Types of sea containers and their use in international transport

Maritime transport plays a key role in international trade, and shipping containers are its backbone. Standardized containers enable the safe and efficient transport of various types of cargo, from bulk goods to food products requiring precise temperature control.

However, choosing the right container matters not only from a logistics perspective but also in terms of customs procedures. Let’s take a look at the types of containers used in international transport and what to consider during customs clearance.

Main types of shipping containers

Standard containers (Dry Van, DV)
Standard dimensions: 20’, 40’, 45’
Applications: Packaged food products, textiles, electronics, machinery, palletized cargo.
Customs aspects: Standard customs documentation, possible requirements for certificates of origin and quality certifications.

High Cube containers (HC)
Dimensions: 40’ HC, 45’ HC
Applications: Furniture, lightweight products in large volumes.
Customs aspects: Some shipments may require special documentation or markings, e.g. for oversized goods.

Refrigerated containers (Reefer, RF)
Dimensions: 20’, 40’
Applications: Fruits, vegetables, frozen goods, pharmaceuticals.
Customs aspects: Phytosanitary certificates and documentation related to transport conditions are required.

Open Top containers (OT)
Dimensions: 20’, 40’
Applications: Machinery, wood, construction elements.
Customs aspects: Requirements may include securing cargo and fumigation certificates for wooden items.

Flat Rack containers (FR)
Dimensions: 20’, 40’
Applications: Heavy machinery, vehicles, pipes.
Customs aspects: Clearance for oversized cargo requires individual arrangements and sometimes transport permits.

Open Side containers (OS, Side Door Container)
Dimensions: 20’, 40’
Applications: Long and non-standard goods.
Customs aspects: In some cases, customs inspection may be required already at the loading stage.

Tank containers (Tank Container, TC)
Dimensions: 20’
Applications: Fuels, chemicals, food products (e.g. oils, wine, milk).
Customs aspects: Permits for transporting hazardous substances are required, such as ADR, IMDG.

Customs clearance and container selection

Choosing the appropriate container type is crucial for successful customs clearance. Goods subject to additional regulations, such as food, chemicals, or building materials, require not only specific documents but also transport adapted to international standards.

Examples of required documents:
Food products – Sanitary and phytosanitary certificates.
Building materials – Certificates of origin and material test reports.
Hazardous goods – ADR, IMDG documentation.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What are the most commonly used containers in maritime transport?
The most popular are standard Dry Van (DV) containers and their extended versions, High Cube (HC). They are used in over 80% of sea freight shipments.

Can I transport frozen goods in a regular container?
No, for that purpose you need refrigerated containers (Reefer, RF), which have built-in temperature control systems.

Can all containers be used for road transport?
Not all – some oversized containers (e.g. Flat Rack) may require special permits and transport arrangements.

Summary

Container transport is the cornerstone of modern logistics. Choosing the right container not only simplifies customs clearance but also ensures the safety of the cargo. It is essential to consider not only logistics but also customs requirements already at the planning stage.

Do you have a shipment that needs customs clearance? We’ll take care of everything – from documents to logistics. Contact PKS International CARGO S.A. to avoid delays and procedural issues.