# dry bulk container

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> A dry bulk container is a standardized ISO unit – typically 20 or 40 feet long – purpose-built for transporting dry bulk commodities such as grain, cement, minerals, or plastic pellets in loose form.

A dry bulk container is a standardized ISO unit – typically 20 or 40 feet long – purpose-built for transporting dry bulk commodities such as grain, cement, minerals, or plastic pellets in loose form. Its defining features are roof hatches for gravity or pneumatic loading and bottom or side discharge openings for controlled unloading, with a moisture-resistant interior lining. Unlike a standard dry container designed for general or palletized cargo, a dry bulk container is engineered exclusively for free-flowing solids and cannot accommodate boxed or break-bulk goods. It suits intermodal sea-rail operations and gives shippers greater flexibility than a bulk carrier when volumes are too small to justify a full vessel charter.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Container_(cargo)#Dry_bulk_container](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Container_(cargo)#Dry_bulk_container)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | dry bulk container |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 112 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Container_(cargo)#Dry_bulk_container |

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*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/dry-bulk-container](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/dry-bulk-container)*

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