Shipping containers are available in many different sizes and types. The most common type is a dry freight container that has a set of cargo doors on one end. These dry storage containers, or “dry vans” represent the majority, with millions in circulation around the globe. The most common of these are the 20′ and 40′ containers. Rounding out the rest are insulated, refrigerated, tanktainers (for liquids) and modified containers.

Generally speaking, containers were originally 8-foot (2.44 m) wide by 8-foot (2.44 m) high, and either a nominal 20-foot (6.1 m) or 40-foot (12.19 m) long. At each of the eight corners are corner-castings with twist-lock openings fasteners. These corner castings are useful for lifting by crane or to lock them together when stacking on a ship, up to eight units high. The standard height now is now 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m). Taller units have been introduced, including “hi-cube” or “high-cube” units at 9 feet 6 inches (2.90 m). 45 foot high-cube units are also available in select markets world wide, but these are less common. The United States and Canada also use longer units at 48 ft (14.63 m) and 53 ft (16.15 m) but overall, these are quite rare and expensive.

Along with size and spec, each container is graded and this grade is also an important factor to consider when purchasing your shipping container. But before anything else, you should know exactly what you want to use your container for.