A Guide To Shipping Containers & Sea Freight

Selection of containers depends on cargo needs. International Shipping Company understands that today’s best container solution may not fit in the future. Here are the main sea freight container types: 

Refrigerated Containers (Reefer Containers) 

Refrigerated containers act as thermally insulated containers with compressors for heating or cooling packaged cargo to temperatures below ice. the container’s walls are constructed in the full poly urethane foam insulation to ensure its thermal capability. Many refrigerated containers also have adjustable air venting systems to help distribute a better air circulation.

Available Dimensions:

• Length: 20 × 8 × 8 feet 6 inches
• Width: 40 × 8 × 8 feet 6 inches
• Height: 40 × 8 × 9 feet 6 inches (High Cube)

Applications

Refrigerated containers have been specially designed for the transport of cargo that must be maintained at a specific temperature. This includes agricultural other perishables.  International Shipping Company designed these refrigerated containers so that cargo requiring a constant temperature, either above or below freezing, is transported in the highest quality containers.  

Insulated Containers

Insulated containers are similar to refrigerated units; they have walls lined with polyurethane foam (for insulation). However, instead of an internal system, they obtain cooling or heating capacity using an external cooling or heating device.

Available Dimensions

• Length: 20 × 8 × 8 feet 6 inches
• Width: 40 × 8 × 8 feet 6 inches

Applications

These containers hold cargo that needs to be kept at consistent temperatures at or below freezing. International Shipping Company has proper insulated containers for many types of cargo.

Flat Racks Containers

Flat racks are containers that come as a steel frame with no sidewalls, wooden flooring, and either fixed or collapsible end walls. Some flat racks have the capability to fold up the end walls which are flush with the base platform.

Available Dimensions

• Length: 20 × 8 × 8 feet 6 inches
• Width: 40 × 8 × 8 feet 6 inches
• Height: 40 × 8 × 9 feet 6 inches (High Cube)

Applications

International Shipping Company’s flat rack containers have extremely high quality floors, which provide an excellent alternative for moving oversized or large-dimension cargo. Properly loaded flat racks can also be stacked, vertically moving large quantities of large-scale product. 

Hard Top Containers

Hard top containers are designed primarily for heavy cargo transportation, and like flat racks, have steel tops that can be removed, making loading easier. The removable top roof combination allows loading using a crane for wagon loading. The end wall doors will also swing out for better access.

Available Dimensions

• Length: 20 × 8 × 8 feet 6 inches
• Width: 40 × 8 × 8 feet 6 inches
• Height: 40 × 8 × 9 feet 6 inches (High Cube)

Applications

International Shipping Company’s hard top containers are one of the best available sea freight container options, and they are designed for limited heavy load, they will accommodate long items, notably 40-feet long and high as well. For extremely long cargo, the hard top container roof can be left completely open and secured against the internal container walls. 

Standard containers

Standard containers are enclosed with walls, roof and floor. One or both end walls will have door access to load and unload the cargo.

Available Dimensions

• Standard 20-Foot Container: 20 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in
• Standard 40-Foot Container: 40 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in
• High Cube 40-Foot Container: 40 ft × 8 ft × 9 ft 6 in

Applications

In some configurations, the floor extends across the entire base to accommodate loads that are either evenly or partially distributed.

Although 20-foot and 40-foot containers have similar weight limits, 20-foot containers are often the preferred choice for heavier cargo due to their better weight distribution. For larger or taller goods, 40-foot high cube containers offer additional vertical space, making them ideal for bulkier shipments. Additionally, certain standard containers are specifically designed for transporting hanging garments.

Platform Containers

Platform containers are open flatbed units constructed with a steel frame and wooden base, lacking both sidewalls and end walls.

Available Dimensions

• Length: 20 × 8 × 8 feet 6 inches
• Width: 40 × 8 × 8 feet 6 inches

Applications

They are ideal for transporting extremely heavy or oversized cargo, with the weight spread across one or more areas of the floor.