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SPECIAL CONTAINERS
FOR THE CARGO STANDARD WON'T FIT

When your cargo is too tall, too wide, too heavy, or simply not box-shaped — special purpose containers solve the problem. Open Top, Flat Rack, Tank, Bulk, and Open Side units, available across our European depot network.

Five Specialist Container Types

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPECIAL
FOR YOUR CARGO

Special containers solve specific cargo challenges that standard dry units can't handle. We supply all five major types — both for sale and project rental — sourced from European depots and certified to the relevant ISO standards.

Open Top Container

ISO 1496-1 · Type 22U1 / 42U1

A standard container with a removable tarpaulin or hard-top roof instead of a fixed steel roof. Top-load with crane, accommodate over-height cargo. Available in 20ft and 40ft.

Sizes20ft · 40ft
RoofTarpaulin / hardtop
Max load~28 tonnes
DoorStandard end doors

Common cargo: Heavy machinery, glass sheets, marble slabs, timber, scrap metal, oversized industrial parts, tall equipment.

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CARGO

Flat Rack Container

ISO 1496-5 · Type 22P1 / 42P1

Just a base and two collapsible end-walls — no roof, no sides. Built for over-width, over-height, or extremely heavy cargo. Highest payload capacity in the ISO family.

Sizes20ft · 40ft
End wallsCollapsible
Max payload~45 tonnes
SpecialStackable when collapsed

Common cargo: Boats, yachts, vehicles, transformers, generators, prefabricated buildings, large machinery, project cargo.

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Tank Container (ISO Tank)

ISO 1496-3 · Type 22T*

Stainless steel cylindrical tank within an ISO-frame. The standard for liquid bulk transport. Top manhole for loading, bottom valve for discharge. Insulated and steam-heated variants available.

Capacity~24,000–26,000 L
MaterialStainless steel
InsulationOptional
HeatingSteam coil option

Common cargo: Chemicals (ADR/IMDG), food-grade liquids (oils, juices, milk), fuels, industrial gases, latex, bitumen.

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Bulk Container

ISO 1496-4 · Type 22B0

Standard ISO container with top loading hatches and bottom discharge openings. Built for free-flowing bulk solids. Reinforced internally to handle dense cargo loading.

Sizes20ft (most common)
Top hatches2–3 manholes
DischargeRear gate / bottom
LiningOften poly-lined

Common cargo: Grain, malt, sugar, coffee beans, cocoa, plastic pellets, animal feed, powdered minerals, sand, granulated chemicals.

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Open Side Container

ISO 1496-1 · Type 22V*

Standard container with doors along the entire length of one side. Forklift-direct loading without manoeuvring inside. Maximum loading flexibility for warehouse-style use.

Sizes20ft (most common)
Side doorsFull length
Standard end doorsYes
Best forForklift loading

Common cargo: Long items (timber, pipes, profiles), pallets requiring side-loading, retail/warehouse use, frequent access scenarios, modified for kiosks.

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Decision Guide

WHICH SPECIAL DO YOU NEED?

📏 Cargo too tall?

→ Open Top (load over the roof with a crane)

⬛ Cargo too wide / heavy?

→ Flat Rack (no walls, open all sides)

💧 Liquid or chemical cargo?

→ Tank Container (ISO Tank — stainless steel)

🌾 Loose dry bulk (grain, pellets)?

→ Bulk Container (top hatches, bottom discharge)

📦 Frequent forklift loading?

→ Open Side (full-side doors)

🤔 Standard cargo, just bigger?

→ 40ft High Cube (1 ft taller than 40ft standard)

Frequently Asked Questions

SPECIAL CONTAINERS — FAQ

What is an Open Top container?
An Open Top container has a removable tarpaulin or hard-top roof instead of a fixed steel roof. Used for cargo too tall for standard containers, or for top-loading with a crane. Typical cargo includes machinery, glass, marble, timber, scrap metal. Tarpaulin versions use ropes; hardtop versions use a removable rigid steel roof.
What is a Flat Rack container?
A Flat Rack has only a base and two collapsible end-walls. No side-walls, no roof. Used for over-width, over-height or extremely heavy cargo such as boats, vehicles, transformers, generators, prefabricated buildings. End walls collapse for empty repositioning, allowing 4–5 flat racks to stack as one container slot.
What is a Tank container (ISO Tank)?
A Tank container is a stainless steel cylindrical tank mounted within a standard 20ft ISO frame. Used for liquids (chemicals, food-grade liquids, fuel), gases, and powdered bulk goods. Capacity typically 24,000–26,000 litres. Loading via top manhole, discharge via bottom valve. Insulated and steam-heated variants are available for temperature-sensitive cargoes.
What is the difference between Open Top and Hard Top?
Open Top has a removable tarpaulin roof secured by ropes (cheaper, more common). Hard Top has a removable rigid steel roof (better security and weather protection, but more expensive and rare). Both function similarly for top-loading and over-height cargo.
Can I rent a special container?
Yes — Open Top, Flat Rack and Tank containers can be rented for project cargo. Minimum rental typically 1-3 months. Tank containers usually require ADR/IMDG compliance documentation depending on cargo. Bulk and Open Side rentals are less common but available for specific projects.
How much do special containers cost?
Used Open Tops: from €3,500. Used Flat Racks: from €4,000. Used ISO Tanks: from €8,000–€18,000 (depending on chemical compatibility). Used Bulk: from €4,000. Used Open Side: from €5,500. Prices vary significantly based on age, condition, last cargo, and specific certifications. Request a quote for current European depot stock.

SPECIAL CARGO PROJECT?

Tell us about your cargo (size, weight, type) and destination. We'll suggest the right special container and quote within 24 hours.

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