Types of Shipping Containers – And How to Choose the Right One for Your Business
Whether you run a small online store, a wholesale import-export business, or a manufacturing company, shipping goods safely and efficiently is key to your success. But many business owners in Singapore still make one simple but expensive mistake—choosing the wrong type of shipping container.
At Global Lacis Logistics, we’ve seen how using the wrong container can lead to damaged goods, spoiled products, delayed deliveries, and unnecessary costs. This guide will help you avoid those mistakes by showing:
- The main types of shipping containers
- Which one to choose based on your cargo
- Real business mistakes and how much they cost
- A simple step-by-step process to choose the right container every time
Let’s start with the basics.
Why Does the Right Container Matter?
Think of containers like shoes. You wouldn’t hike a mountain in flip-flops, would you? In the same way, not every container is suitable for every type of cargo.
Choosing the wrong container could lead to:
- Damaged or spoiled goods
- Shipment delays or customs issues
- Paying for space you don’t need
- Extra handling, storage, or reloading fees
8 Most Common Types of Shipping Containers
1. Dry Storage Container (Standard Container)
- Dimensions: 20 feet or 40 feet (most popular)
- Use: General cargo—boxes, furniture, electronics, clothes
- Best For: Businesses shipping dry, non-perishable items
- Example: Importing books from China or exporting LED lights to Malaysia.
2. High Cube Container
- Size: Same footprint as a 40 ft container but 1 ft taller
- Use: Light but bulky items that need more vertical space
- Best For: Plastic parts, packaging materials, foam products
3. Open Top Container
- Feature: Open roof (can be covered with a tarpaulin)
- Use: Items that are too tall for regular containers or that must be loaded by crane
- Best For: Industrial machinery, tall steel coils, pipes
- Real Case: Steel supplier used the wrong container; loss of SGD 2,800
4. Flat Rack Container
- Feature: No side walls, only floor and ends
- Use: Heavy, oversized cargo
- Best For: Boats, trucks, transformers, construction parts
5. Refrigerated Container (Reefer)
- Feature: Maintains temperature (-25°C to +25°C)
- Use: Cold-chain cargo
- Best For: Fruits, seafood, meat, medicines
- Real Case: A Chocolate brand used dry container; lost SGD 5,000
6. Ventilated Container
- Feature: Built-in air vents
- Use: Organic materials prone to moisture damage
- Best For: Coffee beans, cocoa, wood, fabrics
7. Tank Container
- Feature: Cylindrical tank inside a steel frame
- Use: Bulk liquids, gases, chemicals
- Best For: Cooking oil, wine, and fuels
8. Insulated or Thermal Container
Feature: Maintains stable temperature without active cooling
Use: Heat-sensitive goods
Best For: Dairy, electronics, pharmaceuticals
Business Mistakes That Cost Thousands:
| Business Type | Mistake Made | Financial Loss |
| Frozen Meat Exporter | Used a dry container | SGD 7,800 |
| Furniture Retailer | The goods didn’t fit in the container | SGD 2,400 |
| Coffee Importer | Used a dry container for coffee | SGD 3,000 |
| Chemical Supplier | Used barrels in a dry container | SGD 4,500 |
How to Choose the Right Shipping Container
Step 1: Understand Your Cargo
- Dry goods → Standard container
- Cold items → Reefer
- Liquids → Tank
- Oversized → Flat Rack or Open Top
Step 2: Measure Size & Weight
- 20 ft = ~25–28 CBM
- 40 ft = ~55–60 CBM
- High cube = needed for tall/light cargo
Step 3: Special Handling Needs?
- Temperature-sensitive? → Reefer or Insulated
- Moisture-prone? → Ventilated
- Dangerous goods? → Tank with certification
Step 4: Balance Cost vs. Safety
If your cargo is worth more than SGD 5,000, select the container that best protects it.
How Global Lacis Logistics Can Help
At Global Lacis, we:
- Understand your shipping needs
- Recommend the best container type and size
- Handle bookings and paperwork
- Support customs clearance and insurance
- Offer door-to-door service
Final Thought: Don’t Let the Container Cost You a Fortune
Your container choice can make or break your shipment. The right decision leads to smooth delivery, happy customers, and strong profits.
Let’s keep your business moving forward—smart, safe, and secure.
Ready to Ship? Let’s Talk
Also, read our other blogs on How to Reduce Logistics Costs and Avoid Common Mistakes.
