A container is a large, reusable metal box used to transport goods by sea, road, or rail. It is typically made of steel and has a standardized size and shape for easy loading onto ships, trains, and trucks.
Common types of containers include:
- Dry storage containers – These are the most common type of freight container and are used to transport non-temperature sensitive goods, such as clothing, furniture, electronics, etc. They come in lengths of 20, 40 and 45 feet.
- Refrigerated containers (reefers) – These containers are temperature-controlled and used for perishable items like food and flowers.
- Flat rack containers – These open-top or side-opening containers can be loaded from the sides or from above with heavy cargo that does not fit in a standard container.
- Tank containers/ISO tanks – Used for liquids such as chemicals and oil, they are typically made of stainless steel or aluminum.
- Open-top containers – Like the flat rack container, these open-top containers can be loaded from the sides or from above with heavy cargo that does not fit in a standard container. They also feature a removable tarp to cover goods during transport.
- Specialized containers – They can be made in nearly any shape or dimension. These include containers such as bulk liquid tanks, pallet-wide, and double-door containers for large items like machinery.