Container Types and Sizes: A Complete Guide

Containers are essential for storage, transport, and handling of goods across various industries. Whether you’re looking to ship products, store materials, or manage waste, understanding the different types of containers and their sizes is crucial. Below, we break down the most common container types, their typical dimensions, and volumes.

Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are designed for transporting goods via sea, land, and rail. These containers come in different sizes and types based on cargo needs.

Container TypeTypical SizesDimensions (L x W x H)Volume
Standard 20-foot Container
20 ft x 8 ft x 8.5 ft20 ft x 8 ft x 8.5 ft~33.2 cubic meters (1,170 cu ft)
Standard 40-foot Container40 ft x 8 ft x 8.5 ft40 ft x 8 ft x 8.5 ft~67.7 cubic meters (2,390 cu ft)
40-foot High Cube Container40 ft x 8 ft x 9.5 ft40 ft x 8 ft x 9.5 ft~76.4 cubic meters (2,700 cu ft)
45-foot High Cube Container45 ft x 8 ft x 9.5 ft45 ft x 8 ft x 9.5 ft~85.0 cubic meters (3,000 cu ft)
Refrigerated (Reefer) ContainersSame as standard sizesSame as above, with cooling systemsVaries depending on refrigeration needs
Open-Top ContainersVariesNo roof, open for top loadingVaries based on cargo
Flat Rack ContainersVariesNo sides or top, used for oversized cargoVaries based on cargo
Tank ContainersVariesCylindrical, liquid handling designVaries based on liquid and usage

Storage Containers

Storage containers serve various purposes, from personal storage to industrial usage. The size of these containers is typically customizable based on the type of goods being stored.

Container TypeTypical SizesDimensions (L x W x H)Volume
Standard 10-foot Container10 ft x 8 ft x 8.5 ft10 ft x 8 ft x 8.5 ft~15.8 cubic meters (556 cu ft)
Standard 20-foot Container20 ft x 8 ft x 8.5 ft20 ft x 8 ft x 8.5 ft~33.2 cubic meters (1,170 cu ft)
Standard 40-foot Container40 ft x 8 ft x 8.5 ft40 ft x 8 ft x 8.5 ft~67.7 cubic meters (2,390 cu ft)
Plastic Storage BinsSmall: 12″ x 12″ x 6″Small: 12″ x 12″ x 6″~10-20 liters per bin
Medium: 16″ x 16″ x 12″Medium: 16″ x 16″ x 12″~30-50 liters per bin
Large: 24″ x 20″ x 16″Large: 24″ x 20″ x 16″~70-100 liters per bin
Wooden CratesCustom sizes based on needCustom based on cargo sizeVaries depending on crate size

Industrial Containers

Industrial containers are built to handle bulk materials, chemicals, liquids, or specialized items in manufacturing or production settings.

Container TypeTypical SizesDimensions (L x W x H)Volume
IBC Totes48″ x 40″ x 46″48″ x 40″ x 46″1,000 liters (264 gallons)
55-gallon Drum23″ dia. x 34″ height23″ dia. x 34″ height55 gallons (208 liters)

Waste Containers

Waste containers come in various sizes to handle everyday trash or large-scale waste management, often for commercial or construction projects.

Container TypeTypical SizesDimensions (L x W x H)Volume
Trash CansSmall: 8-10 gallonsSmall: ~12″ x 12″~30-40 liters
Medium: 20-30 gallonsMedium: ~16″ x 16″~75-115 liters
Large: 50-100 gallonsLarge: ~24″ x 24″~190-380 liters
Roll-Off Dumpsters10-yard10 ft x 8 ft x 3.5 ft~10 cubic yards
20-yard20 ft x 8 ft x 4 ft~20 cubic yards
30-yard20 ft x 8 ft x 6 ft~30 cubic yards
40-yard22 ft x 8 ft x 7 ft~40 cubic yards

Specialty Containers

Specialty containers are used for transporting or storing sensitive or hazardous materials. These containers are custom-designed for specific needs.

Container TypeTypical SizesDimensions (L x W x H)Volume
Hazardous Material ContainersCustom sizesVaries depending on material safety requirementsVaries based on material
Aerospace ContainersCustom sizes for sensitive equipmentCustom sizes based on item requirementsVaries based on equipment

Conclusion

Containers come in a range of sizes and types, each tailored for specific purposes. Whether you’re transporting goods, storing materials, or managing waste, understanding container sizes and capacities ensures that you choose the right container for the job.

For more information or assistance with selecting the perfect container for your needs, feel free to contact us today!

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VARAM INTEGRATED CORPORATION

If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out to us. Our team is ready to assist you and provide all the support you need. Whether it’s about our products, services, or anything else, we are here to help.