Container formats reference

15 ISO container types — dimensions, payload, common use

The intermodal container is the standardised steel box that moves nearly all manufactured trade. Built to ISO 668 (dimensions) and ISO 6346 (marking), the formats below cover the working inventory of every ocean carrier on the planet — from the ubiquitous 20' general purpose dry box to specialty units such as ISO tanks, flat racks and refrigerated reefers. Each entry below links to a full reference page with internal dimensions, payload limits, door openings and the carriers most likely to supply that format at scale.

Illustration of mixed intermodal shipping containers in a container yard

20' General Purpose Dry Container — ISO 22G1.
40' General Purpose Dry Container — ISO 42G1.
40' High Cube Dry Container — ISO 45G1.
45' High Cube Dry Container — ISO L5G1.
20' Refrigerated Container — ISO 22R1.
40' Refrigerated Container — ISO 42R1.
40' High Cube Refrigerated Container — ISO 45R1.
20' Open Top Container — ISO 22U1.
40' Open Top Container — ISO 42U1.
20' Flat Rack Container — ISO 22P1.
40' Flat Rack Container — ISO 42P1.
20' ISO Tank Container — ISO 22T1.
20' Ventilated Container — ISO 22V1.
20' Bulk Container — ISO 22B1.
40' Non-Operating Reefer (NOR) — ISO 42R9.