6’’
40’ High Cube Container L 40’ x W 8’ x H 9’6’’
45’ High Cube Container L 45’ x W 8’ x H 9’6’’

Purchase Shipping Containers

If you have already made up your mind on what kind of container you’re going to purchase or rent, then you can contact us. Tradecorp has a wide range of customization options for shipping containers for sale. We will help you find the perfect container solution for your business or project needs. Find a variety of types and sizes of shipping containers, from standard ones to tanks, and customizable ones. We will have them ready for you at a reasonable price. Fill out the contact form on our page and we will respond to your inquiry promptly.