Today, the shipping container is one of the most recognizable elements of global trade. These large metal boxes stacked in ports or transported on highways are part of our daily lives. Shipping containers have become ubiquitous in our daily lives. However, few people truly know what they are, how they work, and what they are concretely used for.
Whether you are a professional, an entrepreneur, or simply curious, this guide is for you. Eurocontex explains everything you need to know about shipping containers.
1. The History of the Shipping Container: A Logistics Revolution
The modern shipping container was invented by Malcolm McLean, an American trucking magnate, in 1956. Before this invention, loading ships was a long, costly, and risky operation, with each package being loaded individually by hand.
McLean thus had the idea of standardizing transport by creating metal boxes of fixed size. Consequently, loading costs drastically dropped. The cost per ton of goods fell from several tens of dollars to a few cents. Today, over 90% of global trade is transported by container.
2. How is a shipping container manufactured?
A standard shipping container is primarily made of Corten steel, an alloy resistant to corrosion and impact. Moreover, this material allows it to withstand the most extreme conditions. Sea storms, temperature variations, stacking under several tens of tons: nothing stops it.
Its structure notably includes:
- The floor: made of tropical wood fixed on steel cross members
- The side walls: made of corrugated steel for better rigidity
- The roof: also made of corrugated steel
- The doors: double-leaf with hermetic seals
- The corner castings: standardized parts allowing stacking and fastening
3. ISO standards: why they are important
All shipping containers comply with international ISO standards. This ensures their compatibility with all handling equipment worldwide.
The two main standards are:
ISO 668 — defines external dimensions and tolerances ISO 1496 — defines mechanical resistances
These standards guarantee full compatibility in Europe. An Eurocontex container can thus be used, transported, and handled anywhere without constraint.
4. The 3 types of containers available at Eurocontex
There are several types of shipping containers depending on needs. At Eurocontex, we offer three main categories:
The Standard Container (Dry Van)
This is the most common type. It is closed, watertight, and used to transport or store all types of dry goods. Available in 10, 20, and 40 feet.
The High Cube Container
Identical to the standard but with an additional 30 cm in height (2.89 m interior). Therefore, it is ideal when volume is a priority. Available in 20 and 40 feet.
The Refrigerated Container (Reefer)
Equipped with an integrated refrigeration system, it maintains a controlled temperature. It is therefore essential for food products or pharmaceuticals.
5. Standard dimensions to know
Here is a summary table of the dimensions of shipping containers available at Eurocontex:
| Type | Ext. Length | Ext. Width | Ext. Height | Usable Volume |
| 10 feet Standard | 2.99 m | 2.44 m | 2.59 m | ~14 m³ |
| 20 feet Standard | 6.06 m | 2.44 m | 2.59 m | ~33 m³ |
| 20 feet High Cube | 6.06 m | 2.44 m | 2.89 m | ~37 m³ |
| 40 feet Standard | 12.19 m | 2.44 m | 2.59 m | ~67 m³ |
| 40 feet High Cube | 12.19 m | 2.44 m | 2.89 m | ~76 m³ |
6. Uses of a shipping container in Europe
Uses have become considerably diversified. Here are the main uses observed in Europe:
Professional storage — temporary warehouse on a construction site or a farm. Also used as a permanent solution for SMEs.
Storage for individuals — economical solution for storing furniture or hobby equipment.
Goods transport — shipping products from one country to another within the European Union.
Development projects — construction site offices, pop-up shops, alternative housing. The shipping container has thus become a building material in its own right.
Cold chain — the refrigerated container is also indispensable in the agri-food and pharmaceutical sectors.
7. New or Used: What's the Difference?
Shipping containers are available in two main conditions:
New (One Trip): the container has made only one trip from the factory. It is therefore in excellent condition, with no signs of rust or repair. This is the premium option.
Used: the container has been used for several years. It nevertheless still meets waterproofing standards, but may show signs of wear. This is therefore the most economical solution.
At Eurocontex, we carefully select our containers to guarantee optimal quality delivered throughout the European Union.
The shipping container is much more than a simple metal box. It is a versatile, robust, and economical solution that meets a multitude of professional and personal needs. Thanks to ISO standards, it is also compatible everywhere in Europe and around the world.
Whether you need a 10-foot container for storing equipment, a 40-foot High Cube for a large project, or a refrigerated container for your food business, Eurocontex offers a complete range delivered throughout the European Union.
