Container basics
dry van container
A dry van container is the standard enclosed freight container for general cargo that does not need refrigeration. IICL uses dry van for this type, along with flat racks, open tops and reefers. Trucking also uses dry van for a type of trailer, so context matters.
Why it matters
Dry van is the type most portable storage fleets own. It has a steel frame, corrugated walls and roof, a floor and doors at one end. The word can cause mix-ups. In trucking, a dry van is a box trailer pulled by a tractor. In container leasing, it is the standard box that rides on a chassis or ship. A common mistake is to book a trailer when a customer needs a container, or the reverse. When you buy or order, say dry van container, size and height. IICL publishes technical bulletins for dry vans, which operators and depots use for repair and inspection questions.
Read: Shipping container sizes and dimensions for rental fleets
Definition source: iicl.org
Related terms
general purpose container
A general purpose container is a totally enclosed container for general cargo. ISO 1496-1 covers general cargo containers for general purposes, including some vented, ventilated and open top types. Short codes such as GP often appear on specs and quotes.
standard container
A standard container is a regular-height dry container, usually 8 feet 6 inches tall outside, as opposed to a high cube. Carrier listings give dry 20-foot and 40-foot specifications at 8 feet 6 inches. Sellers use the word standard with some variation.
high cube container
A high cube container is a container that is taller than standard, usually 9 feet 6 inches tall outside, compared with 8 feet 6 inches for a standard unit. It is often written HC or HQ. The extra height adds inside room.
reefer container
A reefer container is a refrigerated container with its own cooling unit and temperature controls. It keeps cargo at a set temperature. Carrier specs list reefers in 20-foot and 40-foot high cube sizes with smaller inside dimensions than dry containers.
storage trailer
A storage trailer is a trailer used as a movable storage space instead of for hauling cargo from place to place. It has a floor, walls, a roof and doors at one end or both. NPSA members rent, lease and sell storage trailers, often in standard lengths from 28 to 53 feet.
Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL)
The Institute of International Container Lessors is the trade association of the marine container leasing and chassis provider industry. It was organized in 1971 as a Delaware corporation. It sets equipment inspection and repair standards, publishes manuals and supports inspector certification and training.
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