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The Diversity of Dry Cargo Containers: A Guide to Types, Sizes, and Commodities
26/11/2024
Updated: 19/01/2026
Key Takeaways:
- Not all dry cargo is created equal. From 20ft and 40ft containers to open-top, flat rack, and half-height options, selecting the right container ensures your goods are transported safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
- Understanding TEUs and container capacities can help you optimise space, streamline handling, and ensure compatibility across truck, rail, and sea.
- Whether you’re moving grain, machinery, metals, or construction materials, the variety of dry cargo containers available gives you the flexibility to adapt to different commodities, scale shipments, and reach new markets with ease.
Including commodities such as coal, metals, and grain, dry cargo is classed as goods that are not liquid and can be shipped in normal ISO containers or ships' holds.
Depending on the type of commodity, the size of shipment, or the size of the cargo, different types of dry shipping containers may be used in order to preserve the integrity of your cargo and maximize space efficiency. Certain dry cargo freight containers, such as flat rack containers (used for project cargo), can also help facilitate specialized handling for cargo that doesn’t fit the dimensions of standard containers.
Ultimately, the diversity of dry cargo containers allows for a tailored approach to shipping and helps ensure that your goods will reach their specific destination as safely and efficiently as possible.
Understanding the Different Types of Dry Shipping Containers
Intermodal shipping containers are categorized using the ISO standardization system, which ensures that each container meets size, strength, and durability requirements.
The ISO standard also provides guidelines used to assign each container a unique marking for easier identification. The ISO standard consists of three parts; the ISO 6346 (BIC) code, the size and type of the container, and the relevant additional codes.
The ISO 6346 (BIC) code uniquely identifies each freight container, indicating its owner and product group. It begins with a 3-letter owner code, registered with the Bureau International des Containers et du Transport Intermodal, followed by a unique serial number and check digit that helps to identify the container.
Understanding the Different Types of Dry Shipping Containers
Intermodal shipping containers are categorized using the ISO standardization system, which ensures that each container meets size, strength, and durability requirements.
The ISO standard also provides guidelines used to assign each container a unique marking for easier identification. The ISO standard consists of three parts; the ISO 6346 (BIC) code, the size and type of the container, and the relevant additional codes.
The ISO 6346 (BIC) code uniquely identifies each freight container, indicating its owner and product group. It begins with a 3-letter owner code, registered with the Bureau International des Containers et du Transport Intermodal, followed by a unique serial number and check digit that helps to identify the container.
An easy way to identify different cargo container types is by their colour., as Each conveys a different meaning. For instance, colours can indicate if a container is for one-time use, or for round trips. The colour of dry cargo containers can also help identify the type of cargo being transported. For example, white containers are commonly used for reefer cargo, red for hazardous materials, and grey for military or government equipment. Additionally, colours often reflect brand identity: for example, MSC containers are yellow.
Half Height Containers
In some instances, there may be benefits to shipping using a different type of dry shipping container. For example, for businesses needing to ship goods like coal or stones, it could be worthwhile using a half-height container. Made primarily from steel these containers are half the full-sized 20ft or 40ft container dimensions. Because of this, this makes it easier to load and unload certain types of cargo.
Check with your carrier about the availability of half-height containers.
Double Door and Tunnel Containers
Designed to aid loading and unloading materials by creating a wider space, double- door containers are made using materials such as steel or iron and come in standard sizes of 20 and 40ft.
Similarly, tunnel containers are a type of dry freight container that have doors at both ends of the container, helping to load and unload materials quickly.
Open Side and Open Top Containers
Using an open top or convertible container means that materials of any height can be shipped quickly. This is vital for businesses involved in industries such as building or construction where heavy machinery and equipment, such as excavators and cranes can be shipped quickly and easily.
Similarly, open side storage containers have doors that can change into open sides, providing a much wider room for loading materials such as industry machinery.
Flat Rack Containers
Also known as collapsible flat rack containers, this type of container has sides which can be folded to make a flat rack. This makes them highly beneficial as they can be used to ship a variety of goods including forestry products, beams, pipes, and sheet metal coils which have different dimensions and weights.
20ft and 40ft Dry Containers
Sometimes referred to as dry storage containers, standard containers, or general-purpose containers, there are three main types of dry cargo containers:
- 20ft – which are smaller and easier to handle.
- 40ft- which has double the capacity of a 20ft container.
- 40ft HC – which is the same length as 40ft but has more capacity due to additional height.
20ft and 40ft Dry Containers
Sometimes referred to as dry storage containers, standard containers, or general-purpose containers, there are three main types of dry cargo containers:
- 20ft – which are smaller and easier to handle.
- 40ft- which has double the capacity of a 20ft container.
- 40ft HC – which is the same length as 40ft but has more capacity due to additional height.
While there might be slight differences in these containers depending on the manufacturer, at MSC our standard dry cargo containers are specified in the following way:
|
Measure |
20ft |
40ft |
40ft HC |
|
length |
5.9m |
12.03m |
12.03m |
|
width |
2.35m |
2.35m |
2.35m |
|
height |
2.39m |
2.39 |
2.7m |
|
Tare weight |
2,220kg |
3,640kg |
3,840kg |
|
Maximum payload |
28,260kg |
28,860kg |
28,660kg |
|
Cubic capacity |
33.2 m3 |
67,7 m3 |
76.4m3 |
These containers are standardised by ISO as suitable for multiple transportation methods including truck, rail, or ship and are used to transport a variety of commodities such as automotive, agricultural, and retail products as well as grains and construction materials that do not need refrigeration.
The load carrying capacity of intermodal dry freight 20ft long container with a breadth of 8ft can hold within itself. Understanding the carrying capacity of intermodal containers using TEUs is essential for compatibility, optimizing cargo handling, and enhancing the efficiency of logistics and transportation systems.
Ask MSC
Whether you’re looking to ship agricultural products, textiles, or construction materials, speak to one of our expert advisors at MSC. Not only do we have all standard 40 and 20dv containers as well as open-top and flat rack containers, but also the scale and experience to help ensure that your dry cargo arrives at its final destination quickly and safely. Contact us today to find out more.
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FAQs
What are the advantages of using dry cargo containers?
Some of the advantages of using dry cargo containers include:
- Cost-effective and widely available
- Standardised under ISO for intermodal transport (truck, rail, container ships)
- Strong and durable, protecting cargo during transit
- Offers flexibility through different options of dry container types (e.g., flat rack for oversized goods)
Can oversized or heavy goods be shipped in dry cargo containers?
They can, however they often require specialized types such as flat rack containers, open-top containers, or half-height containers for easier loading and handling of oversized or dense cargo like machinery, steel, or stone.
How are dry cargo containers identified?
Containers are marked with an ISO 6346 code. This shows the owner, type, and unique serial number. Many are also color-coded for brand identity or specific cargo purposes.