Container basics
general purpose container (GP)
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.
Why it matters
General purpose is the basic ISO type. It is the box most people picture: closed, with doors at one end, and no special systems. It is also the base for many modified storage units. In fleet talk, GP, dry van and standard container often point to the same family, but sellers use them loosely. A common mistake is to assume GP covers special-purpose boxes. Reefers, tanks and flat racks follow other parts of the standard or other types. When you buy, state the length, height, door type and grade, and ask for the ISO type code on the unit if it matters for your records or insurance.
Read: Shipping container sizes and dimensions for rental fleets
Definition source: iso.org
Related terms
ISO 1496
ISO 1496 is a series of international standards for the specification and testing of series 1 freight containers. Part 1 covers general cargo containers for general purposes, including totally enclosed boxes and some vented or open top types. Other parts cover tank, thermal, dry bulk and platform containers.
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.
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.
ISO container
An ISO container is a freight container built to the ISO series 1 standards, such as ISO 668 for classification and dimensions and ISO 1496 for specification and testing. The standards let boxes fit the same ships, trucks and handling gear worldwide.
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.
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