These are the typical container you’re accustomed to seeing. Standard ISO shipping containers, sometime referred to as General Purpose (GP) or Dry Van (DV), are the most widely available. They have a set of cargo doors at the rear end and are 8ft wide and come in 2 different heights; 8’-6” standard height or 9’-6” hi-cube. Common lengths are 10, 20, 40, & 45ft long.
Another type of shipping container that is common for road and rail transport is the 53ft domestic container. These are one of the only types of standard shipping containers that is often built in the USA. They’re 6 inches wider than their smaller counterparts at 8′-6″ wide, and offer the largest volume of cargo capacity available.
In addition to standard shipping containers, many container manufacturers also make specialty containers that further extend functionality.
These boxes, sometimes called “tunneltainers” due to their appearance when fully open, have an extra set of cargo doors at the front end. Being able to open up both ends of the box is a great way to increase accessibility.
A duocon is a container that is made up of two smaller containers. The most popular size you’ll see is a 20ft duocon, which is made up of 2 smaller 10ft containers that are attached at the factory, allowing them to be shipped as a single 20ft unit. Once stateside, it is common for them to be separated into 10ft units for use in situation where smaller containers are required. Occasionally, you’ll also see a quadcon container. This is a 40ft equivalent unit, made up of 4x10s.
Just as it sounds, a side open container is a box that has cargo doors on the sides of the unit. There are various configurations available. The most common has fully opening cargo doors down one side and one end of the box. You’ll also see them with both sides and/or both ends opening.
There are many other types of specialty containers available that are made for specific use, such as:
Although a standard container has a multitude of uses, custom modified containers are the way to go when the requirements of your project extend beyond what can be accomplished with a general purpose box. If you can imagine building it with a container it has been done! Anything from relatively simple workshops and office containers to bespoke housing units and industrial equipment enclosures are common container modifications.
Some common modifications include:
If you have an idea for a custom container and need assistance with making it a reality then get in touch with us today, and we’ll discuss a plan for making it happen. Box Shop Containers can support you in the process from design and development through procurement and fabrication.