Types of Sea Containers: A Reference Guide for Importers
Choosing the right container type is the first practical decision when planning a sea shipment. Getting it wrong costs money: cargo carried in the wrong container can be damaged; and a container chosen «with room to spare» means overpaying for unused capacity. The right choice depends on three parameters: the size and weight of the cargo, its physical properties (temperature requirements, moisture sensitivity, shape), and the shipping line's requirements for the specific route.
All sea containers are standardised under ISO 668 — this ensures compatibility with vessels, port cranes and rail flatcars anywhere in the world. Below is a complete reference guide to the container types used for cargo delivery through the ports of Chornomorsk, Odessa and Pivdennyi.
Standard Dry Containers (DC)
20'DC — the all-purpose option for dense and heavy cargo: metal, construction materials, chemicals in drums, industrial equipment. Volume is modest (33 m³), but payload capacity is high — up to 28 tonnes. The right choice when cargo is weight-limited rather than volume-limited.
40'DC — the standard for most consumer goods: clothing, footwear, electronics, flat-pack furniture. Twice the volume of a 20-footer, but slightly lower payload due to the heavier tare.
40'HC (High Cube) — the most popular type for imports from China. Differs from the 40'DC in height: 30 cm taller, giving an additional 9 m³ of volume. Ideal for light but bulky goods: upholstered furniture, mattresses, packaging materials, plastic products.
45'HC — used less frequently, mainly in European trade lanes. Not all vessels and terminals accept 45-foot containers — check with your port forwarding agent before booking.
Refrigerated Containers (Reefer)
A refrigerated container (Reefer, RF) is an insulated unit with a built-in refrigeration system. It maintains temperature from –30°C to +30°C with an accuracy of ±0.5°C. Used for perishable food products, pharmaceuticals and chemicals requiring controlled temperature conditions.
Key points when working with reefers at Ukrainian ports:
- While in terminal storage, a reefer must be connected to a power supply — the terminal charges a separate reefer monitoring fee (typically $5–15/day on top of standard storage);
- Customs inspection of refrigerated cargo is conducted in dedicated zones where the temperature regime is maintained;
- The free time for demurrage on reefers is often shorter than for dry containers — confirm with the shipping line in advance.
Specialised Containers
Open Top (OT) — a container with no rigid roof, replaced by a tarpaulin cover. Designed for cargo that cannot be loaded through standard doors: industrial equipment, steel coils, woodworking machines, transformers. Cargo height may exceed the standard container height — subject to an «overheight» surcharge levied by the shipping line.
Flat Rack (FR) — a container with no roof or side walls, only a floor and end stanchions (sometimes collapsible). Used for heavy oversized machinery: excavators, tractors, yachts, turbines. Allows overheight and oversize in both width and height. Requires special cargo securing and insurance.
Tank Container — a cylindrical vessel within a standard ISO frame. Carries liquid cargo: chemical raw materials, edible oils, fuel, wine. Typical capacity: 17,000–25,000 litres. Requires a special ADR/IMDG permit for hazardous liquids.
Bulk Container — a standard container with loading hatches in the roof. Used for dry bulk cargo: grain, coffee, plastic pellets. Less common for imports into Ukraine; more frequently seen in exports.
How to Choose the Right Container Type
Container Marking and Numbering
Every sea container carries a unique 11-character number under ISO 6346: 4-letter owner code (e.g. MSCU for MSC, CMAU for CMA CGM) + 6-digit serial number + 1 check digit. This number appears in the bill of lading, the customs declaration and all terminal documents.
Stencilled on the container's side panel are: the maximum gross weight (Max Gross Weight), the tare (Tare Weight) and the maximum payload (Max Payload). Exceeding the Max Gross Weight is strictly prohibited — it is a SOLAS violation and grounds for refusal to load. Always account for the container's tare weight when calculating cargo load.
VGM: Mandatory Weighing Since 2016
Under the SOLAS Convention, from July 2016 every packed container must have a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) confirmed before being loaded onto a vessel. The responsibility lies with the shipper. VGM must be submitted to the line and terminal in advance. Submitting a false VGM results in a fine and refusal to load. Terminal weighing typically costs $20–50 per container.
What is the difference between a 40'DC and a 40'HC?
How much does an empty 20-foot container weigh?
Can hazardous goods be transported in a standard container?
What are «overheight» and «oversize»?
Not sure which container type is right for your cargo? Describe the goods to the Trans-Hope team — we will recommend the best option and calculate the cost of container shipping.
