Dry Shipping Container: Types, Sizes, and Cargo It Carries

A Dry Shipping Container is the standard type of shipping container used to transport and deliver various types of dry general cargo that require no temperature control.

The unit is fully enclosed, weatherproof, and typically constructed from high-grade Corten steel or aluminum, engineered to withstand rain, wind, dust, and a range of external conditions throughout sea, land, and rail journeys.

In Indonesia, Dry Shipping Containers are used by exporters, importers, manufacturers, and SMEs shipping goods to domestic and international destinations alike.

Why is this container so dominant? Because dry containers come in standard sizes, 20 feet and 40 feet, compatible with any mode of transport, from ocean vessels and trucks to rail, without unloading cargo at every transfer point. The governing standard, ISO 668, guarantees full compatibility across global logistics systems.

Daftar isi

1 Types of Dry Shipping Container and Their Sizes
2 Dry Shipping Container Features
3 Cargo Carried in a Dry Shipping Container
4 Why Buy a Dry Shipping Container from Tradecorp?
5 FAQ

Types of Dry Shipping Container and Their Sizes

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Dry Shipping Containers are available in several variants designed for different loading and unloading requirements. All types retain steel construction and require no temperature control.

1. 20ft Dry Shipping Container

This type of Dry Container has the following dimensions:

Length: 20 feet or 6.058 meters
Width: 8 feet or 2.438 meters
Height: 8 feet 6 inches or 2.591 meters

2. 40ft Dry Shipping Container

This type of Dry Container has a longer length than the 20ft Dry Shipping Container:

Length: 40 feet or 12.192 meters
Width: 8 feet or 2.438 meters
Height: 8 feet 6 inches or 2.591 meters

Dry Shipping Container Features

The following are the standard features available on Tradecorp’s Dry Shipping Container units for both the 20ft Dry Container and 40ft Dry Container:

20ft Dry Container

Rubber-sealed doors
Air vents (anti-condensation ventilation)
Cargo lashing rings
ISO-standard corner castings
Forklift pockets
Locking bars
Lockbox

40ft Dry Container

Easy-open doors
Locking bars
Lockbox
Corner castings (twist-lock compatible)
Air vents (anti-condensation ventilation)
Forklift pockets
Lashing rings
Corten steel construction is corrosion-resistant and capable of withstanding saltwater exposure, rain, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Service life reaches 25 years with routine maintenance.
Rubber-sealed doors form a tight seal that effectively prevents water and moisture ingress, keeping cargo dry throughout the journey.
Corner castings and lashing rings allow stacking of up to 9 containers on a vessel and safe crane lifting. Lashing rings lock cargo in position to prevent movement during transit.
Air vents positioned at the upper section of the walls prevent condensation buildup caused by temperature differentials and maintain stable air quality inside the unit.
Forklift pockets are slots at the base of the unit that facilitate container relocation using a forklift at port facilities or warehouses.
Lockbox and locking bars function as a dual-locking mechanism providing additional security against unauthorized access while the container is in transit or stored at a depot.
CSC (Container Safety Convention) plate is a mandatory fitting that records the date of manufacture, maximum weight limits, and the scheduled date of the next safety inspection.

Cargo Carried in a Dry Shipping Container

Dry Shipping Containers are designed for dry cargo that requires no temperature control, is not in liquid bulk form, and does not classify as a hazardous material requiring certified specialized containers. The range of cargo types that can be loaded is broad enough to make the dry container the most flexible and cost-effective shipping solution currently available.

General Cargo Categories

Based on Tradecorp’s official product documentation, Dry Shipping Containers are suited for transporting the following cargo types:

Electronics and Gadgets
Textiles and Apparel
Furniture and Home Furnishings
Industrial Equipment
Raw Materials
Vehicles and Automotive Spare Parts
Packaged Consumer Goods
Dry Construction Materials
Packaged Processed Food
Timber and Wood Products
Toys and Consumer Goods
Non-Temperature-Sensitive Pharmaceuticals
Paper and Printing Materials

Loading Considerations to Observe

Cargo must be completely dry before loading. Moisture within the cargo can trigger condensation and damage goods during long voyages.
Weight must be distributed evenly. Heavy cargo should be placed at the bottom and center of the unit to maintain stability, particularly when a vessel encounters high swells.
Use dunnage and lashing to secure cargo against movement during transit. Unsecured cargo shifting freely inside the unit is the leading cause of damage in ocean freight.
Observe payload limits. Never exceed the rated payload capacity. Doing so risks rejection at port and compromises shipment safety.
Unsuitable cargo includes bulk liquids, goods requiring temperature control (use a reefer container), and certain hazardous materials that require a certified Dangerous Goods container.

Why Buy a Dry Shipping Container from Tradecorp?

Tradecorp Indonesia serves as a trusted container supply partner for both large corporations and SMEs across Indonesia. What sets Tradecorp apart?

Rigorous unit inspection. Before delivery, every Tradecorp dry container undergoes a comprehensive inspection covering structural integrity, door seals, corner castings, ventilation, and floor condition. No unit passes without verification against our quality standards.
Official ISO specifications, not estimates. Our products conform to verified dimensions and capacities. This data can be used directly in logistics calculations and cargo planning.
Ready stock, fast delivery. We maintain Dry Shipping Container inventory at multiple locations across Indonesia (Jakarta, Surabaya, Balikpapan, and Sumbawa). No waiting weeks; units are ready to move on your operational schedule.
Simple and transparent process. From quotation to handover, everything is documented and clear.
Available to buy and to rent. Purchase for long-term requirements; rent for temporary projects. Both services can be arranged online.
Proven track record on large-scale projects. Tradecorp has handled major projects including the 2018 Asian Games, Formula E Jakarta, mining employee quarters in Kalimantan and Sumatra, and numerous other national-scale infrastructure projects.

Get the best pricing on dry containers in 20ft, 40ft, or 40ft High Cube. The Tradecorp team is ready to respond quickly, transparently, and without the hassle.

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FAQ

What is the difference between a Dry Shipping Container and a Reefer Container?

A Dry Shipping Container is a standard container with no refrigeration system, used for transporting and delivering dry cargo that is not temperature-sensitive. A reefer container is equipped with a refrigeration unit that maintains temperatures between -18°C and +30°C and is used for perishable cargo such as fruit, meat, dairy products, and temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.

What is an HC container and how does it differ from a standard Dry Container?

An HC (High Cube) container is a type of dry container with approximately 30 cm of additional height, 2.90 m externally versus 2.59 m on a standard container. Its internal volume reaches 76 m³ compared to 67 m³. High Cube containers are well suited for high-volume but lightweight cargo, such as furniture, textiles, or consumer goods in large cartons.

What is the maximum payload capacity of a 20ft and 40ft Dry Shipping Container?

Based on Tradecorp’s official specifications, a 20ft dry container has a maximum payload of 28,400 kg with a volume of 33.2 m³. A standard 40ft container can carry a load of up to 27,060 kg with a volume of 67.6 m³.

How many pallets fit in a 40ft Dry Container?

A standard 40ft container can accommodate approximately 21 standard pallets (1,200 × 1,000 mm) or 24 euro pallets (1,200 × 800 mm) in a single row. A 20ft container holds approximately 10 standard pallets. For double-stacking arrangements, these figures can multiply depending on cargo type and weight.

Is a Dry Container suitable for import and export from Indonesia?

Absolutely. Dry Shipping Containers comply with ISO 668, which applies universally worldwide, making them compatible with the logistics requirements of every international port. For exports from Indonesia to any destination or imports from any country, dry containers are the most common and most cost-effective solution for dry general cargo.

Can a Dry Shipping Container be rented instead of purchased?

Yes. Tradecorp offers Dry Shipping Container rental for both short-term and long-term requirements. This is a more financially flexible solution, particularly for construction projects, mining operations, or temporary storage needs. Contact the Tradecorp team for rental pricing details based on your duration and location.

Can a dry container be modified into a building or office?

Yes. Dry Shipping Containers, particularly the 20ft and 40ft types, are widely modified into office containers, site offices (direksi keet), employee quarters, portable warehouses, and multi-story modular buildings. Tradecorp offers a comprehensive container modification service with an experienced workshop team ready to execute any modification requirement to your project specifications.