Other Variants
The original form of a shipping container consists of single-walled steel sheeting, is completely closed, and features a double-wing container door at one end. However, various applications and industries require special variants. The following are types of containers available as new or like-new containers. You can find an overview of all container types here:
Refrigerated Containers
Refrigerated containers are constructed with insulated panels and have their own refrigeration unit. For more information on refrigerated containers. When the refrigeration unit is faulty or removed, they are referred to as insulated containers.
Double-Door Containers
Double-door containers have container doors on both narrow sides. Double-door containers are available in the following sizes:
- 20 feet
- 20-foot high-cube
- 40 feet
- 40-foot high-cube
Side-Opening Containers
When standard shipping containers reach their logistical limits, that’s when the open-side container comes into its own – often referred to in technical jargon as a full-side-door container, side-opening container or simply a side-door container. This specialised type of container combines the international standardisation of the classic ISO shipping container with unrivalled flexibility when it comes to loading and unloading.
The standout feature of this intermodal container is its design: in addition to the standard, robust double-leaf door at the front, the open-side container features an ingenious multi-leaf door in the right-hand side wall.
- Fully opening side wall: The entire long side can be opened completely and without obstruction across its full width.
- Folding and hinged doors: The side doors are designed so that they can be folded to the side in a space-saving, accordion-like manner. This allows unrestricted access to the entire interior of the container from the long side.
- Ideal for long and bulky goods: Pipes, timber beams, machine components or other oversized goods that cannot possibly fit through the narrow end can simply be driven in from the side using a forklift.
- Perfect for pallet logistics: there is no need for time-consuming ‘threading’. A forklift truck can load several Euro pallets side by side at the same time directly from the long side.
- First-in, first-out (FIFO) in warehouse operations: If the container is used as a mobile storage unit or workshop container on building sites, you don’t have to clear out half the container first to get to the items at the back. Every item is immediately accessible from the side.
- Event and exhibition stand construction: Thanks to the front that opens fully, side-door containers are ideal for conversion into modern exhibition stands, mobile retail outlets, catering kiosks or event stages.
Mineral Wood Insulated Containers
The base for these containers is a 20-foot standard container with approximately 60 mm thick mineral wool insulation on the interior. The inner wall surfaces are finished with galvanized smooth sheet metal. The doors are also insulated in a similar manner. The floor is insulated from below with about 100 mm of mineral wool and sealed with smooth sheet metal.
Open-Top Containers
As the name suggests, open-top containers have an open roof. The roof opening is sealed with a sturdy tarpaulin and tie-down cord. The tarpaulin roof is supported by removable crossbars. In rare cases, open-hard-top containers are available with a removable steel roof. Typically, the upper door frame can be removed or folded down. Open-top containers are available in 20 feet and 40 feet.
Low-Cube Containers
Essentially, a low-cube container is a standard shipping container with a reduced external height of just 8 feet, or 2,428 mm, deviating from the standard dimensions. These containers are mostly used when a roll-off frame needs to be installed underneath. However, low-cube containers are not frequently needed and are therefore available in limited quantities and typically only in 20-foot length.
