Procurement Glossary
Container types: Classification and selection for optimal logistics
November 19, 2025
Container types form the backbone of global logistics and have a significant impact on transport costs, delivery times, and goods security. Choosing the right container type is crucial for efficiency and cost-effectiveness in procurement. Read on to find out what types of containers are available, how they differ, and what criteria are important when making your selection.
Key Facts
- Standard containers (20ft/40ft) account for 90% of global container traffic.
- Special containers such as refrigerated or tank containers increase transport costs by 30-150%.
- ISO standardization enables worldwide compatibility between ports and means of transport
- Container utilization directly influences freight costs per cubic meter.
- Choosing the wrong container can lead to damage to goods and delays.
Contents
Definition: Types of containers
Container types include various standardized transport containers that are classified according to size, design, and intended use.
Basic container types
The most important types of containers are divided into standard containers, special containers, and special designs. Standard containers such as 20-foot and 40-foot containers form the foundation of international trade.
- Dry containers for general cargo
- High cube containers with increased height
- Open top containers for oversized cargo
- Flat rack containers for heavy machinery
Special containers vs. standard containers
While standard containers are universally applicable, special containers meet specific requirements. Transport insurance companies take these differences into account when assessing risk.
Importance of container types in Procurement
The choice of container has a significant impact on procurement costs, delivery times, and goods security. Purchasers must coordinate CIF terms and container suitability to ensure optimal transport solutions.
Methods and procedures
Systematic approaches to container selection optimize transport efficiency and reduce procurement risks.
Container selection matrix
A structured evaluation matrix takes into account product characteristics, transport route, and cost aspects. Criteria such as weight, volume, and temperature requirements determine the optimal container type.
- Goods analysis by dimensions and weight
- Check route-specific availability
- Cost comparison of different container types
load optimization
Professional stowage planning maximizes container utilization and minimizes transport costs. Palletizing and load securing must be carried out in a manner appropriate for the container.
supplier coordination
Coordinating with suppliers regarding container requirements prevents delays. Delivery schedules must take container availability and changeover times into account.
Tacto Intelligence
Combines deep procurement knowledge with the most powerful AI agents for strong Procurement.
Key figures for controlling
Relevant key figures enable the evaluation and optimization of the container strategy.
capacity utilization figures
Container utilization measures the efficiency of space usage and directly influences transport costs per unit. Both volume and weight utilization should be optimized.
- Volume utilization in percent
- Weight utilization in percent
- Cost per cubic meter
Cost ratios
Transport costs per container and time unit reveal potential for efficiency gains. Freight audits help with systematic cost analysis and optimization.
Quality indicators
Damage rates and delivery reliability by container type are used to evaluate transport quality. These key figures support supplier evaluation and container type selection for future shipments.
Risks, dependencies and countermeasures
Container selection involves various risks that can be minimized through systematic risk management.
availability risks
Container shortages can lead to delivery delays and increased costs. Special containers in particular are often in short supply and require longer lead times.
- Early container reservation
- Define alternative container types
- Several shipping companies as partners
Cost risks
Fluctuating container rates and additional fees put a strain on the procurement budget. Demurrage costs arise when containers are returned late and can be considerable.
Quality and safety risks
Unsuitable containers jeopardize the safety of goods and can cause damage. ADR regulations must be strictly observed when transporting dangerous goods in order to avoid legal consequences.
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Practical example
An automotive supplier optimizes its container strategy for spare parts deliveries from Asia. By analyzing the goods structure, the company determines that 40-foot high cube containers improve volume utilization by 15%. The switch from standard to high cube containers reduces transport costs per cubic meter by 12%. At the same time, temperature-sensitive electronic components are transported in climate-controlled containers, reducing the damage rate from 2.1% to 0.3%.
- Goods analysis identifies optimal container types
- Cost savings through better use of space
- Quality improvement through suitable special containers
Trends and developments relating to container types
Technological innovations and sustainability requirements are shaping the further development of container types.
Digitization and smart containers
IoT sensors in containers enable real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, and location. AI-based systems automatically optimize container allocation and route planning.
- GPS tracking for seamless shipment tracking
- Sensors for monitoring the condition of goods
- Predictive analytics for maintenance planning
Sustainable container solutions
Environmentally friendly materials and energy-efficient cooling systems are becoming increasingly important. There is growing demand for recyclable containers and CO2-neutral transport chains.
Modular container systems
Flexible container concepts enable adaptation to different types of goods. Cross-docking processes benefit from standardized but adaptable container solutions for efficient handling operations.
Conclusion
Container types are a strategic success factor in global procurement. The right choice significantly optimizes transport costs, delivery times, and goods security. Systematic evaluation criteria and continuous key figure analysis enable well-founded decisions. Future developments such as smart containers and sustainable solutions open up new optimization potential for efficient logistics processes.
FAQ
What are the most important types of containers in international trade?
The most important container types are 20-foot and 40-foot standard containers (dry containers), 40-foot high cube containers for bulky goods, refrigerated containers (reefers) for temperature-sensitive goods, and special containers such as open top or flat rack containers for unusual loads.
How do I choose the right container for my shipment?
The choice of container is based on the dimensions and weight of the goods, special requirements, and cost considerations. Take into account volume and weight limits, temperature requirements, and special loading characteristics. A cost-benefit analysis of different container types will help you make the best decision.
What are the costs for different types of containers?
Standard containers are the most cost-effective, while special containers such as refrigerated or tank containers can cost 30-150% more. Additional costs arise from demurrage, detention, and special handling requirements. The total cost per cubic meter or ton is decisive for economic efficiency.
What are the risks of choosing the wrong container?
Choosing the wrong container can lead to damage to goods, delivery delays, increased costs, and legal problems. Unsuitable containers for hazardous goods violate transport regulations. Containers that are too small result in multiple transports, while containers that are too large lead to poor utilization and higher costs per unit.
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