When shipping heavy, bulky or awkward goods, loading by hand or by forklift may be too difficult (or impossible). As the name suggests, these containers open from the top to simplify loading and unloading. These are used for tall goods and have a removable tarpaulin and bows for a roof. Open tops simplify loading and unloading and allow access for a crab or a crane.

Reefer containers are refrigerated and are generally used for foods such as fruits or anything that needs to be at a constant temperature lower than 15 degrees. These are quite costly, and get more expensive the lower the temperature needed. Reefer containers can be set to temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius.

This type of shipping container has no side walls (just end walls) and no roof. They come in various types, both fixed end or collapsible end form. These are generally used for over height or oversized cargo. The goods will be rolled or lifted onto the platform before being strapped down for transit.

Think blowing up a balloon in a shoe box while the lid’s on! These containers come loaded with a bag-like flexible tank inside. These are specifically for the shipping of bulk liquid and can carry between 10,000 – 24,000 litres of non-hazardous liquid depending on the container size. This is a growing shipping method, and 700,000 flexi tanks are set to sail in 2015.