Marine and Household Containers: A Comparison, Advantages, and Disadvantages

On this page, we will compare shipping containers and household containers, highlighting their differences, advantages, and disadvantages, as well as their potential uses.

Shipping Containers—Types, Available Sizes, and Uses

Shipping containers are characterized by their sturdy construction, are more resistant to weather conditions (including saltwater) and have special fastening mechanisms that allow them to be safely stacked on ships, moved by cranes or forklifts, or transported over long distances by trucks.

The main types of shipping containers include:

⦁ WWT (Well-Well-Tank). Double-walled containers designed for transporting liquid cargo.
⦁ CW (Closed Van). Enclosed containers designed for transporting dry cargo. This is the most popular and commonly used type of shipping container.
⦁ IICL (Insulated Container Liner). Refrigerated containers designed for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo.
⦁ CSC (Cargo Secure Container). A secure cargo securing system integrated into the container’s structure.
⦁ ACEP (Anti-Collision and Environmental Protection). Containers manufactured to minimize collision damage and protect the environment.

Table of shipping container sizes, purposes, and advantages and disadvantages:

Size (feet/meters)	Type	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages	Suitable
< 10’DC (<3m)	Various	Specialized containers, available in sizes ranging from 6 to 9 feet, with capacities ranging from 5.6 m³ to 12.2 m³	Compact, suitable for specific types of cargo	May be non-standard; difficult to find transportation and storage space	For specialized cargo requiring special conditions
10’DC (3 m)	CW	Small container	Easiest to transport, most maneuverable, economical, suitable for storage	Very small volume, limited cargo capacity	Transportation and storage of very small cargo, specialized cargo
20’DC (6 m)	CW	Standard medium-capacity container	Easier to transport, more maneuverable, widely available, cost-effective, suitable for storage	Smaller volume compared to 40’ containers	Transportation, storage, and direct transport of smaller-volume cargo
40’DC (12 m)	CW	Standard high-cube container	Large volume, versatile, widely available, suitable for storage	More complex transportation; may require special equipment for loading and unloading; less suitable for very large or irregularly shaped cargo	Transportation of dry bulk cargo, long-term storage, direct transport without transshipment
40’HC (12 m)	CW	High-capacity container with higher walls	Large volume and height, suitable for tall goods, a good choice for storage	More complex transportation, may require special equipment, transportation restrictions due to height	Transportation and storage of tall cargo
45’HC (13.5 m)	CW	High-capacity container with higher walls	Very large volume and height	May be difficult to transport, may require special equipment, and may be subject to height-related transportation restrictions	Transportation and storage of high-volume, tall cargo

Below is an image that perfectly illustrates the possibilities for transporting different types of cargo using a 20-foot shipping container:

Household containers—their purpose and use

Compared to shipping containers, household containers are much more diverse in both size and construction. Although they can be constructed from various materials, you’ll most often find them made from a steel frame and PIR panels, whose design allows the containers to be adapted for a variety of uses: as temporary offices, changing rooms, rest areas, stores, kiosks, or other types of facilities.

Comparison Table of Household and Shipping Containers:

Feature	Shipping Containers	Household containers
Standardization	ISO 668 standard.	Structural components are welded in accordance with ISO 2-3834.
Materials	Galvanized steel.	Galvanized steel frame and PIR panels.
Strength	Extremely sturdy, impact-resistant structure.	Durable, but not as sturdy as a shipping container structure.
Weather Resistance	Resistant to weather conditions and a maritime climate.	Resistant to various weather conditions, though may be less durable in winter.
Size	13.5-meter containers 12-meter containers (40’DC) 12-meter containers (40’HC) 6-meter containers (20’DC) 3-meter containers (10’DC) Containers smaller than 3 meters (various sizes available)	Standard dimensions: Exterior: length 6.058 m × width 2.438 m × height 2.591 m. Interior: length 5.895 m × width 2.350 m × height 2.392 m.
Types of cargo	Various, including cargo requiring special conditions.	Not used for cargo transport.
Purpose	International freight transport by sea, land transport by tractor-trailers, and warehousing.	Local use: stores, kiosks, mobile offices, storage units, greenhouse spaces, etc. Suitable for construction, household use, temporary structures, and ceremonial events.
Price	The price depends on the condition (new or used) and size. Larger containers, whether new or used, will be more expensive than smaller ones.	Prices vary depending on your selection. A new household container will be cheaper than a new shipping container; prices may also vary when ordering a container customized to your specific needs.
Available RAL colors

Container frames—for business and personal projects

Container frames—reliable and sturdy structures that you can easily adapt to your projects: install windows, choose wooden or other wall finishes. This container frame is ideal for various industrial and agricultural sectors, as well as for commercial or personal purposes.

Sturdy galvanized steel frames, consisting of rectangular-profile side walls, top and bottom sections, and sturdy corner profiles, ensure a flawless structure and protection against deformation during transport. Special attachment points allow for easy connection of containers and the realization of unique designs. Need more information about container frames, shipping containers, or household containers?