# shipping container

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> The shipping container is the foundational unit of global containerized trade: a standardized, reusable steel box engineered to transfer seamlessly between vessel, rail, and truck without reloading cargo.

The shipping container is the foundational unit of global containerized trade: a standardized, reusable steel box engineered to transfer seamlessly between vessel, rail, and truck without reloading cargo. ISO 6346 governs dimensions, marking, and testing requirements; the most common lengths are 20 feet—forming the basis of the TEU measurement unit—40 feet (FEU), and 45 feet. Ocean carrier capacity is quoted in TEU, making the 20-foot box the baseline unit for all international seaborne freight statistics. Beyond the standard dry container, specialized types include refrigerated containers (reefers), open-top, flat-rack, and tank containers for bulk liquids. Shipping containers should not be confused with swap bodies or semi-trailers, which are built for road and rail use and follow different dimensional standards.

**Source:** [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seecontainer](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seecontainer)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | shipping container |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 118 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seecontainer |

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

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