Z H E T Y G E N

Types of Containers: Classification, Volumes and Features

10.09.2025 admin Comments Off

Classification of Freight Containers

A transport container is a durable metal unit designed for transporting cargo by air, sea, road, or rail. The main types of transport containers are ISO containers and special containers.

An ISO container is a transport container manufactured in accordance with international standards established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These standards define the dimensions, construction, load capacity, fastening methods, and marking of containers, ensuring compatibility with different modes of transport worldwide. Today, the most common are high-capacity 40-foot containers and standard 20-foot containers for rail transport.

грузовые контейнеры

A special container is a transport container that differs from a standard ISO container in its design, purpose, or operating conditions. It is created for transporting special, non-standard, or hazardous cargo.

Distinctive features of special containers:
— non-standard shape or design;
— special transport conditions (for example, temperature control, vibration protection);
— intended for specific types of cargo;
— often does not comply with ISO standards (although ISO-compliant special containers also exist).

The main standards for transport containers are ISO 668 and ISO 6346.

ISO 668 regulates the design and dimensions of containers. It defines external dimensions, classification by type, maximum mass and payload capacity, and compatibility with transport and handling equipment.

ISO 6346 regulates container marking. It establishes the container identification system, unique container code, owner, type, and size codes, mandatory markings for payload capacity, the check digit, and the placement of markings on the container body.

Example: a railway container with the code MSCU 123456 7.

  • The first three letters (MSC) indicate the owner (Mediterranean Shipping Company).

  • The letter U indicates the type of container.

  • 123456 is the unique serial number.

  • The last digit (7) is a check digit calculated using a special algorithm.

контейнеры 20 и 40 футов
ЖД контейнеры

20- and 40-foot Containers: Key Parameters and Volumes

Classification of Freight Containers:

Types of Containers by Letter Code:
Letter Description
GStandard closed
RRefrigerated, with cooling or heating system
UOpen-top
PWithout side walls or without roof (for oversized cargo)
HReduced height, often for heavy bulk cargo
TTank for liquids, gases or chemicals
BFor bulk cargo, loading from the top and unloading through hatches
SWith additional ventilation, for humidity-sensitive cargo
KWith opening side wall for convenient loading
FCollapsible flat platform
DFor dry cargo
EFor special purposes (e.g., laboratories)

ISO container sizes and dimensions (20- and 40-foot)

Container Specifications
Common Name Length Height (m) Width Maximum Gross Weight (tons) Internal Volume Capacity
1A (wide) 40 ft (12.192 m) 2.896 2.5 30.48–35 ≈ 76–78 cu. m
1AA (standard) 2.591 2.438 28.8–30.48 ≈ 67.7 cu. m
1AAA (high) 2.896 2.438 30.48–32.5 ≈ 76.3 cu. m
1C (high) 20 ft (6.096 m) 2.896 2.438 30.48 ≈ 37.3 cu. m
1CC (standard) 2.591 2.438 24–30.48 ≈ 33.1 cu. m

Special containers and their purpose

Tank container and its characteristics

This is a durable metal tank-container, usually mounted on the standard frame of a 20-foot ISO container and designed for multimodal transportation. It is used to transport liquid chemicals, liquefied gases, fuel and petroleum products, as well as other liquids (including hazardous and food-grade). The capacity of a tank container ranges from 14,000 to 26,000 liters.

Open-top container

It is a modification of a standard container with the solid roof removed. Instead of a roof, a removable tarpaulin (canvas) and transverse beams are used. Thanks to this design, cargo can be loaded vertically (from above) with a crane. It is used for transporting cargo that is loaded/unloaded by crane, has excessive height, and/or a non-standard shape.

Bulk container (for bulk cargo)

This is a durable metal tank-container, usually mounted on the standard frame of a 20-foot ISO container and designed for multimodal transportation. It is used to transport liquid chemicals, liquefied gases, fuel and petroleum products, as well as other liquids (including hazardous and food-grade). The capacity of a tank container ranges from 14,000 to 26,000 liters.

Refrigerated container

This is an isothermal container equipped with built-in cooling, heating, and ventilation systems, intended for transporting perishable and temperature-sensitive cargo. Thanks to its equipment, it can maintain a temperature range from -30°C to +30°C (in some models – down to -60°C and above +30°C).

Infrastructure and sites for containers

The “Zhetygen” Transport and Logistics Center is a container terminal designed for handling and storing your cargo.

TLC “Zhetygen” offers a full range of services – from cargo acceptance and storage to processing and international delivery:

  • Loading and unloading by rail and road (mechanized and manual)

  • Terminal handling and storage of refrigerated containers with electrical connection

  • Terminal handling and storage of empty and loaded containers

  • Handling and storage of general cargo in covered areas

  • Temporary storage warehouse with escort services during customs inspections

  • Services of an industrial railway enterprise

  • Vehicle reception operations

Why do clients choose TLC “Zhetygen”?

  • Support for all types of containers: refrigerated, bulk, and others

  • Guaranteed safety and security of cargo

  • Own shunting locomotive allows for prompt wagon rearrangement, reducing handling time

  • Modern Terminal Operating System (TOS) enables real-time container location tracking

Modern industries, construction, and other fields of activity dictate the need for using various types of containers to ensure the safe transportation of all kinds of cargo. However, safe transport is not only about having a quality container, but also about efficient infrastructure and a full range of services: loading and unloading, terminal handling, escort, cargo clearance, and more.

Cooperation with TLC “Zhetygen” means comprehensive terminal and logistics solutions for your business with guaranteed safety, transparency, and adherence to deadlines.