Shipping Containers in Export-Import – A Complete Guide

Have you thought about how your favourite products make their way from factories overseas to your doorstep? The answer is simple: shipping containers. These steel giants are the backbone of global trade. The global container volumes reached 15.4 million TEUs in January 2025, a clear sign of their growing importance in today’s interconnected world. 

In this guide, we’ll  explore the essentials of shipping containers, the challenges businesses face, and how innovative solutions are making international shipping smarter and more efficient.

What is a Shipping Container? 

A shipping container is a standardized steel box, typically measuring 20 or 40 feet, used for moving goods across international shipping routes via ocean vessels, trucks, and trains. Built to ISO specifications, these containers allow businesses to securely and efficiently ship a wide range of cargo, like textiles, electronics, auto parts, industrial machinery, and perishables.

Their uniform design enables easy stacking on ships, quick transfers between transport modes, and reduced manual handling, which minimizes damage and speeds up delivery.

Whether you're exporting manufactured goods from India to Europe or importing raw materials from China, these containers provide a cost-effective, scalable, and secure logistics solution that powers over 90% of global trade.

Why Are Shipping Containers Important? 

By streamlining cargo handling, reducing damage risks, and enabling seamless intermodal transfers, shipping containers have transformed global logistics into a faster, safer, and more cost-effective operation. Here’s why shipping containers are essential to modern logistics and global trade:

• Efficient Shipping: Because containers are easy to stack and move, they speed up loading and unloading at ports, saving time and money for businesses.

• Enhanced Cargo Protection: Containers provide a secure, weatherproof environment that protects goods from theft, damage, and the elements during transit. This reduces insurance costs and product losses.

• Seamless Intermodal Transport: Because containers are built to international standards, they can be transferred effortlessly between ships, trucks, and trains without unloading the cargo. This flexibility enables global door-to-door shipping.

• Scalability and Versatility: A wide range of container types (such as refrigerated, open top, and tank containers) allows businesses to ship everything from perishable foods to heavy machinery, adapting to nearly any cargo requirement.

With an understanding of what shipping containers are and why they matter, let’s explore the different types available to suit a wide range of shipping needs.

Types of Shipping Containers

There are several types of shipping containers in import-export, each designed to accommodate specific cargo requirements and shipping conditions. Here’s a detailed overview of the most commonly used container types in global trade:

1. Dry Storage Containers (General Purpose Containers)

Dry storage containers, also called general purpose (GP) containers, are the most commonly used shipping containers in international trade. They are built from corten steel and designed to transport dry, non-perishable goods safely. 

These containers come primarily in 20-foot and 40-foot standard lengths, with a high cube variant available that adds about 1 foot of extra internal height for bulky cargo.

Use Cases:
These containers are suitable for a wide range of freight that does not require refrigeration or special climate control. Common cargo includes:

• Consumer electronics (TVs, computers, appliances)

• Garments and textiles (fabric rolls, packaged clothing)

• Furniture and home goods

• Automobile parts and tools

• Packaged foods and beverages (non-perishable)

• Books, paper, and general retail merchandise

Features:

• Fully Enclosed: Solid roof, side walls, and floor protect against theft and weather damage.

• Weatherproof: Built to withstand harsh marine conditions—rain, wind, saltwater, and UV exposure.

• Standard Dimensions:

• 20-foot container: ~33.2 cubic meters capacity

• 40-foot container: ~67.7 cubic meters capacity

• High Cube Option: Offers 2.70 m internal height (vs. 2.39 m in standard containers), perfect for stacking lightweight, voluminous goods.

• No Ventilation or Insulation: Not suitable for perishables or temperature-sensitive cargo.

• Stackable & Intermodal: Designed for seamless handling across ships, trucks, and trains using cranes and container handling equipment.

Dry storage containers are the workhorse of global shipping. Their universal design ensures compatibility across ports, ships, and logistics systems worldwide.

2. Refrigerated Containers (Reefers)

Refrigerated containers, commonly known as reefers, are temperature-controlled containers designed to transport perishable goods across long distances. Equipped with built-in refrigeration units, these containers maintain a constant temperature range (typically between -30°C to +30°C), regardless of external weather conditions. 

Reefers are available in standard 20-foot and 40-foot sizes, with high cube variants for increased volume.

Use Cases:
Reefers are essential for industries where product integrity depends on strict temperature control. They are used to ship:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables

• Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)

• Frozen foods (ice cream, meat, seafood)

• Pharmaceuticals and vaccines

• Floral products

• Temperature-sensitive chemicals

Features:

• Active Cooling System: Powered via generator sets on ships, trucks, or port terminals, maintaining exact internal temperatures throughout transit.

• Insulated Interior: Thick walls with polyurethane foam insulation to retain temperature and prevent external heat exchange.

• Airflow Control: Ventilation and humidity systems ensure even air circulation, critical for maintaining product quality, especially for food and medicine.

• Built-in Data Logging: Many modern reefers include IoT sensors and data loggers that track temperature, humidity, and door status for real-time monitoring.

• Power Dependency: Reefers require a constant power source, whether from the vessel, truck, or reefer yard.

• Standard Dimensions:

• 20-foot reefer: ~28–30 cubic meters usable space

• 40-foot high cube reefer: ~67–76 cubic meters usable space

Reefer containers play a critical role in the cold chain, enabling global trade of temperature-sensitive goods without compromising safety or quality. From farm to fork, or lab to hospital, reefers ensure compliance with international food safety and pharmaceutical regulations—making them indispensable for cold logistics.

3. Open Top Containers

Open top containers are engineered for cargo that cannot be easily loaded through standard container doors due to excess height or irregular shape. Instead of a fixed steel roof, these containers feature a removable tarpaulin cover supported by roof bows. This design allows cargo to be loaded and unloaded from above using cranes or other heavy equipment. The door header (the top rail above the doors) can often be swung out or removed to further facilitate the loading of tall or bulky items.

Use Cases:
Open top containers are widely used in industries where cargo dimensions or handling requirements exceed the limitations of standard containers. Typical applications include:

• Heavy machinery and industrial equipment

• Construction materials such as steel beams, pipes, and sheet glass

• Timber, logs, and large metal parts

• Bulky agricultural or mining equipment

• Any cargo that is too tall or awkwardly shaped for standard container doors

Features:

• Removable Tarpaulin Roof: The tarpaulin provides weather protection while allowing full top access for loading and unloading.

• Steel Construction: Built from durable corten steel to withstand the demands of international shipping.

• Swinging/Removable Door Header: Facilitates easier loading of cargo that extends above the door height.

• Stackable: Can be stacked like standard containers if the cargo remains within standard height (“in gauge”).

• Securing Points: Lashing rings and securing points inside the container help stabilize and secure cargo during transit.

• Multiple Sizes: Available in both 20-foot and 40-foot lengths, with some shipping lines offering high cube (extra height) variants for even taller cargo.

Standard Dimensions:

• 20-foot open top container: Internal length approximately 5.9 meters, width 2.34 meters, height 2.35 meters; maximum payload around 28,000 kg.

• 40-foot open top container: Internal length approximately 12.03 meters, width 2.34 meters, height 2.35 meters; maximum payload around 26,000–28,000 kg.

4. Flat Rack Containers

Flat rack containers are specialized shipping units featuring a reinforced steel floor and two robust end walls, but no side walls or roof. This open design allows cargo to extend beyond the container’s width or height, accommodating items that cannot fit inside standard containers.

Use Cases:
Flat racks are indispensable for transporting oversized, heavy, or awkwardly shaped cargo, such as:

• Industrial machinery (e.g., turbines, generators)

• Construction equipment (e.g., excavators, cranes)

• Vehicles, boats, and trucks

• Steel pipes, beams, and large timber logs

• Prefabricated structures and large reels

Features:

• Open Sides and Top: Enable vertical and side loading using cranes or forklifts, making them suitable for cargo that cannot be loaded through standard doors.

• High Load Capacity: Designed to handle extremely heavy cargo—20-foot flat racks typically support up to 30,000 kg, while 40-foot variants can carry up to 45,000 kg, depending on the manufacturer.

• End Walls: Fixed or collapsible end walls secure cargo longitudinally and allow stacking when empty.

• Lashing Rings: Integrated into the floor and end walls for securing cargo with straps or chains during transit.

• Stackable and Intermodal: Compatible with standard container handling equipment for seamless transfer across ships, trucks, and trains.

Standard Dimensions:

• 20-foot flat rack: Internal length ~5.94 m, width ~2.35 m, height ~2.35 m

• 40-foot flat rack: Internal length ~12.13 m, width ~2.35 m, height ~2.14 m

5. Tank Containers

Tank containers, or ISO tanks, are cylindrical stainless steel tanks secured within a rectangular steel frame that conforms to standard container dimensions. They are engineered for the safe and efficient transport of bulk liquids, both hazardous and non-hazardous.

Use Cases:
Tank containers are essential for industries requiring bulk liquid transport, including:

• Chemicals and petrochemicals (acids, solvents, fuels)

• Food-grade liquids (wine, edible oils, juices, milk)

• Industrial oils and lubricants

• Gases (liquefied under pressure)

• Pharmaceuticals and distilled products

Features:

• Stainless Steel Construction: Provides corrosion resistance and meets stringent hygiene standards for food and chemical safety.

• Protective Frame: The external frame enables stacking and intermodal transport, protecting the tank from damage.

• Safety Compliance: Built to international standards (such as IMDG, ADR, CSC) for hazardous materials.

• Pressure and Temperature Control: Some tanks are insulated and equipped with steam or electric heating for temperature-sensitive liquids.

• Efficient Loading and Discharge: Fitted with top and bottom discharge valves for safe, efficient filling and emptying.

Standard Dimensions:

• 20-foot tank container: Capacity ranges from 17,500 to 26,000 liters; external length ~6.06 m, width ~2.44 m, height ~2.59 m

6. Insulated and Thermal Containers

Insulated and thermal containers are designed with thick, high-performance insulation panels in the walls, roof, and floor. Unlike reefers, they do not have active cooling but maintain internal temperatures for a limited period by minimizing heat exchange.

Use Cases:
These containers are used for goods sensitive to temperature fluctuations but not requiring precise refrigeration, such as:

• Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies

• Processed foods, dairy, and confectionery

• Chemicals and adhesives

• Wines and beverages

Features:

• Passive Temperature Control: Maintains a stable internal climate, protecting cargo from extreme external temperatures during transit.

• No Power Requirement: Operates independently of external power sources, making them suitable for routes without reliable electricity.

• Durable Construction: Insulation materials (often polyurethane foam) are sandwiched between steel panels for strength and thermal efficiency.

• Standard Handling: Compatible with all standard container handling and stacking systems.

Standard Dimensions:

• 20-foot insulated container: Internal length ~5.44 m, width ~2.29 m, height ~2.27 m

• 40-foot insulated container: Internal length ~11.56 m, width ~2.29 m, height ~2.27 m

7. Open Side (Side Door) Containers

Open side containers, also called side-access containers, are modified general-purpose containers featuring full-length doors along one or both sides in addition to standard end doors. This design provides unobstructed access to the entire container length.

Use Cases:
These containers are ideal for cargo that is too wide or awkward to load through standard end doors, including:

• Palletized goods requiring side loading

• Long pipes, timber, or machinery

• Event equipment and exhibition displays

• Construction materials and modular units

Features:

• Full Side Access: Enables rapid loading and unloading, especially for wide or irregularly shaped items.

• Flexible Entry: Side doors can open partially or fully, providing versatility for different cargo types.

• Available Sizes: Offered in both 20-foot and 40-foot lengths, with high cube options for greater internal height.

• Secure Locking: Multiple locking points along the side ensure cargo security during transit.

Standard Dimensions:

• 20-foot open side container: Internal length ~5.90 m, width ~2.35 m, height ~2.39 m

• 40-foot open side container: Internal length ~12.03 m, width ~2.35 m, height ~2.39 m

8. Ventilated Containers

Ventilated containers are similar to standard dry containers but feature additional ventilation openings along the top rails and bottom side panels. These vents allow continuous airflow, crucial for certain agricultural commodities.

Use Cases:
Ventilated containers are primarily used for cargo that emits moisture or heat and requires air circulation to prevent spoilage, such as:

• Coffee beans and cocoa

• Grains, pulses, and seeds

• Fresh produce (onions, garlic)

• Timber and wood chips

Features:

• Natural Airflow: Vents enable cross-ventilation, reducing condensation and mold risk.

• Weather Protection: Cargo is shielded from rain and direct sunlight while benefiting from airflow.

• Standard Construction: Built from corten steel, ensuring durability and compatibility with standard handling equipment.

• Stackable: Can be stacked and transported like any standard container.

Standard Dimensions:

• 20-foot ventilated container: Internal length ~5.90 m, width ~2.35 m, height ~2.39 m

• 40-foot ventilated container: Internal length ~12.03 m, width ~2.35 m, height ~2.39 m

9. Half-Height Containers

Half-height containers are robust steel containers with half the height of standard units. Their low profile is designed for transporting dense, heavy cargo that does not require the full volume of a standard container.

Use Cases:
These containers are widely used in mining, construction, and heavy industry for:

• Ores, minerals, and coal

• Heavy stones, aggregates, and scrap metal

• Bulk construction materials (sand, gravel)

• Waste and demolition debris

Features:

• Low Center of Gravity: Reduces tipping risk during loading, unloading, and transport of heavy cargo.

• Easy Access: Lower height simplifies loading by crane or excavator and allows for easier manual handling.

• Reinforced Structure: Built to withstand the impact and weight of dense materials.

• Stackable: Designed for efficient stacking and transport with standard container equipment.

Standard Dimensions:

• 20-foot half-height container: Internal length ~5.94 m, width ~2.35 m, height ~1.30 m; capacity ~15–17 cubic meters

• 40-foot half-height container: Internal length ~12.05 m, width ~2.35 m, height ~1.30 m; capacity ~32–34 cubic meters

By understanding the specific features and intended uses of each container type, you can select the most suitable option for your export import operations. 

 Let’s now understand how they move through the complex export-import journey.

The Shipping Container Process: Step by Step

The journey of a shipping container from origin to destination involves a series of coordinated steps, each crucial for ensuring goods move smoothly across international borders. Here’s a clear, step-by-step overview of how the process typically works:

1. Container Booking

The process begins when the exporter books a shipping container with a shipping company or freight forwarder. The right container type and size are selected based on the cargo’s nature and volume.

2. Documentation and Preparation

Key documents such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and Bill of Lading are prepared. Insurance is arranged to cover goods in transit. Financial arrangements may involve banks (for Letters of Credit) and insurers.

3. Container Stuffing and Sealing

Cargo is packed (stuffed) into the container at the shipper’s premises or a designated stuffing point. Once loaded, the container is sealed with a high-security seal to prevent tampering. 

4. Customs Clearance at Origin

A Customs House Agent (CHA) files the shipping bill and assists with customs compliance. Duties, taxes, and export regulations are verified before the container is cleared for shipment. 

5. Transport to Port and Loading

The sealed container is moved by truck or rail to the departure port. After inspection by port authorities, it is loaded onto a vessel for international transit. 

6. Ocean Transit

The container travels by sea to the destination port. During this phase, platforms like InstaTrac by Frayto provide real-time visibility, alerts, and documentation updates to all parties involved. 

7. Customs Clearance at Destination

On arrival, the importer or their agent submits required import documents (e.g., import declaration, invoice, packing list) for clearance. Duties and taxes are paid before the container is released.

8. Delivery to Consignee

After customs clearance, the shipping container is transported from the port to the importer’s warehouse or final destination. After unloading, it is either returned to the shipping line or repositioned for future use (container triangulation).

Even with a well-defined process, businesses often encounter obstacles that can disrupt the smooth flow of goods. 

Key Challenges in Containerized Trade

While the shipping container has revolutionized global trade, businesses still face several challenges throughout the shipping process. Understanding these hurdles can help you proactively manage risks and improve your logistics operations.

1. Rising Costs and Volatility:Geopolitical disruptions like the Red Sea crisis have forced vessels to reroute around Africa, increasing transit times by 30% and reducing global container capacity by 9%. As a result, Asia-Europe shipping rates have surged

2. Documentation and Regulatory Compliance: Accurate and timely documentation is essential for smooth shipping container movement. Errors or omissions in paperwork can result in customs delays, fines, or even shipment holds, affecting delivery schedules and customer satisfaction.

3. Lack of Real-Time Visibility: Many businesses still struggle to track their shipping containers once they leave the port of origin. Without real-time updates and proactive alerts, it’s difficult to anticipate disruptions, manage inventory, or provide reliable delivery estimates to customers.

4. Demurrage and Detention Charges: Delays in picking up or returning containers can lead to significant demurrage (late pickup) and detention (late return) fees. These costs have risen as terminal operators and shipping lines tighten free time windows to boost efficiency and profitability.

5. Digitalization and Cybersecurity Risks: The push for digital transformation—such as IoT-enabled tracking and automated documentation—has improved efficiency but also introduced new risks. Cyberattacks targeting shipping companies and logistics platforms are becoming more frequent, requiring ongoing investment in technological security.

6. Environmental and Sustainability Pressures: Stricter regulations and growing demand for eco-friendly logistics are pushing companies to invest in greener containers and cleaner fuels. These sustainability initiatives, while vital, add to operational complexity and costs.

Fortunately, there are effective strategies that can help companies overcome these common challenges and improve their container management.

Best Practices for Efficient Container Management

Managing shipping containers efficiently is critical for reducing costs, avoiding delays, and ensuring smooth international trade. Here are some proven best practices to optimize your container logistics:

• Choose the Right Container Type and Size: Selecting the appropriate container—whether standard dry, reefer, or open top—based on your cargo type and volume helps maximize space utilization and protects your goods during transit.

• Ensure Accurate Documentation: Complete and error-free paperwork, including the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, and packing list, is essential to avoid customs delays and fines.

•  Plan for Customs Compliance Early: Engage with customs brokers and understand import/export regulations ahead of time to streamline clearance processes and prevent unexpected holdups.

• Use Real-Time Tracking Tools: Using technology platforms that provide real-time visibility of your shipping containers. This helps anticipate delays, manage inventory, and communicate proactively with stakeholders.

• Monitor Demurrage and Detention Timelines: Keep track of free time windows for container pickup and return to avoid costly demurrage and detention fees. Early alerts can help you act promptly.

• Optimize Container Loading and Packaging: Proper packing and loading techniques reduce the risk of damage and maximize container space, lowering shipping costs.

• Collaborate with Reliable Partners: Work with trusted freight forwarders, carriers, and customs agents who have a strong track record and understand your specific shipping needs.

These best practices help businesses streamline their shipping container operations, reduce risks, and improve overall supply chain efficiency. 

As these best practices evolve. Technology has become the backbone of efficient shipping container management, helping businesses overcome traditional challenges and streamline their global logistics. One standout solution leading this transformation is InstaTrac by Frayto.

How You Can Streamline Your Container Operations with Frayto?

Managing different types of containers across multiple carriers can get complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. With InstaTrac by Frayto, you get one powerful platform to manage every aspect of your shipping container logistics:

• HBL-Based Real-Time Tracking: Stay updated on every container's location and status, no matter the carrier.

• Automated Reports & Alerts: Get daily summaries and instant notifications about delays, ETAs, and key milestones.

• Centralized Document Management: Store and share all shipping and compliance documents in one place to avoid customs delays.

• Built-In Collaboration Tools: Keep your internal teams and external partners aligned without endless email threads.

• Emissions Monitoring: Track the carbon footprint of your shipments and support your sustainability goals.

Whether you're handling dry containers, reefers, or open tops, InstaTrac helps you simplify operations, reduce costs, and stay in control, every step of the way.

Conclusion

Shipping containers are the backbone of global trade, enabling goods to move securely, efficiently, and at scale across continents. But in today’s fast-moving logistics environment, understanding container types and their uses is just the starting point.

To truly stay competitive, businesses need more than just knowledge—they need visibility, speed, and control. That’s where InstaTrac by Frayto makes the difference.

More than a tracking tool, InstaTrac is your control center for export-import shipments. From real-time HBL-based tracking and predictive alerts to centralized document handling and emissions monitoring, it’s built to simplify your container operations from booking to delivery.

Schedule your personalized demo today and see how InstaTrac can transform the way you manage your global shipments; saving time, cutting costs, and giving you total visibility.