Container Types and Cargo Specifications Flashcards

What are the standard external lengths of ISO shipping containers?

Answer: 20 feet and 40 feet

The two most common ISO standard container lengths are 20 feet (TEU) and 40 feet (FEU), with 45-foot containers also used in some trades.

What is a 'High Cube' (HC) container and when is it used?

Answer: A container 1 foot taller than standard (9'6" vs 8'6") used for voluminous, lightweight cargo

A High Cube container is 9 feet 6 inches tall (vs. standard 8 feet 6 inches), providing approximately 13% more cubic volume — ideal for lightweight, voluminous cargo like furniture or garments.

What type of container is used for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo like pharmaceuticals or fresh produce?

Answer: Reefer (Refrigerated) Container

A Reefer container has an integrated refrigeration unit that maintains a set temperature range (typically -25°C to +25°C), making it suitable for perishables, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.

What is an 'Open Top' container primarily used for?

Answer: Cargo too tall to fit through standard container doors, loaded from above by crane

Open Top containers have a removable roof (tarpaulin or bows) allowing cargo such as machinery, coils, or timber that is too tall for standard containers to be loaded by crane from above.

What is a 'Flat Rack' container?

Answer: A container with collapsible end walls but no sides or roof, used for oversized or heavy cargo

A Flat Rack container has a flat base with collapsible or fixed end walls but no side walls or roof, making it ideal for out-of-gauge cargo like heavy machinery, pipes, or project cargo.

What is a 'Tank Container' used for in ocean freight?

Answer: Transporting liquid bulk cargo such as chemicals, food-grade liquids, or gases

A Tank Container (ISO tank) is a stainless steel pressure vessel within an ISO frame used to transport hazardous or non-hazardous liquids, gases, and powders in bulk.