The types of shipping containers are more varied than one might think. Each model meets specific needs. Choosing the wrong type can be costly in terms of lost space, unsuitable transport, or damaged goods. In this comprehensive guide, Eurocontex presents the 8 types of shipping containers available in 10, 20, and 40 feet in Europe in 2026. This will help you know exactly which one suits your project.
👉 Check our catalog and request a free quote
1. The Standard Container (Dry Van): The Universal Benchmark
The standard container is the most widely used type of shipping container in the world. It represents over 90% of the global fleet. It is the versatile solution par excellence for the transport and storage of dry goods.
Available Dimensions at Eurocontex
| Specification | 10 feet | 20 feet | 40 feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| External length | 3.05 m | 6.06 m | 12.19 m |
| External width | 2.44 m | 2.44 m | 2.44 m |
| External height | 2.59 m | 2.59 m | 2.59 m |
| Usable volume | ~14 m³ | ~33 m³ | ~67 m³ |
Who is it for?
The standard container is perfectly suited for companies transporting dry goods in Europe. It is also ideal for professional storage on construction sites or industrial facilities. Moreover, it is the most economical model in the range. It is therefore the natural starting point for any storage or transport project.
2. The High Cube Container: More Volume, More Freedom
The high cube container is identical to the standard in all respects, except for one essential: its height. It offers an additional 30 cm inside. This difference changes everything for certain projects.
Standard vs High Cube Comparison
| Characteristic | Standard | High Cube |
|---|---|---|
| External height | 2.59 m | 2.89 m |
| Internal height | 2.39 m | 2.69 m |
| Usable volume (10 feet) | ~14 m³ | ~16 m³ |
| Usable volume (20 feet) | ~33 m³ | ~37 m³ |
| Usable volume (40 feet) | ~67 m³ | ~76 m³ |
| Indicative price | Base | +10 to 15% |
Who is it for?
The high cube container is recommended for three types of projects. First, bulky goods requiring height. Second, office or residential conversion projects. Third, warehouses requiring optimized high-rise storage. Therefore, if your project involves interior fitting, the high cube is almost always the best choice. All containers comply with international ISO standards.
3. The Refrigerated Container (Reefer): Controlled Cold Chain
The refrigerated container, also known as a reefer, is equipped with an integrated refrigeration system. It maintains a precise temperature between -25°C and +25°C. It is an essential solution for any temperature-sensitive product.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | 10 feet | 20 feet | 40 feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature range | -25°C to +25°C | -25°C to +25°C | -25°C to +25°C |
| Power supply | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Insulation | Polyurethane | Polyurethane | Polyurethane |
| Usable volume | ~12 m³ | ~28 m³ | ~60 m³ |
| Certification | ATP, ISO, CSC | ATP, ISO, CSC | ATP, ISO, CSC |
Who is it for?
The refrigerated container is indispensable in several European sectors. The agri-food industry uses it to store meats, fish, and dairy products. The pharmaceutical industry needs it for thermosensitive medicines. The floral sector also uses it for flower preservation. It is therefore the essential solution for any activity requiring a reliable cold chain. The refrigerated container is certified according to ATP refrigerated transport standards.
4. The Open Side Container: Full Side Access
The open side container features a full side opening in addition to the classic rear doors. Its side access allows for unconstrained loading and unloading from the side. This is a major innovation for bulky cargo.
Main Characteristics
| Specification | 10 feet | 20 feet | 40 feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening | Side + rear | Side + rear | Side + rear |
| Usable volume | ~14 m³ | ~33 m³ | ~67 m³ |
| Structure | Corten Steel | Corten Steel | Corten Steel |
| Handling | Forklift | Forklift | Forklift |
Who is it for?
The open side container is particularly suitable for artisans and traders. Its side access facilitates the loading of long items such as pipes or metal profiles. Moreover, it is ideal for commercial kiosks and event stands. Therefore, if your activity requires quick access to goods, this is the model for you. Discover our catalog of open side containers available in 10, 20, and 40 feet.
5. The Open Top Container: Ideal for Oversized Cargo
The open top container has a removable roof or a tarpaulin. It allows for loading tall goods from the top. It is the ideal solution for industrial equipment and bulky materials.
Main Characteristics
| Specification | 10 feet | 20 feet | 40 feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof | Removable/tarpaulin | Removable/tarpaulin | Removable/tarpaulin |
| Loading | From the top | From the top | From the top |
| Maximum load | ~20,000 kg | ~28,000 kg | ~40,000 kg |
| Main use | Out of gauge | Out of gauge | Out of gauge |
Who is it for?
The open top container is primarily used by heavy industries in Europe. It is perfectly suited for transporting industrial machinery, vehicles, or construction materials. However, its use is more specialized than other types. Nevertheless, for out-of-gauge loads, it is the only truly suitable solution. Discover our open top containers available in 10, 20, and 40 feet.
6. The Double Door container: access from both sides
The double door container has doors at both ends. It offers full access from both ends. This significantly facilitates continuous flow loading and unloading.
Key features
| Specification | 20 feet | 40 feet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening | Front + rear | Front + rear | |
| Usable volume | ~33 m³ | ~67 m³ | |
| Structure | Corten steel | Corten steel | |
| Watertightness | Perfect | Perfect |
Who is it for?
The double door container is ideal for warehouses requiring continuous merchandise flow. You load from one side and unload from the other. As a result, it eliminates unnecessary maneuvers and optimizes working time. It is also an excellent base for walk-through commercial setups. Discover our range of double door containers available in 10, 20, and 40 feet.
7. The Flat Rack container: for oversized loads
The flat rack container is a type of shipping container without side walls or a roof. It consists only of a reinforced floor and two end walls. This is the ideal solution for goods exceeding standard dimensions.
Key features
| Specification | 20 feet | 40 feet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | Floor + end walls | Floor + end walls | |
| Maximum load | ~28,000 kg | ~40,000 kg | |
| Main use | Heavy loads | Heavy loads | |
| Handling | Crane, forklift | Crane, forklift |
Who is it for?
The flat rack container is primarily used by heavy industries and the construction sector in Europe. It is perfectly suited for transporting vehicles, industrial machinery, or metal structures. Furthermore, its exceptional strength allows it to support very heavy loads. However, it requires specialized crane handling. To learn more, consult the recommendations of the International Road Transport Union on the transport of exceptional loads in Europe.
8. The Tank Container: secure liquid transport
The tank container, also known as a tank, is specifically designed for the transport and storage of liquids. Its cylindrical shape is integrated into a standard ISO frame. This makes it the safest solution for food-grade, chemical, or dangerous liquids.
Key features
| Specification | 20 feet | 40 feet |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ~14,000 l | ~26,000 l |
| Materials | Stainless steel/Aluminum | Stainless steel/Aluminum |
| Certifications | IMO, ADR, ISO | IMO, ADR, ISO |
| Main use | Liquids | Liquids |
Who is it for?
The tank container is essential for several European sectors. The chemical industry uses it to transport dangerous goods safely. The food industry uses it for oils, wines, and fruit juices. Furthermore, the oil sector uses it for fuels and lubricants. Consequently, it is the only type truly suitable for liquid transport in Europe. For detailed standards and certifications, consult the International Tank Container Organisation.
Complete comparative table — The 8 types of shipping containers
| Type | Sizes | Access | Main use | Relative price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 10, 20, 40 feet | Rear doors | Storage, transport | €725-€3125 |
| High Cube | 10, 20, 40 feet | Rear doors | Fittings, volume | €825-€3625 |
| Reefer | 10, 20, 40 feet | Rear doors | Cold chain | €1025-€4225 |
| Open Side | 10, 20, 40 feet | Side + rear | Easy access, events | €825-€3325 |
| Open Top | 10, 20, 40 feet | Top + rear | Out of gauge, industry | €825-€3325 |
| Double Door | 20, 40 feet | Front + rear | Continuous flow, trade | €825-€3325 |
| Flat Rack | 20, 40 feet | Side + top | Heavy loads, construction | On quotation |
| Tank | 20, 40 feet | Valve + hatch | Liquids, chemistry, agro | On quotation |
How to choose the right container type?
You store dry goods → Standard container
You need more height → High Cube container
You are transporting food or pharmaceutical products → Refrigerated Container
You frequently load bulky items → Open Side Container
You are transporting oversized machinery → Open Top Container
You need access from both ends → Double Door Container
You are transporting very heavy loads → Flat Rack Container
You are transporting liquids → Tank Container
Choosing among the types of shipping containers is not complicated. You just need to clearly define your use. At Eurocontex, we offer all 8 types in 10, 20, and 40 feet, new or used. We support you in your choice and deliver everywhere in the European Union.
