Guide to Selecting Dry Cargo Container Sizes for Shipments

Imagine your products traveling around the world. What kind of "home" would they stay in? The answer is likely a dry shipping container.

These unassuming metal boxes are the unsung heroes of international trade, carrying the everyday goods we rely on.

So, what exactly is a dry shipping container? Simply put, it is a standardized container designed to transport non-liquid cargo. From clothing and toys to electronics and machinery parts, nearly any solid product can be shipped in these containers. They function as mobile warehouses, protecting goods from weather and damage during transit.

The most common sizes for dry containers are 20-foot and 40-foot units, though slightly larger 45-foot variants also exist. These standardized dimensions enable seamless transitions between different modes of transportation—whether by sea, rail, or road. Think of a 20-foot container as a "standard room" and a 40-foot container as a "luxury suite," allowing shippers to select the ideal space for their cargo volume.

Choosing the right container size is critical, as it directly impacts shipping costs and efficiency. For smaller shipments, a 20-foot container avoids wasted space, while larger shipments benefit from the economies of scale offered by 40-foot units. Next time you see stacks of containers at a port, you'll recognize them for what they are—and perhaps wonder what treasures they hold inside.