Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some of the most common questions about containers, equipment, leasing, trading, and our solutions. Browse the categories below to find the information you need.

Dry Van Containers

Frequently asked questions about dry containers, their types, applications, specifications, and availability.

Fundamentals

Understand what Dry Containers are, what they are used for, the cargo they carry, the industries that use them, and how they differ from temperature-controlled containers.

A Dry Container is an enclosed, non-temperature-controlled shipping container designed to transport general cargo. It protects cargo from external weather conditions and is suitable for transportation by road, rail and sea.

Dry Containers are used to transport and store general, non-temperature-sensitive cargo. They are commonly used for manufactured goods, machinery, automotive components, construction materials, textiles and other dry cargo.

Dry Containers can carry a wide range of general cargo, including packaged goods, machinery, industrial equipment, automotive components, textiles, construction materials, steel products and other cargo that does not require temperature control.

Dry Containers are widely used across industries such as automotive, construction, steel, cement, energy, mining, manufacturing, oil & gas, power and consumer goods.

A Dry Container is designed for general cargo that does not require controlled temperature. A Reefer Container has an integrated refrigeration unit and is designed for temperature-sensitive cargo such as food, pharmaceuticals and certain perishable products.

Yes. Dry Containers are designed for intermodal transportation and can be moved by road, rail and sea. They can therefore be used for both domestic logistics and international EXIM transportation, subject to applicable regulations and certification requirements.

Buying, Leasing & ARCON

Understand the options for buying or leasing Dry Containers through ARCON, including availability checks and requesting a quotation.

The decision depends primarily on how long and how frequently you need the container. Buying may be suitable for recurring, long-term requirements where ownership makes commercial sense. Leasing can provide greater flexibility for temporary, seasonal or changing requirements while reducing the need for upfront capital investment.

Yes. ARCON offers Dry Containers through its Lease with Ease solution. Customers can explore leasing based on their container type, quantity, location and duration requirements.

Yes. ARCON offers container trading solutions through Click to Trade, allowing customers to explore container buying and selling requirements. Availability, container type, condition and location can vary.

You can contact ARCON with details such as the container type, size, quantity, condition, location and required duration. ARCON can then assess the requirement and provide suitable options based on availability.

Cargo & Applications

Understand which cargoes and applications are suitable for Dry Containers, including heavy, palletised, machinery and industrial cargo, storage and applicable hazardous cargo requirements.

Dry Containers are suitable for general, non-temperature-controlled cargo, including packaged products, machinery, industrial equipment, textiles, automotive components, construction materials and many other dry goods.

Yes, provided the cargo weight is within the container’s certified payload and the applicable road, rail, port and shipping regulations. Heavy cargo also needs to be properly distributed and secured within the container.

Yes. Dry Containers are commonly used for machinery and industrial equipment when the cargo’s dimensions and weight can be accommodated within the container’s internal dimensions and payload limits. For oversized or unusually shaped equipment, a Flat Rack or another Special Container may be more appropriate.

Yes. Dry Containers are commonly used for palletised cargo. The number of pallets that can be loaded depends on pallet dimensions, loading configuration, cargo weight and the internal dimensions of the container.

Certain hazardous goods can be transported in Dry Containers, provided the cargo, packaging, labelling, documentation and transportation comply with applicable dangerous-goods regulations. The suitability of a Dry Container depends on the specific hazardous material and its transportation requirements.

Yes. Dry Containers can be used for temporary or longer-term storage of suitable goods. Their enclosed structure provides protection from external weather conditions and offers a secure storage space. The container’s condition and the nature of the goods should be considered before using it for storage.

Cargo requiring controlled temperature, specialised ventilation, unusual loading arrangements or dimensions beyond the container’s limits may not be suitable for a standard Dry Container. For example, temperature-sensitive cargo may require a Reefer, while oversized cargo may require a Flat Rack or Open Top Container.

Choosing the Right Container

Practical guidance for selecting the right Dry Container based on cargo weight, volume, dimensions, loading requirements, space utilisation and the number of containers required.

Consider five key factors: Cargo type → weight → volume → dimensions → transportation requirements. You should also consider loading method, destination, regulatory requirements and whether the container will be used for transportation, storage or both.

Both matter. A container should have sufficient payload capacity for the cargo weight and sufficient internal volume for the cargo dimensions and quantity. For dense cargo, payload may be the limiting factor. For lightweight, bulky cargo, volume may be the limiting factor.

Estimate the total cargo weight and cubic volume, then compare those requirements with the usable capacity of the selected container. Cargo dimensions, packaging, pallet configuration and weight restrictions should also be considered. For complex shipments, a logistics or container specialist can help determine the most efficient configuration.

Efficient packing, suitable pallet configurations and proper cargo planning can help maximise available space. Cargo should be arranged according to its dimensions and weight while maintaining safe weight distribution and securing requirements. A High Cube Container may be preferable when additional vertical space can improve utilisation.

Consider: Type of cargo Cargo weight Cargo volume Cargo dimensions Loading and unloading method Required container size Transportation route Regulatory requirements Container condition Whether you need to buy or lease

Container Condition

Understand common container conditions such as Brand New, Cargo Worthy and IICL, and how to select the appropriate condition for different requirements.

A Brand New shipping container is a newly manufactured container that has not previously been used for cargo transportation. It is generally selected when appearance, condition and long-term use are important considerations.

A Cargo Worthy Container is a container that meets the required structural and safety standards for transporting cargo. It has been inspected and deemed suitable for cargo transportation according to applicable requirements.

An IICL Container is a container assessed according to inspection and condition standards established by the Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL). IICL standards are widely used in the container leasing industry to evaluate container condition and repair requirements.

These terms describe different aspects of a container’s age, condition and inspection standard. Brand New: Newly manufactured and unused. Cargo Worthy: Meets applicable requirements for cargo transportation. IICL: Assessed according to IICL inspection and condition standards. The right choice depends on the intended use, budget, transportation requirements and expected period of use.

There is no single condition that is best for every requirement. A Brand New container may be suitable when appearance and long-term use are priorities. A Cargo Worthy container can be appropriate for cargo transportation where a balance between condition and cost is important. An IICL container may be preferred when leasing-industry inspection standards are relevant.

Dimensions, Capacity & Specifications

Learn about standard container dimensions, internal capacity, tare weight, payload, maximum gross weight and the key specifications used when selecting a Dry Container.

A standard 20-foot container is approximately 6.06 metres long, 2.44 metres wide and 2.59 metres high externally. Exact dimensions and internal measurements can vary slightly depending on the container manufacturer and model.

A standard 40-foot container is approximately 12.19 metres long, 2.44 metres wide and 2.59 metres high externally. Exact specifications can vary by manufacturer and container model.

A 40-foot High Cube Container is approximately 12.19 metres long, 2.44 metres wide and 2.90 metres high externally. Its additional height provides greater internal volume than a standard-height 40-foot container.

Internal capacity varies according to the container size and design. As a general reference, a 20-foot GP container provides around 33 m³, while a 40-foot High Cube can provide around 76 m³ of internal volume. Always refer to the specific container’s technical specifications when planning a shipment.

The cargo capacity depends on the container’s maximum gross weight, tare weight and applicable transport regulations. A container’s maximum payload is not necessarily the same as the amount that can legally be transported on a particular road, rail or sea route.

Tare weight is the weight of the empty container without cargo. It varies according to the container’s size, construction, manufacturer and equipment.

Payload is the maximum weight of cargo that can be carried by the container, based on its certified maximum gross weight minus its tare weight. Actual allowable payload can also be affected by road, rail, port and regulatory weight restrictions.

Maximum gross weight is the combined weight of the container plus its cargo. The permitted gross weight is specified on the container’s certification and safety markings, while the actual permissible weight may also depend on the applicable transportation regulations.

Tare weight is the weight of the empty container. Payload is the weight of cargo the container can carry. Gross weight is the combined weight of the empty container and its cargo. In simple terms: Tare Weight + Payload = Gross Weight

Types & Sizes

Explore the main Dry Container types and sizes, including 20-foot GP, 40-foot GP and 40-foot High Cube containers, and understand when to choose each option.

The most common Dry Containers are 20-foot and 40-foot General Purpose (GP) Containers, along with 40-foot High Cube Containers. The appropriate type depends on cargo volume, weight, dimensions and transportation requirements.

A 20-foot GP Container is a standard enclosed container designed for general cargo. It is approximately 20 feet long and is commonly used when the cargo volume can be accommodated within a smaller container footprint.

A 40-foot GP Container is an enclosed standard-height container that provides approximately twice the length of a 20-foot container and significantly greater cargo volume. It is suitable for larger shipments of general cargo.

A 40-foot High Cube Container is similar to a standard 40-foot container but has additional height, providing greater internal volume. It is particularly useful for bulky or high-volume cargo where additional vertical space is beneficial.

The primary difference is length and internal volume. A 20-foot container is more compact, while a 40-foot container provides significantly more cargo space. The right choice depends on the cargo’s weight, volume, dimensions and loading requirements.

Both are approximately 40 feet long, but a High Cube Container is taller than a standard-height container. The additional height provides greater internal volume, making it suitable for cargo that requires more vertical space.

A 20-foot container may be appropriate when your cargo volume is relatively compact or when the shipment’s weight and volume can be efficiently accommodated within a smaller container. Cargo weight limits and local transportation restrictions should also be considered.

A 40-foot container is generally suitable when you have a larger volume of cargo and need more internal space than a 20-foot container provides.

A 40-foot High Cube is particularly useful for high-volume or bulky cargo that benefits from additional internal height. It can provide more usable cubic capacity than a standard-height 40-foot container.