10 Shipping Container Types and How to Choose the Right One

At first glance, shipping container types may seem straightforward. You may think there are only two sizes - 20’ and 40’. However, there are many shipping container sizes and types to select from. Understanding your options will help you select the container that works best for your space, budget, and intended use. In this article, we’ll unpack the 10 shipping container types and how to choose the right one for your project.

1. Standard 20’ Shipping Container 

Standard 20’ shipping containers are 8’6” tall and offer versatile solutions for a wide range of storage and project needs. This traditional container has a door on one end, making it easy to load and unload the space as needed. 

20’ containers are a great choice for anyone needing a secure, weather-tight space. They’re similar to a one-car garage, which makes them large enough for equipment, inventory, or seasonal storage without overwhelming a lot or backyard space.

Beyond storage, 20’ containers work well for jobsite tool cribs, mobile offices, and product storage. Their smaller size offers a good balance between offering plenty of usable space while still being a manageable size for most properties.

Related Blog: 17 Different Uses for a 20 Foot Shipping Container

2. Standard 40’ Shipping Container 

Standard 40’ shipping containers  are also 8’ 6” tall but provide twice the space of a 20’ container, making them ideal for projects that need maximum storage space. Whether you plan to use it for large equipment storage, bulk inventory, construction site material staging, or other projects where extra space is needed. 

Oftentimes because of their length, 40’ shipping containers work well for creating jobsite offices, dividing into multiple work areas, or storing oversized items that wouldn’t fit in a smaller unit. They’re also a popular choice for custom modification projects that need more interior space – like workshops, retail setups, or tool cribs. If you’re curious about all the different uses, check out our blog, 20 Different Uses for a 40 Foot Shipping Container, for ideas.

3. High-Cube 20’, 40’, or 45’ Shipping Container

High-cube shipping containers are 9’6” tall – a full foot taller than standard containers – giving you extra vertical space to work with. This extra height makes it easier to store oversized items, stack products more efficiently, and provide more comfortable headroom if you’re using the container for a project or build. Whether you’re using it for a custom build or extra storage, high-cubes are a great solution for a variety of projects.

While 40’ high cubes are fairly common, 20’ high-cube shipping containers are a bit of a specialty item. Because they’re less common, 20’ high cubes are sold in “one-trip condition”, meaning they’ve been used only once to bring them into the country from China. This makes them a great option if you’re looking for a nearly new container with extra height — ideal for storage, workshops, or unique container builds.

Explore Available Container Sizes

4. Open-Side Shipping Container

Open-side shipping containers offer the regular 20’ or 40’ size and spaciousness of a traditional container, except they have an open side. There are three common types of containers with the open side:

• Traditional Full Open-Side Container - The entire side of the shipping container opens up like a door to reveal the space within.
• 40’ High Cube (One-Post) Open-Side Container - Similar to the traditional full open-side design, this design features one post in the center of the shipping container and two large doors to enter the space.
• 40’ High Cube 4-Door (3-Post) “Open”-Side Container - A third open-side container style features three posts in the middle, forming four separate doors to enter the space.

Open-side shipping containers offer faster loading and unloading, easier access to storage, more functionality for retail space, and more opportunities for building conversions. 

Depending on your shipping or storage needs, you might need different door and post options for your open-side containers. If you need help deciding which one works best, contact our team at Super Cubes, and we’ll help you find the right option for your needs. 

5. Double-Door “Tunnel” Shipping Container

Double-door shipping containers, also known as tunnel containers, are built with standard container doors on both ends rather than doors on just one side. This design provides convenient access from either side, making it easier to load, unload, and organize product or other stored materials.

6. Open-Top or Soft-Top Shipping Containers

Open-top shipping containers, also known as soft-top containers, are completely uncovered or are meant to be covered with a fitted, tied-down tarp rather than the traditional steel top. Outfitted with bars across the width, they help keep the soft top in place during transit or storage.

This type of container works best for machinery, items that need to be top-loaded, and for more vertical, taller loads.

7. Hard-Top Shipping Container

Hard-top shipping containers have a removable metal roof made of steel that locks into place, ensuring that loading stays easy. Similar to an open-top container, it doesn’t have a built-in top. However, the steel roof can be locked back in place.

This type of container works best for items that need to be top-loaded yet need the strength, stability, and protection of a steel top.

8. Refrigerated “Reefer” Shipping Container

Refrigerated containers, also known as reefers, are insulated and built with cooling systems that keep the space temperature controlled. Whether you need to keep items ice cold or maintain a warmer environment, so freight doesn’t freeze, these containers are designed to preserve temperature-sensitive products. They’re a reliable solution for everything from food storage to specialty equipment that needs a consistent climate.

9. Duo-Con and Cut-Down 10’ Shipping Containers

Duo-con 10’ shipping containers, also known as cut-down containers, are two different offerings for shorter container options. Since standard container sizes come in 20’ and 40’, achieving a half-size container cube means you have to work with a container provider to cover your needs. There are two main options to achieve this: duo-cons and cut-down containers. Duo-cons are two 10’ containers that are welded together with their end walls already in place. To deliver a 10’ shipping container, we would simply get the container shipment and cut them apart. With a cut-down 10’ shipping container, a standard 20’ container is cut in half and the end would need to be welded on.

Explore the Custom Length Container Process

10. Custom Shipping Container

While there are other variations of shipping containers, the list above covers the main ones you can find and buy. If you have a specific idea in mind for what you want your shipping container to look like or include, our team at Super Cubes can review your plan and talk through possible options. From windows and doors, to vents, HVAC systems, and other cut-outs, we can help customize your container to fit your exact needs. 

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Super Cubes is a family-owned business located in Minneapolis, MN, that provides containers anywhere in the continental US. We offer personalized service for individuals and businesses, providing high-quality containers at competitive prices. With nationwide facilities, we can modify and deliver containers close to you. Contact our experienced team for your next container project.