10 Shipping Container Types!
Liam Reilly
| 04-04-2025
· Information Team
Ocean shipping containers are essential for global trade, offering a safe and efficient way to transport goods across long distances.
These containers come in various types and sizes, each designed for specific needs in the shipping industry.
Below is an overview of the most commonly used containers, their sizes, and an idea of their pricing!

1. Standard Shipping Container (20ft & 40ft)

The 20ft and 40ft standard shipping containers are the most widely used. These containers are built to carry a variety of cargo and are used in almost every trade route worldwide.
Size: 20ft (20’L x 8’W x 8’6”H), 40ft (40’L x 8’W x 8’6”H)
Price: Typically, a new 20ft container costs around $3,000 to $4,000, while a new 40ft container costs between $5,000 and $6,000.

2. High Cube Container (20ft & 40ft)

High cube containers are a taller version of the standard container, offering more storage space, which is ideal for lighter cargo that requires extra volume.
Size: 20ft (20’L x 8’W x 9’6”H), 40ft (40’L x 8’W x 9’6”H)
Price: A 20ft high cube container costs about $3,500 to $4,500, while a 40ft high cube container is priced between $5,500 and $7,000.

3. Refrigerated Container

Refrigerated container are specially designed for transporting perishable goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. They come with built-in refrigeration units to maintain the necessary temperature during transit.
Size: 20ft (20’L x 8’W x 8’6”H), 40ft (40’L x 8’W x 8’6”H)
Price: A 20ft container can cost between $7,000 and $9,000, while a 40ft container ranges from $10,000 to $12,000.

4. Open Top Container

For goods that cannot fit through the regular door or need to be loaded from the top, an open-top container is an excellent choice. These containers have a removable roof and are often used for oversized cargo.
Size: 20ft (20’L x 8’W x 8’6”H), 40ft (40’L x 8’W x 8’6”H)
Price: Prices for a 20ft open-top container range from $4,500 to $5,500, while a 40ft container is priced between $6,500 and $7,500.

5. Flat Rack Container

Flat rack containers are ideal for carrying heavy or bulky items that require a flat, open platform. They are commonly used for large machinery or vehicles.
Size: 20ft (20’L x 8’W x 8’H), 40ft (40’L x 8’W x 8’H)
Price: A 20ft flat rack can cost around $3,500 to $4,000, and a 40ft version typically costs between $5,000 and $6,000.

6. Tank Container

Tank containers are specialized for transporting liquids and gases. They are equipped with a cylindrical tank inside the frame, providing safety and ease of handling during transport.
Size: 20ft (20’L x 8’W x 8’H)
Price: A 20ft tank container typically costs between $7,000 and $9,000, depending on the tank's specifications and material.

7. Double Door Container

These containers are designed with doors at both ends, allowing for more convenient loading and unloading. They're often used when cargo needs to be accessed from either side of the container.
Size: 20ft (20’L x 8’W x 8’6”H), 40ft (40’L x 8’W x 8’6”H)
Price: A 20ft double door container typically costs $3,500 to $4,500, while a 40ft container can range from $5,500 to $7,000.

8. Side Door Container

Side door containers provide an additional set of doors on the side, making it easier to load and unload cargo, especially in tight spaces or when the container is stacked.
Size: 20ft (20’L x 8’W x 8’6”H)
Price: A 20ft side door container is priced around $4,000 to $5,000.

9. Car Carrier Container

Car carrier containers are designed to transport vehicles like cars, trucks, and motorcycles. These containers are equipped with special ramps for easy loading and unloading of vehicles.
Size: Typically 20ft (20’L x 8’W x 8’6”H)
Price: A car carrier container can cost between $5,000 and $7,000 depending on customization and features.

10. Half-Height Container

Half-height containers are designed for transporting heavy goods that require more vertical space, like coal or metal scrap. They offer a smaller, more compact design, ideal for specific cargo.
Size: 20ft (20’L x 8’W x 4’3”H)
Price: These containers are typically priced between $2,500 and $3,500.
Each type of ocean shipping container is designed for a specific purpose, from transporting perishables to heavy-duty machinery. When choosing a container, consider the nature of your cargo and the distance it needs to travel. Prices can vary depending on the container's type, size, and condition (new or used). Understanding these options will help you select the right container for your needs while managing shipping costs effectively!

10 container types + where to find them

Video by Container xChange