Container Basics: A Practical Guide for Everyday Shipping
As global trade continues to expand, understanding the basics of container types has become essential for anyone involved in logistics, supply chains, or exports. From agriculture to chemicals, selecting the right container can significantly improve efficiency and protect your goods during transport. Here’s a quick overview of the most commonly used container types and how to read their markings.
🚛 Common Types of Shipping Containers
1. Dry Container (Standard Container)
Also known as a general-purpose container, this is the most widely used type. It's fully enclosed, with rigid walls, floor, and roof, and a door at one end. Ideal for general cargo like consumer goods, textiles, electronics, and machinery. It accounts for about 70–80% of global container usage.
2. Open Top Container (OT)
Designed for heavy or oversized cargo such as glass, steel, or machinery that needs to be loaded from above. It comes with a removable tarpaulin roof and allows crane loading.
3. Reefer Container (RF)
Refrigerated containers are used for temperature-sensitive goods like dairy, meat, chocolate, and pharmaceuticals. They can maintain temperatures from -60°C to +30°C and come in built-in or plug-in types
4. Hanger Container (HT)
Specialized for garments, these containers include hanging bars or mesh nets to prevent wrinkling and moisture damage. Perfect for high-end fashion shipments.
5. Tank Container (TK)
Used to transport liquids such as oils, wine, chemicals, and food-grade liquids. They consist of a stainless steel tank mounted inside a standard container frame and often come with heating or pressure-control features.
6. Flat Rack Container (FR)
These are open-sided, open-top containers with only the end frames remaining. They’re ideal for oversized equipment, construction materials, or livestock.
🔍 How to Read a Container’s ID
1. Container Number (11 digits)
First 4 letters: Owner code and container type
Next 6 digits: Unique serial number
Last digit: Check digit for verification
Example: MSCU123456
2. Size & Type Code (95 code)
First digit: 2 = 20ft, 4 = 40ft, L = 45ft
Second digit: 2 = standard height, 5 = high cube (9.5 ft)
Note: A 45G1 code doesn’t mean it’s a 45ft container; it’s actually a 40ft high cube.
3. Weight Markings
MAX GROSS: Total weight = container + cargo
TARE: Empty container weight
NET: Maximum cargo weigh
CU CAP: Volume capacity in cubic meters and cubic feet
4. “SUPER HEAVY” Label
For containers exceeding 30,480 kg, look for a yellow triangle warning label—usually found on the door or side panels.
🚨 Final Tips
Choosing the right container is the first step to a safe and efficient shipping experience. For bulk cargo like agricultural feed, grains, or powder products, pairing the right container with high-quality FIBC bulk bags (rated for 500–2000kg) ensures maximum protection and loading efficiency.
Need help? Our team provides durable bulk packaging solutions suitable for sea, rail, or inland transport. Let us know how we can support your next shipment.