The main types of containers, as defined by ISO Standards Handbook on Freight Containers are:
1. General purpose containers;
2. Specific purpose containers.
- closed ventilated container;
- open top container;
- platform based container open sided;
- platform based container open sided with complete superstructure;
- platform based container open sided with incomplete superstructure and fixed ends;
- platform based container open sided with incomplete superstructure and folding ends;
- platform (container);
3. Specific cargo containers;
- thermal container;
- insulated container;
- refrigerated container - (expendable refrigerant);
- mechanically refrigerated container;
- heated container;
- refrigerated and heated container;
- tank container;
- dry bulk container;
- named cargo container (such as automobile, livestock and others); and,
- air mode container.