Guide to Shipping Container Sizes & Types

Shipping containers are the global go-to for the storage and transportation of goods. The adoption of containerization in the mid-20th century drastically increased the speed of international trade and reduced the cost. Now, shipping containers are an industry all their own, with a variety of standard shipping container sizes and uses, as well as more uncommon configurations. 

Watch this video to see the most common shipping container sizes and use cases.

Over the past two decades, the durable, weathertight, and modular nature of shipping containers has made them a practical building block for permanent and semi-permanent structures. What began as an experimental reuse trend has evolved into a mature manufacturing category: container-based modular construction.

Many people first encounter modified shipping containers as mobile offices on construction or industrial sites. In practice, their applications extend much further. Standard container types and sizes are now commonly adapted into bathrooms, equipment enclosures, workspaces, breakrooms, workforce living spaces, and multi-container facilities designed to scale across multiple locations.

Before planning a container-based project, it’s important to understand the standardized container types and dimensions that make these applications possible. This guide breaks down common shipping container terms, sizes, and configurations to help you evaluate what’s feasible and choose the right starting point.

Common Shipping Container Terms

Like many industries, the container industry has developed its own lingo over the years. Rather than Google the unfamiliar terms, review the interchangeable names for “shipping container” below:

• Shipping container - the most used term
• Ocean container, sea container, or seacan - refers to a container used on overseas shipping vessels
• Intermodal container - refers to a container that is used across different modes of transportation (cargo ships, trains, semi-trucks, etc)
• Conex or conex box - often stands for “container express,” originally developed during the Korean War to transport and store supplies
• ISO container - a container that is manufactured in compliance with Internal Organization for Standardization specifications

What are shipping container dimensions? 

High Cube Shipping Container

High cube shipping containers have the same dimensions as the standard containers listed above, but the height is increased by a foot to 9’ 6”. These are often used to increase shipping storage space and improve air circulation. The extra height makes high cube containers ideal living spaces and frequently used workspaces. 

Marketplace availability of these container sizes varies. For instance, at the time of this article’s publication, 40-foot high cube containers are more readily available to purchase for Falcon’s inventory than the standard 40-foot containers. 

Common Uses Based on Type of Shipping Container

Consider the different types of shipping containers before starting a modified container project. The list below describes the most common ones that Falcon uses, as well as less common container classifications.

• Cargo containers - These containers are certified to transport cargo on a ship. Once cargo containers receive modifications, they can no longer carry cargo. They must be recertified to travel by ship. 
• One-trip containers - As the name implies, one-trip containers have only traveled overseas to the U.S. once. We use one-trip containers for most applications, especially work and living spaces. 
• Used containers - These containers have traveled back and forth overseas several times, often acquiring a decent amount of wear and tear. Used containers are typically most suitable for storage applications. We often use these for structures that don’t need to be aesthetically pleasing, like first responder training facilities. 
• Dry container vs. refrigerated/reefer containers - Most modified containers originate as dry containers that are relatively watertight. However, some include built-in climate control systems to regulate temperatures for temperature-sensitive cargo. 
• Special containers - Falcon’s expertise lies in modifying the standard shipping container types and sizes listed above. Special shipping containers like open-top containers, double door containers, side door containers, and hard top containers are not commonly used for modification. 

How to Choose the Right Shipping Container Type and Size

Choosing the right container size and type is often the first decision in a successful modified container project. Explore Falcon’s modifiable floor plans and resource library to see how standard containers are adapted for real-world uses, and when you’re ready, our team can help you narrow down the right starting point.