{"id":4159,"date":"2025-10-21T16:42:26","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T09:42:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tradecorp-usa.com\/blog\/?p=4159"},"modified":"2025-10-21T16:42:26","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T09:42:26","slug":"dry-containers-specifications-and-major-use-in-the-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tradecorp-usa.com\/blog\/dry-containers-specifications-and-major-use-in-the-us\/","title":{"rendered":"Dry Containers Specifications and Major Use in the US"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dry containers are the most popular container types that are used to load and ship dry cargo. Their other name is general-purpose containers, available in 20\u2019 and 40\u2019 sizes.<\/span><\/p>\n

A 20\u2019 dry container measures 20\u2019 long, 8\u2019 wide, and 8.6\u2019 high. Meanwhile, the dimensions of a 40-foot container are 40\u2019 long, 8\u2019 wide, and 8.6\u2019 high. Their load capacity is around 55,000 lbs to 66,138 lbs, depending on the size and specifications of the container.<\/span><\/p>\n

Their design allows them to be used for storage or modified as semi-permanent buildings. To be able to use them to transport goods, dry containers must be ISO certified. This ISO certification signifies that the container meets the requirements for cargo transportation and shipment.<\/span><\/p>\n

For dry containers specifications and major use in the US, read this article!<\/span><\/p>\n

Dry Container Characteristics<\/b><\/h2>\n
\"20'
20′ Side Opening Dry Container<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A dry container is a common type of container used to store and ship dry cargo. This unit has a closed structure made of Corten steel, protecting the cargo from weather, dust, and external contamination. Here are their characteristics:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Versatile<\/b><\/h3>\n

Dry containers can be used for various types of goods, such as industrial products, textiles, building materials, and even furniture.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Strong and Durable Material<\/b><\/h3>\n

Another characteristic of dry containers is that they are designed according to ISO standards and are made of corten steel or aluminum, which are resistant to corrosion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Corten steel is known for its strength in all conditions, including adverse weather conditions, dust, and humidity. Solid corten steel protects cargo from damage.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Lack of Ventilation or Insulation<\/b><\/h3>\n

Dry containers are designed specifically for dry goods, so they are not equipped with ventilation or cooling systems like reefer containers. Goods requiring specific temperature settings or special requirements cannot be transported using these units.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Sealed and Weatherproof Design<\/b><\/h3>\n

Dry containers have hermetically sealed walls, floors, and roofs to protect goods from external weather, such as rain, heat, and wind.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Loading Door<\/b><\/h3>\n

Dry containers are equipped with a door at one end to facilitate loading and unloading. The door has a sturdy locking system for cargo security and to prevent theft.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although there is only one door at one end of the container, loading and unloading cargo is easy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moreover, the open, barrier-free interior of a dry storage container allows for efficient and optimal loading of cargo. This maximizes space utilization and maximizes cargo capacity.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Plywood or Steel Floor<\/b><\/h3>\n

Floors are generally made of thick, strong plywood or steel for greater durability against heavy loads.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Stackable<\/b><\/h3>\n

General-purpose containers are designed to be stacked on top of each other. This allows for more efficient use of space during shipping by ship or terminal operations. The interior of the container is equipped with tie-down rings on the walls to secure the cargo during transit.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Meets Export-Import Requirements<\/b><\/h3>\n

As long as a dry container has received ISO certification, it meets the requirements for export and import. Furthermore, containers with a CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) plate are guaranteed to be suitable for export and import activities.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Economical<\/b><\/h3>\n

Using dry containers allows for the transportation of large quantities of cargo. The large capacity of containers creates economic value in the distribution of goods.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Suitable for Various Modes of Transportation<\/b><\/h3>\n

Dry containers can be transported using various modes of transportation, both land and sea. The most common modes of land transportation are trucks and trains, while ships are the preferred mode of sea transportation.<\/span><\/p>\n

11. Easy Maintenance<\/b><\/h3>\n

Dry containers are relatively easy to maintain because, in addition to their simple design, the materials used are corrosion-resistant, allowing for long-term use. Therefore, there’s no need to worry about maintenance, as this type of container is relatively simple.<\/span><\/p>\n

Major Use of Dry Container in the US<\/b><\/h2>\n
\"How
Dry Storage from a Shipping Container<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the US, dry containers are used for transporting general cargo that does not require temperature control. These containers are the most common type in intermodal freight transport, especially in international shipping, rail, and trucking.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dedicated to loading dry cargo, dry containers have the capacity to transport:<\/span><\/p>\n