Reefer Container vs Dry Container: What's the Difference?

When people say 'shipping container', they usually picture the standard steel box — 20ft or 40ft, doors on one end, dry inside. But the global container fleet includes specialized equipment for almost every cargo type. Knowing which type your goods are shipping in helps you understand transit time, cost, and handling requirements.

Dry container (the default)

A dry container, also called a 'general purpose' or DC, is the workhorse of container shipping. It's a fully enclosed steel box with a wooden floor, two doors on one end, and standard dimensions. Dry containers carry about 95% of all containerized cargo — electronics, textiles, machinery, consumer goods, packaged food.

• Standard sizes: 20ft (TEU), 40ft (FEU), 40ft High Cube (extra 1ft height)
• Max payload: ~28 metric tons (depending on size)
• Internal volume: ~33 m³ (20ft) / ~67 m³ (40ft) / ~76 m³ (40ft HC)
• ISO 6346 category: U (freight container)

Reefer container (refrigerated)

A reefer container is a temperature-controlled unit with an integrated refrigeration machine. Reefers carry perishable cargo — fresh produce, meat, seafood, dairy, pharmaceuticals, flowers. The reefer maintains a set temperature (typically between -30°C and +30°C) throughout the voyage.

Reefer key facts

• Requires continuous power supply from the vessel, terminal, or generator
• Higher cost than dry (typically 2-3x)
• Container prefix: 45R (BIC code) — e.g. MSCU45R1234
• Slightly smaller internal dimensions due to insulation
• ISO 6346 category: U (still classified as freight)

Common reefer cargo

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Frozen meat and seafood
• Dairy products (cheese, butter)
• Pharmaceuticals (vaccines, insulin)
• Wine and spirits (temperature-sensitive vintages)
• Flowers and plants

Other container types at a glance

• Open Top — no roof, cargo loaded via crane (heavy machinery, tall goods)
• Flat Rack — collapsible sides, for oversized cargo (boats, steel coils, construction equipment)
• Tank Container — stainless steel tank inside a frame, for liquids (chemicals, food oils, wine)
• Ventilated Container — natural airflow for goods that need breathing (coffee, cocoa)
• Platform / Chassis — no walls, just a base

How to identify your container type

Look at the container's CSC plate (mounted near the door end). It lists dimensions, max gross weight, and the ISO 6346 size type code (e.g. 42G1 = 40ft High Cube dry, 45R1 = 40ft reefer). The same code is also in your booking confirmation and Bill of Lading.