Shipping containers play a crucial role in the transportation of goods. They account for approximately 90% of global freight, and their standardization allows for great flexibility of use. Discover the importance of shipping containers, their dimensions and types, as well as the prices associated with their purchase.

The shipping container: a versatile transport tool

The shipping container is the preferred solution for transporting goods between ports around the world. Its universal format allows it to be easily transported by road, rail, air, or sea.

Dimensions and capacity of a 40-foot container

• External dimensions: 12.19 m long x 2.44 m wide x 2.59 m high
• Internal dimensions: 12.025 m long x 2.352 m wide x 2.393 m high
• Useful capacity: approximately 67.7 m3

Regarding the stacking of pallets:

• A container can hold up to 25 European pallets (1.2 m x 0.8 m)
• It can also accommodate up to 21 American pallets (1.016 m x 1.219 m)

The actual loading capacity will depend on the restrictions and/or limitations imposed by the shipping company, the nature of the cargo, and the specific details of the shipment.

Price of a new or used shipping container

The price of a container varies depending on its nature:

• New containers: from €1,000 to over €50,000 depending on their size
• Shipping containers: between €2,000 and €5,000
• Storage containers: between €1,500 and €15,000
• Modified containers: up to €250,000

Used storage containers are cheaper, with prices ranging between €1,000 and €5,000.

Trend: building a house with containers

It has become very trendy to build houses from containers. You can consult an example of a house made with six containers here:

Different types of shipping containers

Shipping containers are fully enclosed, watertight, weather-resistant, and durable against external aggressions. They have a rigid roof, side walls, and a solid floor.

• Dry containers: these are the most common and are suitable for loading the majority of standard goods.
• High cube containers (for high volume): similar to standard containers but approximately 30 cm taller.

For maritime freight transportation, a suitable and sufficiently strong container is necessary to withstand the stresses associated with transport, storage, and handling.

Choosing the right container: a question of budget and needs

The price of a shipping container mainly depends on its type, size, and condition. If you are considering purchasing a shipping container, take into account your specific needs and budget in order to choose the model that best fits you.