Types of Shipping Containers: A Complete UK Guide

Shipping containers began as a single standard steel box, but they have grown into a whole family of designs, each built for a particular job. Knowing the main types, and what each one is good for, makes choosing the right container far more straightforward.

This guide runs through the main types of shipping container available in the UK, what they are used for, and which ones we supply.

Built to a Common Standard

Whatever their type, almost all shipping containers are built to the same ISO standards, which fix their key dimensions and the strong corner castings that let them stack and travel by ship, rail and road. That shared foundation is why containers of the same length share a footprint whatever their design. You can read more in our guide to ISO containers.

Standard (General Purpose) Containers

The standard container, sometimes called a general purpose or dry container, is the workhorse of the family. It has solid steel walls, a fixed roof and a set of doors at one end.

• Typical uses: general storage and the transport of dry goods, from stock and equipment to household items.
• Key features: corrugated Corten steel walls and a marine plywood floor.
• Availability: most common in 20ft and 40ft, with 8ft and 10ft units also available new-build. The 20ft is the most popular choice for self-storage sites.

Hi-Cube Containers

A hi-cube is the same as a standard container in length and width, but stands roughly a foot taller, giving extra internal height and volume.

• Typical uses: tall or bulky loads, and anywhere a little more headroom is useful.
• Key features: around 300mm more internal height than a standard unit.

Availability: common in 40ft, and also offered in 20ft and 30ft new-build. See our hi-cube containers for current options. 

Double Door Containers

Also known as tunnel containers, these have a full set of doors at both ends rather than at one.

• Typical uses: loading from either end, or dividing access along a run of containers.
• Key features: double the access points of a standard unit, with the same footprint.
• Availability: offered new-build in 20ft and 40ft, including hi-cube.

Full Side Access Containers

A full side access container opens along its entire length on one side, rather than just at the end.

• Typical uses: quick loading and unloading of the whole container, and easy access to items stored along its length.
• Key features: full-length side opening for unrestricted access.
• Availability: offered new-build in 20ft and 40ft, including hi-cube.

Tri-Door Containers

A tri-door container has the usual end doors plus additional side access, combining end and side loading in one unit.

• Typical uses: flexible loading where both end and side access are useful.
• Availability: offered new-build in 20ft.

Open Top Containers

An open top replaces the fixed steel roof with removable roof bows and a weatherproof tarpaulin, so cargo can be loaded from above by crane.

• Typical uses: over-height loads, machinery and awkward items that will not go through the doors.
• Key features: removable tarpaulin roof, weather-resistant once secured.
• Availability: 20ft and 40ft, with strong current stock of 40ft units. Read more in our guide on when to choose an open top container.

Flat Rack Containers

A collapsible flat rack has a floor and two folding end walls, but no sides or roof, giving completely open access from the sides and top.

• Typical uses: oversized, heavy or awkward loads such as machinery and project cargo.
• Key features: folding ends for open, all-round access.
• Availability: offered as 40ft collapsible units.

Reefer (Refrigerated) Containers

A reefer is an insulated container with a built-in refrigeration unit that holds its contents at a set temperature.

• Typical uses: chilled and frozen goods, from food and drink to pharmaceuticals. Non-operational reefers are also used as insulated dry storage.
• Key features: integrated refrigeration and insulated walls, floor and doors.
• Availability: 20ft and 40ft, operational and non-operational. Read more in our guide on how refrigerated (reefer) containers work.

Choosing the Right Type

The right container depends on what you are storing or moving, how you need to load it, and where it will sit. Most types are available both new-build and used, and our used units are graded using a clear four-grade system, New One-Trip (Grade A and Grade B) and Used (Grade A and Grade B), so you know exactly what condition you are buying. For full dimensions across the range, see our complete guide to shipping container dimensions.

Types of Shipping Containers Across the North East and Scotland

We supply the full range of new-build and used containers across the North East of England and Scotland. Because we hold our own stock, we can send you photographs of the actual used unit before you buy. Get in touch to discuss the right type for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of shipping containers?

The main types are standard (general purpose), high cube, double door, full side access, tri-door, open top, flat rack and reefer (refrigerated). Most share the same ISO footprint for their length, but each is designed for a different loading or storage need.

What is the most common type of shipping container?

The standard, or general purpose, container is by far the most common, especially the 20ft, which is the popular choice for storage and self-storage sites. It suits the widest range of general storage and dry cargo uses.

What is the difference between a standard and a high cube container?

A high cube has the same length and width as a standard container but stands about a foot taller, giving roughly 300mm of extra internal height and more volume. The footprint is identical, so only the height differs.

Which types of container does Container Sales (UK) Ltd supply?

We supply standard, high cube, double door, full side access, tri-door, open top, collapsible flat rack and refrigerated containers, in a range of sizes and both new-build and used, across the North East and Scotland.

Are all shipping containers the same size?

No. Containers come in several lengths, commonly 10ft, 20ft and 40ft, and in standard and high cube heights. Because they are built to ISO standards, units of the same length and height share a common footprint whoever made them.