What does the abbreviation DC mean on a container?

DC stands for Dry Container. It is a standard watertight shipping container without temperature control, intended for regular general cargo.

What is the main difference between 40DC and 40HC?

The main difference is the height. A standard 40DC is 2.59 meters high, while a 40HC (High Cube) is 2.90 meters high. This gives the HC container an additional volume of about 12 cubic meters, which is critical for light and bulky goods.

What is an OT container and what is it used for?

Open Top is a container with an open top covered by a waterproof tarpaulin. It is used for transporting oversized cargo that cannot be loaded through standard doors, such as tall machinery or glass structures.

Can food products be transported in a standard dry container (DC)?

Only if the products do not require temperature control and have reliable packaging that protects against moisture and odors. For perishable goods (meat, fruits), a refrigerated container (RF) is mandatory.

What does the FR marking on a container mean?

FR stands for Flat Rack. This is a platform container without side walls or a roof. It is designed for transporting heavy machinery, pipes, timber, and other cargo whose dimensions exceed those of a standard container.

Is a generator needed for a refrigerated container (RF) during road transport?

Yes, a refrigerated container requires a constant power supply. During road or rail transport, where there is no grid connection, it is necessary to rent or use a diesel generator set (genset).

What is a Hard Top (HT) container?

This is a container with a removable rigid metal roof. Unlike an Open Top, it provides full protection for the cargo from precipitation and mechanical damage from above, while still allowing crane loading from the top.

What cargo is a ventilated container (VR) used for?

VR (Ventilated Container) is used for cargo sensitive to condensation and mold: coffee beans, cocoa beans, tobacco, nuts, and certain types of fertilizers.

What is a Tank Container (TK)?

TK is a specialized container in the form of a tank secured within a steel frame. It is used for the safe transportation of liquid cargo: chemicals, food-grade liquids (wine, oil), and liquefied gases.

What is the difference between IICL and CW container conditions?

IICL is the highest quality standard for used containers, suitable for international sea transport without repairs. CW (Cargo Worthy) means the container is watertight and safe for cargo but may have cosmetic defects (dents, rust).

Can an Open Top container be leased one-way (One-Way Lease)?

Yes, MyContainers leases specialized equipment, including OT and FR, under One-Way Lease and Trip Lease schemes. Availability should be checked with our managers, as the fleet of such containers is limited.

Which container should I choose for transporting furniture?

The optimal choice is a 40HC (High Cube). The increased height allows for maximum space utilization and loading furniture "wall-to-wall" without fear of damaging the upper parts of the items.

What is a Bulk Container (BU)?

This is a container for bulk cargo. It is equipped with roof hatches for loading and special valves at the bottom for quick discharge of bulk materials such as grain, plastic, or cement.

Is it safe to transport dangerous goods in standard containers?

Transportation of dangerous goods (IMO class) is only possible in certified containers with appropriate marking and in strict compliance with securing and documentation rules. For liquid dangerous goods, tank containers (TK) are most commonly used.

How do I check the watertightness of a dry container before loading?

Perform a "light test": go inside the closed container and ask someone to close the doors. If you see rays of light through the cracks, the container is not watertight. Also, check the condition of the rubber door seals and ensure there are no holes in the floor or walls.

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What Do Shipping Container Type Codes Mean? ISO Container Types Guide

Decoding all types of shipping containers: DC, HC, RF, OT, FR, HT, TK. Complete guide. Tables of dimensions, payload capacity, and cargo examples. Email us at: [email protected], Call: 9710585482986

Complete Guide to Shipping Container Types: Codes, Specifications, and Purposes

In international logistics, every type of equipment has its standardized abbreviation. Understanding these codes (DC, HC, OT, FR) is critically important for selecting the right packaging for your cargo, optimizing transportation costs, and avoiding fines for overloading or improper securing.

MyContainers has prepared a detailed guide to help you navigate the wide variety of shipping containers.

1. Standard Dry Containers (Dry Cargo)

These are the most common types of equipment, used for 90% of general cargo.

Abbreviation	Full Name	Description	Features
DC (or DV)	Dry Container / Dry Van	Standard enclosed container	Watertight metal box with doors at the end. Comes in 20 feet (20DC) and 40 feet (40DC).
HC (or HQ)	High Cube / High Quality*	Extra-height container	Height of 2.9 m (instead of the standard 2.59 m). Ideal for bulky but light cargo (furniture, textiles).

*Note: "HQ" is sometimes used in certain regions, but "High Cube" is the universal industry standard.

Dry Container (DC/DV): The "workhorse" of global trade. Suitable for palletized cargo, bags, boxes, and machinery.
- 20DC: Withstands heavier weights (up to 28 tons), ideal for heavy cargo (metal, building materials, liquids in containers).
- 40DC: More length, but the same height.
High Cube (HC/HQ): The main difference is the extra 30 cm in height. This provides about 12–15% additional volume.
- 40HC: The most popular type for imports from China, as it allows loading more goods without increasing weight.

2. Temperature-Controlled and Specialized Containers

For cargo requiring specific climate control or non-standard loading.

Abbreviation	Full Name	Description	Temperature Regime
RF (or RH)	Reefer / Reefer High Cube	Refrigerated container	From -30°C to +30°C (depending on the unit model)
VR	Ventilated Container	Ventilated container	Natural air circulation

Reefer (RF/RH): Equipped with its own refrigeration unit. Requires connection to a power supply on the vessel, at the terminal, or the use of a diesel generator (genset) during road/rail transport.
- Purpose: Meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, pharmaceuticals, chemicals.
Ventilated (VR): Features special openings for air exchange. Prevents condensation ("container rain") that can spoil the cargo.
- Purpose: Coffee beans, cocoa, tobacco, nuts.

3. Containers for Oversized and Heavy Cargo

When a standard "box" does not fit the dimensions or weight.

Abbreviation	Full Name	Description	Key Advantage
OT	Open Top	Container with an open top	Roof loading (by crane)
FR	Flat Rack	Open platform	No side walls or roof
HT	Hard Top	Container with a removable roof	Rigid top protection + crane loading

Open Top (OT): Instead of a rigid roof, a durable canvas tarpaulin is used. The end section often opens as well.
- Purpose: Glass, marble slabs, tall machinery, equipment that cannot be loaded through doors.
Flat Rack (FR): Essentially a platform with a reinforced floor and end walls (which can fold down).
- Purpose: Pipes, timber, heavy construction equipment, yachts, industrial lines.
Hard Top (HT): A hybrid of DC and OT. The roof is metal but can be removed entirely.
- Purpose: Cargo that needs protection from rain but can only be loaded from above.

4. Liquid and Bulk Cargo

Abbreviation	Full Name	Description
TK	Tank Container	Tank secured in a steel frame
BU	Bulk Container	Container for bulk cargo

Tank Container (TK): Designed for transporting liquids and gases. Available in food-grade (for wine, milk, juices) and chemical (for acids, oils) versions.
Bulk Container (BU): Features roof hatches for loading and special openings at the bottom for quick gravity discharge.
- Purpose: Grain, plastic granules, fertilizers, cement.

*The information on this page does not constitute a public offer.

*MyContainers is a partner of MyWay.

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