In international logistics and transportation, container abbreviations are widely used to simplify communication and documentation. Below are some of the most common container abbreviations and their meanings:
20GP / 40GP: Refers to 20-foot and 40-foot General Purpose containers. These are standard dry cargo containers, the most commonly used type for international sea freight.
20HC / 40HC: Refers to 20-foot and 40-foot High Cube containers. These containers are taller than standard containers, offering greater storage capacity.
RF: Reefer Container, a refrigerated container used for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo.
OT: Open-Top Container, suitable for oversized cargo or goods that need to be loaded by crane.
PBC: Platform Container, designed for transporting heavy machinery, vehicles, and oversized cargo.
TEU / FEU: Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit and Forty-foot Equivalent Unit. These units are used to measure shipping capacity and container volume.
DCC: Dry Cargo Container, the most common type of container used for general cargo.
OTC: Open-Top Container, similar to OT, but sometimes used as a broader term.
RF: Reefer Container, abbreviation for refrigerated containers used to transport perishable goods. (Note: same as point 3, often repeated in usage.)
FR: Flat Rack or Framework Container, designed for special cargo such as large equipment or oversized machinery.
