Effective Container Use: Their Potential Area of Deployment and Major Uses
Effective container use depends on the type of goods that need to be shipped. Shipping containers vary in dimensions and type based on design specifications. This is often dependent on the nature of the goods, wet or dry.
According to forecasts as of early 2026, due to a slowdown in the global container shipping industry, trade growth will experience approximately 1.7% to 3% for the year, following a strong 2024 and 2025 period.
Given this, we will discuss the various types of containers and the types of goods that could be shipped with each of these containers. Based on exports and imports of goods, while advising key players in this field, and the meaning of a container.
A container is a single, rigid, sealed, reusable metal box in which merchandise (goods) is shipped by vessel, truck, or rail. But this does not speak for flat rack containers.
A flat rack container is a single, rigid base, unsealed, reusable with double collapsible walls (suitable for loading heavy goods from the top or side, such as pipes and machinery).
The most integral part of the entire shipping industry, transport, and trade, consists basically of container units.
These metallic structures are the equipment used to store various kinds of products (goods) that need to be shipped from one part of the world to another, while serving as protective instruments for these goods in transit to their ports of unloading and destination.
You must ship using the appropriate container and ensure to adopt global best practices. This is key, should you need to advise a client.
Noting that cargo handling varies by container types, products are shipped using a container based on their nature, weight, and CBM.
This is why the maximum weight and CBM of goods to be shipped by a 20ft container must not exceed 2,930 kg or 27.9 CBM. While a 40ft container should not bear cargo exceeding 3,900 kg or 56.1 CBM.
These shipping containers are deployed today to meet the shipping requirements of all kinds of cargo shipments. As such, some of the common types of containers used today, based on the type of product to be shipped, are listed below.
Dry Van
It’s the most commonly used container in the shipping industry. This comes in various dimensions authorized and standardized by the International Standard Organization (ISO) and known as Dry Van. It is used to ship dry goods on pallets, cases, cartons, and vehicles.
Dry Van comes in different forms, such as High Cube or Standard. The dimensions also vary, notably 20ft, 40ft, and 45ft respectively.
Reefer Container
Another one is the reefer containers. They are temperature-regulated shipping containers that require a carefully controlled low temperature and use electricity.
They are used exclusively for the shipment of perishable goods, like fruits, vegetables, and seafood (fresh fish) over a long distance.
Tank Container
These containers are often used to transport liquid products. They are also used in high proportions, considering the entire shipping industry. These types of containers are used to ship chemicals, odoriferous substances, high-bouquet spirits, and so on.
It aims to protect them from corrosion. Tank containers are made with strong steel or other anti-corrosive materials, providing long life and protection to the products. But they vary in dimension, 20ft and 40ft.
Flat Rack
This type of container comes with a different design. The collapsible sides of this container are opposite each other. They are simple storage shipping equipment where the sides can be folded, making a flat rack container widely used for a variety of goods. And effectively used in shipping overweight products and long vehicles, such as steel pipes, trucks, and so on.
This type of container enables goods of any height to be shipped easily (especially when goods fall within the range of required CBM, but the height varies with the dimensions of the container).
Car Carrier
These are container storage units made specifically for the shipment of cars over a long distance. This has a similar feature compared with FLAT RACK due to its collapsible sides.
Half-Height Container
This container requires easy loading and unloading. They are used to ship goods like coal, stones, and so on.
Other containers include the Double Doors, which offer wider room for loading and unloading. There is also the Insulated or Thermal Container, which is used to maintain high temperatures with effective temperature control.
Although there are other ones, this is for now.
- Did you find the article on effective container use helpful?