Export container sizes are varies from 10’ to 45’. Essentially, an export container is a cargo shipping container that meets ISO standards and are designed with a solid structure made of corten steel.
Types of export containers are also differentiated based on their load. Cargo commonly exported is divided into general cargo, special cargo, dangerous cargo, and irregular cargo. In addition to their load, export containers are also categorized by size.
Knowing the shipping container sizes, types, weight, and cubic feet (CUFT) is essential for successful export operations because it directly impacts cost, safety, compliance, and efficiency in international logistics. This helps determine how much cargo you can fit and ensures compatibility with shipping lines, ports, and inland transport.
For more details, see further information about export container sizes, types, weights, and cubic capacity below.
Contents
Shipping Container Sizes and Types
1. General Purpose (Dry) Export Container
A General Purpose (Dry) Container is a type of export container designed to carry general cargo, such as automotive spare parts, garments, electronics, and other non-hazardous cargo that does not require special temperature conditions. It ranges in sizes:
| Sizes | Cu.ft | Tare (empty) Weight |
| 20’ | 1,171 cu.ft | 4,585 lbs |
| 20’ High Cube | 1,320 cu.ft | 4,740 lbs |
| 40’ | 2,386 cu.ft | 7,540 lbs |
| 40’ High Cube | 2,694 cu.ft | 7,760 lbs |
2. Open Top
An open top container is a type of export container with a removable roof to accommodate cargo of unusual heights, such as trees, marble, coal, scrap metal, machinery, glass sheets, other materials buildings, and logs. The sizes are:
| Sizes | Cu.ft | Tare (empty) Weight |
| 20’ | 1,154 cu.ft | 5,180 lbs |
| 40’ | 2,344 cu.ft | 8,250 lbs |
| 40’ High Cube | 2,650 cu.ft | 8,950 lbs |
3. Side Opening
A side-opening container is a type of export container with a door on one side. Side-opening containers are typically used for storage or modified as portacamps. This type of container is available in sizes:
| Sizes | Cu.ft | Tare (empty) Weight |
| 20’ | 1,096 cu.ft | 6,920 lbs |
| 20’ High Cube | 1,207 cu.ft | 7,390 lbs |
| 40’ High Cube | 2,373 cu.ft | 12,350 lbs |
4. Flat Rack
A flat rack container is a type of open-top export container with no sides or roof. Flat Rack Containers are typically used to transport live trees, heavy machinery, trains, cable reels, drums, steel coils, heavy vehicles, and even lumber. Flat rack container is only available in sizes 20’ 40’, with specification of:
| Sizes | Tare (empty) Weight |
| 20’ | 6,610 lbs |
| 40’ | 11,240 lbs |
5. Refrigerated (Reefer) Containers
Refrigerated (Reefer) Containers are a type of export container equipped with refrigeration to ensure the quality of special cargo is maintained.
Reefer Containers are useful for transporting and storing fresh fruits and vegetables, medicines and vaccines, ornamental plants, fishery products, meat, fats, dairy products, and even beverages.
| Sizes | Cu.ft | Tare (empty) Weight |
| 20’ | 1,003 cu.ft | 6,220 lbs |
| 20’ High Cube | 1,140 cu.ft | 6,500 lbs |
| 40’ | 2,398 cu.ft | 9,350 lbs |
| 40’ High Cube |
|
10,140 lbs |
6. ISO Tank
ISO Tank Containers are a type of export container used to transport liquids and gases, both hazardous and non-hazardous cargo.
They are designed to transport LNG, ethane, liquid nitrogen, propane, butane, petroleum or juice, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and hazardous liquids. The ISO tank container sizes are:
| Sizes | Tare (empty) Weight |
| 20’ | 79,365 lbs |
| 40’ | 12,630 lbs |
7. Offshore DNV
Offshore DNV Containers are a type of export container specifically designed to support offshore activities or offshore drilling.
DNV Offshore Containers are divided into several types, namely Closed Top, Open Top, Half-Height Open Top, Cutting Box, Waste Skip, Offshore Mini Size, Tool Box, Offshore Basket, Tool Test Skid, Offshore Hot Dip Galvanized, Refrigerated Container, Bottle Rack, Side Open, Lifting Frame, Drum Basket, and Offshore Tank.
Benefits of Using Export Containers
Using export containers offers significant advantages, especially when you choose the right unit for your cargo. Here are some of the advantages of shipping export goods using containers:
Sufficiently Large Capacity
Export containers allow you, as an export business, to ship large quantities efficiently. By optimally utilizing space, you can ship more goods in a single shipment, reducing overall shipping costs.
Enhanced Security
Using containers ensures the security of your cargo during transit. Sturdy stainless steel walls and a sophisticated locking system provide additional protection against theft and damage during transport. Moreover, they can be sealed and tracked, reducing the risk of loss during transit.
Flexible and Adaptable to Your Needs
Shipping containers offer significant flexibility with a wide variety of container types and sizes available. Containers can carry almost any type of cargo, from general goods to perishables (in refrigerated containers) and liquids (in tank containers).
For example, open-side containers offer greater flexibility than standard shipping containers. The side openings on the containers facilitate loading and unloading, especially for shipping custom-sized items, storing multiple items, and more.
Furthermore, they facilitate international trade by making logistics predictable and standardized.
Speed Up Logistics and Shipping Processes
With an integrated and efficient shipping system, you can ensure your goods arrive at their final destination on time. Pre-packed containers allow goods to move quickly through customs and checkpoints.
Using large-capacity export containers is a smart choice for optimizing the shipping process. The simplified process reduces transit time and improves delivery schedules.
Efficiency in Handling and Transport
Containers simplify loading and unloading using cranes and forklifts. This speeds up port operations, reduces labor costs, and minimizes idle time for ships and trucks.
Cost-Effective Shipping
By optimizing space utilization and reducing handling time, containers help lower overall transportation and labor costs. They also reduce packaging needs since the container itself provides protection.
Reduced Environmental Impact
Containerization improves transport efficiency, allowing larger quantities of goods to be moved with fewer trips. This contributes to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions per unit of cargo.
Conclusion
Using export containers offers numerous benefits for businesses and logistics operations involved in international trade.
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