Shipping container types 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 way, you'll know exactly which one suits your project.
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1. The Standard Container (Dry Van): The Universal Standard
The standard container is the most widely used type of shipping container in the world. It accounts for over 90% of the global fleet. It is the versatile solution par excellence for transporting and storing dry goods.
Sizes Available 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 premises. 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 aspects, 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
| Feature | 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 dwelling conversion projects. Third, warehouses requiring optimized high-level 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): Cold Chain Mastered
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 essential in several European sectors. The 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 indispensable 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 Lateral Access
The open side container features a full side opening in addition to the classic rear doors. Its lateral access allows for unobstructed loading and unloading from the side. It's a major innovation for bulky cargo.
Main Features
| 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 lateral 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. This is the ideal solution for industrial equipment and bulky materials.
Key Features
| Specification | 10 feet | 20 feet | 40 feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof | Removable/tarpaulin | Removable/tarpaulin | Removable/tarpaulin |
| Loading | Top loading | Top loading | Top loading |
| Max load | ~20,000 kg | ~28,000 kg | ~40,000 kg |
| Main use | Oversized cargo | Oversized cargo | Oversized cargo |
Who is it for?
The open top container is primarily used by heavy industries in Europe. It is perfect for transporting industrial machinery, vehicles, or construction materials. However, its use remains more specialized than other types. Nevertheless, for oversized loads, it is the only truly suitable solution. Discover our open top containers available in 10, 20 and 40 feet.
6. Double Door Container: access from both sides
The double door container has doors at both ends. It offers full access from both ends, significantly facilitating 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 goods flow. You load from one side and unload from the other, thus eliminating unnecessary maneuvers and optimizing working time. It is also an excellent base for through-access commercial layouts. Discover our range of double door containers available in 10, 20 and 40 feet.
7. Flat Rack Container: for exceptional 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 | |
| Max 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 construction in Europe. It is perfect for transporting vehicles, industrial machinery, or metal structures. Moreover, 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. Tank Container: secure liquid transport
The tank container is specifically designed for the transport and storage of liquids. Its cylindrical shape is integrated into a standard ISO frame, making it the safest solution for food, 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 petroleum 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.
Full 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 | Conversion, 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 | Oversized, industrial | €825-€3325 |
| Double Door | 20, 40 feet | Front + rear | Continuous flow, commerce | €825-€3325 |
| Flat Rack | 20, 40 feet | Side + top | Heavy loads, construction | On quotation |
| Tank | 20, 40 feet | Valve + hatch | Liquids, chemicals, food industry | On quotation |
How to choose the right type of container?
Do you store dry goods? → Standard Container
Do you need more height? → High Cube Container
Do you transport food or pharmaceutical products? → Refrigerated Container
Do you frequently load bulky items? → Open Side Container
Do you transport oversized machinery? → Open Top Container
Do you need access from both ends? → Double Door Container
Do you transport very heavy loads? → Flat Rack Container
Do you transport 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 will assist you in your choice and deliver anywhere in the European Union.
