Comprehensive Guide to International Shipping Container Types | Mihan Logistics
I. The Necessity of Learning Shipping Container Specifications
Specific troubles arising from incorrect container selection include:
- Additional expenses such as document amendment fees and operational surcharges;
- Shipping schedule delays that disrupt the overall supply chain delivery timeline;
- Cargo being refused for loading by carriers, requiring cargo return or space rebooking.
Mihan Logistics suggests foreign trade enterprises and logistics practitioners collect this guide for quick verification prior to space booking.
II. Dry Cargo Containers – General-purpose Specifications
| Container Type | Internal Dimensions (L×W×H) | Door Opening Size (W×H) | Maximum Payload | Theoretical Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP | 5.898×2.352×2.393m | 2.340×2.280m | Approx. 28 Tons | 33m³ |
| 40GP | 12.032×2.352×2.393m | 2.340×2.280m | Approx. 26 Tons | 67m³ |
| 40HQ | 12.032×2.352×2.698m | 2.340×2.585m | Approx. 26 Tons | 76m³ |
| 45HQ | 13.556×2.352×2.698m | 2.340×2.585m | Approx. 25 Tons | 86m³ |
Selection Guidelines
20GP is ideal for heavy cargo with high weight-to-volume ratio; 40HQ is suitable for large-volume yet lightweight bulky cargo. Mihan Logistics provides professional quotation services for shipments departing from Shenzhen to US West Coast routes.
III. Overview of Specialized Container Types
| Container Type | Abbreviation | Structural Features | Typical Applicable Cargo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Top Container | OT | Equipped with detachable canvas roof | Large mechanical equipment, stone materials |
| Flat Rack Container | FR | Open side structure with flat rack base | Extra-long steel pipes, engineering vehicles |
| Reefer Container | RH/RF | Temperature adjustable from -30℃ to 30℃ | Frozen meat, fresh fruits, pharmaceutical goods |
| Garment Hanger Container | HT | Built-in hanging rods inside the container | Garments, suits and other hanging textiles |
| Tank Container | TK | Stainless steel tank structure | Liquid goods, chemical products |
IV. Quick Container Selection Reference Chart
| Cargo Characteristics | Recommended Container Type |
|---|---|
| Single piece or total cargo weight over 20 tons | 20GP |
| Large volume with light weight (light bulky cargo) | 40HQ |
| Cargo height over 2.3 meters | Open Top Container / Flat Rack Container |
| Cargo length over 11.8 meters | Flat Rack Container |
| Cargo requiring full-process temperature control | Reefer Container |
For detailed space booking guidelines of various container types, please refer to exclusive documents compiled by Mihan Logistics :
- 20GP Dry Van Container Complete Guide: Dimensions, Load Capacity & Full Booking Process | Mihan Logistics Optimal Heavy Cargo Solution
- 40GP vs 40HQ Standard Container In-depth Analysis Container Selection Guide | Mihan Logistics
- Container Loading Optimization for 40HQ | Peak Season Space Guarantee Solution by Mihan Logistics
- Reefer Sea Freight: Pre-booking Must-check – Temp, Pre-cool & Defrost | Mihan Logistics Exclusive
- Practical Operation Guide for Open Top Container Sea Freight: Applicable Cargo, Loading & Unloading Key Points and Professional Lashing Solutions
- Flat Rack Booking Practical Operation: Quotation & Lifting Key Points for Overlength and Overweight Cargo
V. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the general freight rate differences among 20GP, 40GP and 40HQ?
A: Referring to the prevailing market rates for shipments from Shenzhen to US West Coast routes offered by Mihan Logistics:
- Take 20GP freight rate as the benchmark;
- 40GP freight is about 1.4 times that of 20GP;
- 40HQ freight is about 1.6 times that of 20GP.
A higher premium is usually charged for 40HQ during peak shipping seasons.
Q: Can cargo with a height of 2.45 meters be loaded into a 40GP container?
A: No. Such cargo height exceeds the internal height limit (2.393m) of standard 40GP containers. 40HQ or open top containers are mandatory alternatives. Mihan Logistics offers free container type evaluation services.
Q: How to obtain the latest and most accurate internal dimension data of containers?
A: All specifications listed above comply with standard container criteria of mainstream shipping lines. Prior to formal space booking, Mihan Logistics will provide official container dimension datasheets from designated carriers to ensure full consistency with actual container specifications.
VI. Core Business Services of Mihan Logistics
Headquartered in Shenzhen, we have established direct strategic cooperation with numerous mainstream shipping lines, delivering the following professional logistics services:
- Free container type selection consultation;
- Full-range space booking covering 20GP, 40HQ, reefer containers, open top containers, flat rack containers and more;
- Customized logistics solutions for overweight and over-dimensional cargo;
- Global ocean freight door-to-door delivery services.
Feel free to contact our customer service team to acquire real-time ocean freight quotations or consult container selection solutions.
