Choosing the right shipping container is crucial for the safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of your cargo transportation. At Atlas Logistics, we help you understand the various container types and their specifications to match your unique shipping needs.
Compare Container Specifications
Select up to 4 containers below to compare their detailed specifications side-by-side.
Please select containers above to compare their specifications.
Dry Storage Container (Standard / General Purpose)

These are the most common type of shipping containers, used for a wide variety of dry cargo. They are fully enclosed, protected from the elements, and suitable for almost any type of goods that don't require temperature control.
Key Features & Uses:
- Transport of general, non-perishable goods.
- Durable, weather-tight, and secure.
- Available in various standard sizes.
Specification | 20ft | 40ft | 40ft High Cube |
---|---|---|---|
External Dimensions (L x W x H) | 20' L x 8' W x 8'6" H (6.10m L x 2.44m W x 2.59m H) |
40' L x 8' W x 8'6" H (12.19m L x 2.44m W x 2.59m H) |
40' L x 8' W x 9'6" H (12.19m L x 2.44m W x 2.89m H) |
Internal Dimensions (L x W x H) | 19'10" L x 7'8" W x 7'10" H (6.05m L x 2.35m W x 2.39m H) |
39'5" L x 7'8" W x 7'10" H (12.01m L x 2.35m W x 2.39m H) |
39'5" L x 7'8" W x 8'10" H (12.01m L x 2.35m W x 2.69m H) |
Door Opening (W x H) | 7'8" W x 7'6" H (2.34m W x 2.28m H) |
7'8" W x 7'6" H (2.34m W x 2.28m H) |
7'8" W x 8'5" H (2.34m W x 2.56m H) |
Tare Weight | 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs) |
3,750 kg (8,270 lbs) |
3,900 kg (8,600 lbs) |
Max Payload | 28,280 kg (62,340 lbs) |
26,730 kg (58,930 lbs) |
26,580 kg (58,600 lbs) |
Cubic Capacity | 33.2 cu.m (1,172 cu.ft) |
67.8 cu.m (2,394 cu.ft) |
76.2 cu.m (2,694 cu.ft) |
Reefer Container (Refrigerated)

Reefer containers are essentially large refrigerators designed to transport temperature-sensitive cargo. They maintain a consistent temperature, crucial for perishable goods.
Key Features & Uses:
- Temperature-controlled transport (chilled or frozen).
- Ideal for fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.
- Equipped with precise temperature control units.
Specification | 20ft | 40ft |
---|---|---|
External Dimensions (L x W x H) | 20' L x 8' W x 8'6" H (6.10m L x 2.44m W x 2.59m H) |
40' L x 8' W x 8'6" H (12.19m L x 2.44m W x 2.59m H) |
Internal Dimensions (L x W x H) | 17'10" L x 7'6" W x 7'5" H (5.45m L x 2.29m W x 2.27m H) |
37'10" L x 7'6" W x 7'5" H (11.58m L x 2.29m W x 2.27m H) |
Door Opening (W x H) | 7'6" W x 7'3" H (2.29m W x 2.21m H) |
7'6" W x 7'3" H (2.29m W x 2.21m H) |
Tare Weight | 3,080 kg (6,790 lbs) |
4,800 kg (10,580 lbs) |
Max Payload | 27,400 kg (60,420 lbs) |
25,680 kg (56,610 lbs) |
Cubic Capacity | 28.3 cu.m (1,000 cu.ft) |
59.3 cu.m (2,094 cu.ft) |
Flat Rack Container

Flat rack containers have collapsible sides, allowing them to be used for oversized cargo that cannot fit into standard containers. They are suitable for heavy and bulky items.
Key Features & Uses:
- Open sides and top for easy loading of oversized cargo.
- Ideal for heavy machinery, vehicles, and large pipes.
- Can have fixed or collapsible end walls.
Specification | 20ft | 40ft |
---|---|---|
External Dimensions (L x W x H) | 20' L x 8' W x 8'6" H (6.10m L x 2.44m W x 2.59m H) |
40' L x 8' W x 8'6" H (12.19m L x 2.44m W x 2.59m H) |
Internal Dimensions (Bed L x W x H) | 19'8" L x 7'9" W x 7'4" H (5.99m L x 2.37m W x 2.23m H) |
39'8" L x 7'9" W x 7'4" H (12.12m L x 2.37m W x 2.23m H) |
Tare Weight | 2,360 kg (5,200 lbs) |
5,000 kg (11,020 lbs) |
Max Payload | 27,920 kg (61,550 lbs) |
39,000 kg (85,980 lbs) |
Door Opening (W x H) | N/A (Open Sides/Ends) | |
Cubic Capacity | N/A (Variable based on cargo shape) |
Open Top Container

Similar to dry containers, but with a removable soft top or hard top, allowing for loading from the top using cranes. They are ideal for tall cargo.
Key Features & Uses:
- Top-loading capability for tall or bulky items.
- Often used for machinery, timber, and scrap metal.
- Covered by a tarpaulin or removable hard top.
Specification | 20ft | 40ft |
---|---|---|
External Dimensions (L x W x H) | 20' L x 8' W x 8'6" H (6.10m L x 2.44m W x 2.59m H) |
40' L x 8' W x 8'6" H (12.19m L x 2.44m W x 2.59m H) |
Internal Dimensions (L x W x H) | 19'8" L x 7'8" W x 7'8" H (6.00m L x 2.35m W x 2.34m H) |
39'5" L x 7'8" W x 7'8" H (12.01m L x 2.35m W x 2.34m H) |
Door Opening (W x H) | 7'8" W x 7'6" H (End Door) (2.34m W x 2.28m H) |
7'8" W x 7'6" H (End Door) (2.34m W x 2.28m H) |
Tare Weight | 2,350 kg (5,180 lbs) |
3,800 kg (8,380 lbs) |
Max Payload | 28,130 kg (62,010 lbs) |
26,680 kg (58,820 lbs) |
Cubic Capacity | 32.7 cu.m (1,155 cu.ft) |
66.8 cu.m (2,359 cu.ft) |
Double Door Container

These containers have doors at both ends, making loading and unloading much more flexible, especially for long items or for optimizing cargo distribution.
Key Features & Uses:
- Access from both ends for efficient loading/unloading.
- Suitable for long items or cross-docking operations.
- Provides flexibility in cargo organization.
External Dimensions (L x W x H) | 20' L x 8' W x 8'6" H (6.10m L x 2.44m W x 2.59m H) |
Internal Dimensions (L x W x H) | 19'10" L x 7'8" W x 7'10" H (6.05m L x 2.35m W x 2.39m H) |
Door Opening (W x H) | 7'8" W x 7'6" H (Both Ends) (2.34m W x 2.28m H) |
Tare Weight | 2,300 kg (5,070 lbs) |
Max Payload | 28,180 kg (62,130 lbs) |
Cubic Capacity | 33.2 cu.m (1,172 cu.ft) |
Side Open Container

These containers feature full side access, making them ideal for bulky cargo that needs to be loaded from the side, such as pallets or machinery.
Key Features & Uses:
- Full side access for easy and efficient loading/unloading.
- Perfect for palletized goods or items requiring specific placement.
- Available in standard sizes.
External Dimensions (L x W x H) | 20' L x 8' W x 8'6" H (6.10m L x 2.44m W x 2.59m H) |
Internal Dimensions (L x W x H) | 19'10" L x 7'8" W x 7'10" H (6.05m L x 2.35m W x 2.39m H) |
Side Opening (W x H) | 19'4" W x 7'6" H (5.89m W x 2.28m H) |
Tare Weight | 2,800 kg (6,170 lbs) |
Max Payload | 27,680 kg (61,020 lbs) |
Cubic Capacity | 33.2 cu.m (1,172 cu.ft) |
Tank Container (Tanktainer)

Tank containers, or tanktainers, are specialized for the safe and efficient transport of liquids, gases, and powders. They are designed to withstand high pressures and maintain specific conditions.
Key Features & Uses:
- Safe transport of hazardous and non-hazardous liquids, gases, and powders.
- Designed for various pressures and temperatures.
- Stainless steel tank within a steel frame.
External Dimensions (L x W x H) | 20' L x 8' W x 8'6" H (6.10m L x 2.44m W x 2.59m H) |
Tare Weight | 3,700 kg (8,160 lbs) |
Max Payload | 32,800 kg (72,320 lbs) |
Capacity | 21,000 - 26,000 liters (5,547 - 6,868 gallons) |
Half-Height Container

These containers are half the height of standard containers, making them ideal for dense, heavy cargo like minerals or coal, where the weight capacity of a full-height container would be exceeded before it's full.
Key Features & Uses:
- Designed for heavy, dense cargo such as minerals or aggregates.
- Lower center of gravity for improved stability.
- Often have open tops for easy loading.
External Dimensions (L x W x H) | 20' L x 8' W x 4'3" H (6.10m L x 2.44m W x 1.30m H) |
Internal Dimensions (L x W x H) | 19'8" L x 7'8" W x 3'10" H (6.00m L x 2.35m W x 1.18m H) |
Tare Weight | 2,800 kg (6,170 lbs) |
Max Payload | 27,680 kg (61,020 lbs) |
Cubic Capacity | 16.5 cu.m (582 cu.ft) |
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