What is a container?

Containers are containers with a metal body that is made of wood inside and on the floor. The wood used in the bottom of the container is called a pallet. The body of the container is made of iron sheet, and for its insulation, anti-rust and paint are used, and oil boards are placed on the bottom. The wooden floor is oiled for longer life and durability. In order to prevent rusting and rotting against air humidity, the outer body of the container is insulated with anti-rust.

The container is basically a safe and strong metal enclosure that is made according to a special standard, which includes dimensions, strength, etc. The main application of containers is in transportation, which makes cargo transportation safe, reduces cost and space, and speeds up operations. The standard dimensions of the container are 40 feet and 20 feet. These standard dimensions facilitate movement in all destinations and bases.


Advantages of using containers


  • Optimizing the required space in ships, trains and all vehicles

  • Loading at the origin and sealing load to the end

  • Protecting goods from natural disasters such as wind, rain, snow, etc.

  • Protection of goods against breakage, damage and theft

  • Convenient management of the shipment at the origin of loading, customs and unloading

  • Easy loading and convenient transfer of goods


Disadvantages of using containers


  • High price of new container

  • It is economical to buy a second-hand container

  • Constant need for regular maintenance (painting, rust removal, etc.) or repair

  • The cost of carrying an empty container when returning

  • Standardization of container measurements, which adversely affects the transport of certain goods that cannot be carried in known containers

  • Problems in the fields of goods clearance in some countries that are not regulated by the International Container Convention

  • Problems that certain containers or large containers may encounter in small or weak ports


Container types

General classification of containers in terms of use


  • Dry goods container (Normal Container)

  • Reefer Container

  • Open Side Container

  • Open Top Container

  • Insulated Container

  • Ventilated Container

  • Heated Container

  • Tank Container

  • Flattrack Container

  • Platform Container


Conventional container

General purpose and also known as dry containers, these shipping containers are enclosed, weatherproof, with a rigid roof, side walls and floor. Dry containers are by far the most common type of container and are therefore used to carry most types of conventional cargo. In addition, general purpose containers can have adaptations such as liner bags or flexi tanks for the transport of specific types of liquid bulk cargo or dry bulk cargo.


Flat rack container

Flat rack containers have collapsible sides that can be folded down to form a flat shelf. The end walls are stable enough to allow cargo to be secured, making them ideal for transporting oversized goods such as heavy machinery, road vehicles, large pulleys and building materials. Some 40-foot flat rack containers can carry up to 45 tons of cargo.


Open-top container

An open top container has a convertible section that can be completely removed. This type is used for cargo that is too tall to be easily loaded through the door, such as tall machinery or other heavy/bulky end products that can only be handled and loaded by crane or overhead crane. Open top containers have eyelets attached to the top and bottom side rails and corner posts to secure the cargo. This type is available in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes.


 Double-door container | Tunnel container

This type of container with double-doors is also known as a “tunnel container.” Double-door containers are very useful for quickly loading and unloading goods, and provide a wider space for goods such as steel and iron. Both sets of doors have the same lock assembly and strong seals to protect the cargo from the elements.


 HQ high-rise container

High-bay containers are structurally similar to regular containers, but are about 1 foot taller. These containers come in 40 and sometimes 45 foot sizes, as shown at the top of this page. They are used when a larger volume capacity is required. Most high-bay containers have a slot in the floor at the front end to allow the container to sit on a so-called gooseneck chassis, which allows it to sit lower and have a taller structure.


Open side container

Open side containers are very similar to regular shipping containers, except that the doors can be opened completely from the sides. This feature provides much more room and access, making it easier to load and unload materials. They are available in 20 and 40 foot sizes, providing ample space for very large items that cannot fit through regular doors.


Refrigerated container

A refrigerated container is used to transport temperature-sensitive and perishable cargo such as meat, fruits, and vegetables. This type relies on external power to regulate the temperature. Refrigerators are usually manufactured in 20- and 40-foot sizes and are usually made of weathering steel, also known as steel.


Insulated container

Insulated Container Similar to the refrigerated type, an insulated or thermal container has a regulated temperature control that allows them to withstand higher temperatures. This type is equipped with an electrical adaptation (mechanical compressor) to cool or heat the air inside the container. Insulated containers are usually made from a vacuum flask, similar to a "thermos" bottle. As such, they are suitable for long-term transport of products such as foods, medicines, organs, blood, biological materials, and chemicals.


Tanker container

Tank containers or tankers are made of strong steel or other corrosion-resistant materials for the long-term transport and preservation of liquid materials. A tanker container should be at least 80% full to prevent dangerous surges of liquid during transit, but it should also not be more than 95% full or there will not be enough room for thermal expansion.


Container specifications and dimensions

Container Type Length Width Height Capacity (cubic feet) Volume (cubic meters) Inside

20 feet 20 feet = 6.01 meters 8 feet = 2.35 meters 8.6 feet = 2.386 meters 1170 cubic feet 33 cubic meters

40 feet standard 40 feet = 12.02 meters 8 feet = 2.35 meters 8.6 feet = 2.386 meters 2088 cubic feet 67 cubic meters

40 feet high HQ 40 feet = 12.02 meters 8 feet = 2.35 meters 9.91 feet = 2.756 meters 2412 cubic feet 77 cubic meters

45 feet high HQ 45 feet = 13.52 meters 8 feet = 2.35 meters 9.91 feet = 2.756 meters 2797.73 cubic feet 87 cubic meters

Second-hand container

Most customers request second-hand containers because they want to move goods or products with them only once and will not need them again. Ultimately, they are looking for used (second-hand) containers. It should be noted that you must be careful when buying second-hand goods. 

Another service that Tarang Darya Shipping provides in the field of container supply is the purchase and sale of second-hand containers. 

If you do not have enough information about containers and their types, especially second-hand ones, be sure to contact our consultants at Tarang Darya Shipping.