If you’ve ever been looking for a shipping container you probably quickly realised that there are many different types of shipping containers available for hire, each coming with its own advantages and disadvantages. 

Because of all the options available, we’ve taken a look at them all and given you a quick overview to help you choose the right container for your needs. 

Standard Shipping Containers

Traditionally used in the shipping industry to transport goods, the standard shipping container is the most common type of container that you see being used in transport and in storage. These containers come in three sizes -10ft, 20ft and 40ft – with 20ft and 40ft being the most popular. These containers can be stacked on top of each other which makes them a great storage option if you don’t have a lot of room.

So how much can you put into a standard shipping container?

The standard 20ft container can hold up to 3,628kgs and the 40ft container can hold up to 7,257kgs of weight. But what about height?  The container can hold a maximum of 2.3m of height, so make sure you have the clearance required for your cargo – keeping in mind that you do need to leave a little bit of space for airflow. 

High Cube Shipping Containers

Often these containers are confused with the standard shipping container, and we can see why. They share many of the same features, with one difference – they are taller. The internal height of a high cube container is approx 2.9m, giving you some extra space for taller items or transporting perishable goods. These containers can often be used to move furniture and equipment needed for events.

Open Top Shipping Containers

If you need even more height room, an open top shipping container is the best choice. As the name suggests they have an open top, making them ideal for transporting tall, oversized or bulky items. However, because they don’t have that top on them, they aren’t completely protected from the weather, meaning that they aren’t suitable for transporting fragile goods or perishable goods. 

Flat Rack Shipping Containers

Flat rack shipping containers tend to be open on all sides except the ends. They have a flat bottom and no top nor long sides making them a great choice for shipping or storing bulky or oddly shaped cargo that just doesn’t fit into a standard container. The flat rack containers come with either rigid or foldable short ends that can help to secure cargo into place. 

These containers can also be stacked on top of each other to provide permanent storage for tall items. 

Refrigerated Shipping Containers

You probably see these containers being used quite regularly as they are specially designed to transport and store perishable goods. Coming in a range of sizes, with the most popular being the 20ft and 40ft containers, these shipping containers are fitted with special cooling equipment that keep food fresh and/or frozen until it arrives at its destination. 

If you are having an event or simply need some additional cold storage space for your restaurant or cafe for a short period of time, these containers are a good solution. 

Dry Van Shipping Containers

Dry van shipping containers are those that you tend to see sitting on the dock of a ship yard waiting to be loaded onto a truck or onto a boat. They are essentially the same as a standard shipping container, with the only openings being the doors for loading and unloading. These containers are used to ship dry goods around the world  – that is, items that don’t need to sit at a particular temperature for long periods of time. These containers are great for shipping valuable and sensitive items, particularly when you add a no tamper lock to them. 

Insulated Shipping Containers

If you need to transport goods that are temperature-sensitive (without being perishable), an insulated shipping container is the best option. These containers are fitted with insulation to keep the contents at a constant temperature, and of course come in a variety of sizes. These containers are best if you are transporting paperwork, books or even dry goods that need to stay below a certain temperature but don’t need refrigeration. 

Office Shipping Containers

Do you have a need for some additional temporary office space during a busy period? Shipping containers can be modified and fitted with a variety of features including lights, desks, air conditioning, windows and more to provide you with a comfortable temporary office space. This option is much more affordable than a short term rental of an office space, and you can fit it out in a way that best suits your business. 

Storage Shipping Containers

Now you’ll probably say that any standard shipping container can be used to store goods, and that is correct. But not all shipping containers can be modified with shelving, and air flow to give you a safe and secure spot for both long-term and short-term additional storage space.  

Car Shipping Containers

You may be moving overseas and considering shipping your car as well so that  you don’t need to buy one when you arrive. Or alternatively you may have found the perfect car overseas and be trying to find the right transport option to get it to your home. Car shipping containers are specially designed for transporting cars both over the sea and on the back of a truck. 

If you simply need some additional safe storage space for your car – particularly if you are going away for a holiday or relocating across the country for a short period of time, a car shipping container can offer you safe and secure storage, without your car being left out in the weather and other elements. 

There are so many uses for shipping containers. Whether you are shipping goods across the country or across the world or simply need some additional fridge space for your next event, a 10ft, 20ft or 40ft hired shipping container may come in handy. 

If you’re not sure which type of container is right for your needs, our team of experts can help you choose the perfect option. Contact us today to find out more.