The Modern Types Of Sea Containers That Are Most Popular
Depending on the production unit, types of sea containers are constructed with a wide range of sizes to satisfy the demands of modern maritime transport. Nonetheless, ISO 688 criteria are frequently followed when determining container sizes for use on a global basis. Let's use Dolphin Sea Air to get more specifics about the many varieties!
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1. Varieties of sea containers available nowadays
The variety and abundance of marine containers available today facilitates the shipment of commodities. Businesses employ a variety of popular sea freight forwarder, some of which include:
1.1. Department store containers
Dry commodities are frequently transported in general purpose containers, also referred to as dry containers. Because unlike some other containers, supermarket containers lack facilities for refrigeration and temperature control.

They are therefore unable to transport items that need to be kept at a specific temperature. Nonetheless, because of its large and tall storage compartment, which can accommodate a wide range of products, this kind of container is frequently used for road or maritime freight transportation.
Type of container |
Size |
Volume |
Container 10 feet |
✅L 3,047m x W 2,438m x H 2,591m |
✅14,9 m3 |
Container 20 feet |
✅L 6.058m x W 2,438m x H 2,591m |
✅33,04 m3 |
Container 40’DC |
✅L 12,192m x W 2,438m x H 2,591m |
✅67,34m3 |
Container 40’HC |
✅L 12,192m x W 2,438m x H 2,896m |
✅75,95 m3 |
Container 45 feet |
✅L 13,556m x W 2,438m x H 2,896m |
✅86 m3 |
1.2. Bulk cargo containers
Bulk Container A bulk container is a type of sea container that can be used to load dry bulk materials (such grain, cement, ore, etc.) by pouring them through the loading mouth from the top and then emptying the cargo on the side or bottom. Its shape is similar to that of a supermarket container, but it has specially built opening and closing mechanisms for the loading mouth, unloading door, and bottom. Three sizes of bulk cargo containers are distinguished:
- 20-foot container (small): A little bit bigger than a truck, ideal for shipping small- to medium-sized and heavy items by sea.
- 40-foot container (standard): Ideal for goods with multiple features. One kind of container that businesses adore is this one.
- The greatest size available for a bulk container is a 45-foot container (large). The purpose of producing these huge containers is to guarantee the security of heavy and bulky products.

1.3. Specialized containers
Particularly made containers are used to carry a certain kind of cargo, such vehicles, animals,...
- Car shipping containers: Car shipping containers are made like trusses and are typically used to transport entire vehicles without any roofs or covers. Depending on the height of the products, a customized container can have one or two storeys.

- Livestock and animal containers: Since the products are live animals, animal containers are specifically made for this purpose. The bottom portion of the wall includes holes to drain dirt, making cleaning easier, while the vertical wall, also known as the front wall, has a thin mesh for ventilation.

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1.4. Cold containers
Goods that need to be transported at a specific temperature are transported in insulated containers. The storage floor is composed of aluminum, the walls and roof are insulated, and the T-T structure permits air to flow through the compartment and fill up any gaps in the floor.

While refrigerated containers are more common in Vietnam, insulated containers are frequently used to preserve hot or cold temperatures. Many various kinds of items, including seafood and fresh produce, that must be stored at low temperatures, can be transported in refrigerators.
There are now three categories within the container market:
- Refrigerated/Reefer container: This kind of sea container is intended for the transportation of products that must be refrigerated at low temperatures, such fish and fresh food. A cooling system that can lower the temperature to exceptionally low levels is installed within the container. Conversely, certain kinds of containers have pipes within and an external cooling system to regulate the temperature while in transit.
- Insulated container: It is common practice to transport items like fruits, vegetables, and pharmaceuticals in insulated containers. because an insulating layer is built into the structure of this container to assist keep the inside temperature steady. This reduces the rise in temperature when products are being transported.
- Ventilated container: This kind of container has dividers and a ventilation system built to facilitate back-and-forth air flow. Food is transported in containers of this kind. Furthermore, when it comes to transporting fruits and vegetables that require ventilation and shouldn't be enclosed in air to prevent damage, ventilated containers are the best option.
1.5. Cont open top
The majority of sea container types are specifically intended to accommodate open roof containers, as the name implies. due to the lack of an upper wall that would facilitate products loading and unloading over the roof. The roof will be coated with oilcloth upon loading. Long timber or machinery are typically transported in containers with an open roof.

1.6. Container flat rack
At the moment, the majority of big and oversized items, gigantic commodities, and exceptionally large tonnage are transported using flatbed containers. Designed with two detachable, flexible steel walls, which facilitate easier loading and unloading for users. Trucking is a somewhat expensive operation because it deals with big products.
On the market, flat rack containers include the following sizes:
- Container 20 feet
- External dimensions: Length 6.06 x width 2.44 x height 2.59 mm
- Internal dimensions: Length 5.88 x width 2.37 x height 2.25 mm
- Maximum cargo weight: 31,158kg
- Maximum weight with shell: 34,000kg
- Shell weight: 2,750kg
- Container 40 feet
- The external measurements measure 12 x 2.5 x 2.59 mm.
- Internal measurements: Height 2.25 mm, width 2.43 mm, length 11.5 mm
- Maximum weight of cargo: 34,135 kg
- Shell weight maximum: 37,025 kg
- Weight of shell: 2,890 kg

1.7. Tank containers
Among sea containers, containers—also referred to as tank containers—represent a unique class of vehicle. because it resembles a big stainless steel tank intended for the transportation of bulky objects. Chemicals and other non-hazardous liquid products are frequently carried in this container.

Tank containers are divided into two sizes, similar to other containers: 20 feet and 40 feet. The structure consists of an ISO-compliant frame that has a tank put within. Liquids poured from the tank are stored in this tank. Stainless steel is typically used to make container tanks. An extra layer of insulation and a polyurethane or aluminum protective layer are included on the exterior of this metal surface. The cargo pressure will determine how this material changes over time.
2. What classification system is used for sea containers?
Sea containers are frequently categorized based on size, structure, and packing material to provide more convenience during use. The classification groups are listed below for your convenience and selection:
2.1. Containers should be sorted by size
Sea containers are categorized into four types based on size:
- Small containers: Weight < 5 tons and capacity < 3m3
- Medium container: Weight 5 - 8 tons and small capacity < 10m3.
- Standard containers: 20 feet, 40 and 45 feet
- Large containers: Weight > 10 tons and capacity > 10m3.

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2.2. Sort containers based on their composition and type of packing
In contrast to size-based classification, sea container types are classified into 6 categories based on their structure and packing materials. These categories include:
- Closed Container
- Open Container
- Rolling Container
- France Container
- Tilt Container
- Flat Container
3. What are the benefits of using the sea to carry containers?
Currently, the most popular mode of transportation is maritime shipping. Because they provide a variety of benefits to the owners of things, including:
- Compared to other means of transportation like road, rail, or air, shipping via sea containers has reduced expenses.
- Ship itineraries are constantly negotiable when shipping containers by sea. because Vietnamese ships can anchor in all major ports.
- Products are essentially packed in containers using LCL (LCL) and FCL (FCL) techniques, which helps to guarantee the security of the products by preventing damage or theft.

4. For maritime transportation, which kind of container should I select?
Appropriate sea containers will be chosen based on the needs and types of items, as every firm has various business products. The weight, size, and shape of the items are some of the key considerations that assist organizations in selecting the appropriate kind of container.
For instance: An insulated container is the best option for a company that wishes to export frozen food items. This kind of container helps guarantee the quality of the goods during the transportation process since it can keep the inside temperature steady.

5. Types of commodities that containers can transport by sea
The majority of goods can be transported in several kinds of matching sea containers. Regulations still forbid the shipment of certain items in containers, though. As a result, you should be aware of the kinds of goods listed below that can be shipped by sea in containers.
- Large - sized or heavy goods, as well as important export commodities like rice, coffee, cashews, or technological goods (such as parts and equipment for machines).
- Never carry valuable stuff like jewels, cash, or other valuables.

Dolphin Sea Air just gave you some information on the different types of sea containers and other relevant details up above. With any luck, the information above will enable you to choose an appropriate shipping solution fast.
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