Container (types and dimensions)

Shipping container

The container is a standardized metal box designed for the intermodal transport (maritime, road, rail) of goods. Containerization has revolutionized international trade since the 1960s.

Main types

• Dry (standard): closed container for general dry goods
• High Cube (HC): 30 cm higher than standard, for bulky goods
• Reefer (refrigerated): equipped with a refrigeration system for temperature-sensitive products
• Open Top: open roof for oversized goods
• Flat Rack: without side walls or roof, for heavy and bulky loads
• Tank: tank container for liquids

Standard dimensions

• 20 feet: length 6.06 m, width 2.44 m, height 2.59 m, volume ~33 m³, payload ~28 t
• 40 feet: length 12.19 m, width 2.44 m, height 2.59 m, volume ~67 m³, payload ~26 t
• 40 feet HC: same length, height 2.89 m, volume ~76 m³

Identification

Each container carries a BIC (Bureau International des Containers) code of 11 characters: 4 letters (owner + category) + 7 numbers (serial number + check digit). Ex: MSCU1234567.

Stuffing and unloading

Stuffing is the loading of goods into the container. Unloading is unloading. These operations have implications for the transfer of risk depending on the Incoterm chosen.