The top container manufacturers produce the majority of shipping containers worldwide. In this blog, you’ll learn everything about the biggest names and how to secure quality containers from them at great prices.
The container industry is a core element of international trade and commerce, allowing goods to be transported safely across geographies. With the rise in globalization and e-commerce, the demand for shipping containers continues. Understanding the key players is therefore essential for businesses and individuals looking to rent, sell, or buy shipping containers.
It’s no surprise that a handful of manufacturers produce most of the containers used worldwide; let’s discover who the top ten shipping container manufacturers are, where they’re located, and how current trends affect how they—and you—operate.
Top ten shipping container manufacturers
1. CIMC (China International Marine Container Group Co., Ltd.)
- Location: Shenzhen, China
- Factories: 11
- Capacity: 2 million cargo containers/year
Based in Shenzhen, China, CIMC is the world’s largest shipping container manufacturer. Founded in 1980 as a merger between China Merchants Group and East Asiatic Company, they provide all types of containers, ranging from dry containers to modular container homes, with target markets in North America, Asia, and Europe. Currently, CIMC has 11 factories and a yearly capacity of 2 million dry cargo containers. Learn more about CIMC here.
2. Dong Fang International Container Group (DFIC)
- Location: Shanghai, China
- Factories: 6
- Capacity: 1.8 million cargo containers/year
Headquartered in Shanghai, DFIC specializes in the production of dry cargo and refrigerated containers. The company is a manufacturing platform of China Cosco Shipping Corporation Limited, sitting under COSCO Shipping Development Co. Thanks to their focus on innovation, sales, and after-sales service, DFIC has become a popular choice for businesses worldwide. Visit DFIC’s website.
3. Maersk Container Industry (MCI)
- Location: Tinglev, Denmark
- Factories: 1 (previously in China, now focusing on Denmark)
- Specialty: Refrigerated (reefer) containers & cold chain solutions
With test engineering in Denmark, MCI is a subsidiary of A.P. Moller-Maersk. With more than 100 years of experience, MCI is known for its advanced refrigerated containers (reefers). Their cutting-edge technologies prioritize energy efficiency and durability, which makes them a good long-term choice. Visit MCI’s website.
4. SINGAMAS (Singamas Container Holdings Ltd.)
- Location: Hong Kong (Headquarters), Factories in Jiangsu, China
- Factories: 9
- Capacity: 900,000 cargo containers/year
Founded in 1988, this prominent Hong Kong-based manufacturer offers a broad product portfolio, including dry freight, refrigerated, and special-purpose containers. Visit Singamas website.
5. CXIC (CXIC Group Containers Co., Ltd.)
- Location: Jiangsu, China
- Factories: 3
- Capacity: 900,000 cargo containers/year
Known for its high-quality containers and robust manufacturing processes, CXIC Group has a strong reputation for meeting diverse customer requirements. The company was founded in 1996 in Changzhou, China. CXIC specializes in producing dry cargo containers, special containers, and tank containers. The company exports 90% of its containers to over 40 countries in the world and has an annual capacity of 900,000 TEUs. Visit the CXIC Group.
6. TLS Offshore Containers International Pvt. Ltd.
- Location: Singapore & China
- Factories: 2
- Specialty: Offshore and modular container solutions
TLS specializes in offshore containers and special containers. The company set up its manufacturing base in 1995 in Singapore, one of the largest container manufacturing bases worldwide. Reaching a global target market with clients in Asia, Europe, South America, and Australia, TLS specializes in offshore containers and modular solutions, providing custom-built units for industries such as oil and gas, renewable energy, and defense.
7. BSL Containers
- Location: Shanghai
- Factories: 1
- Specialty: ISO-standard and custom shipping containers
A global player with manufacturing facilities in Shanghai, BSL Containers focuses on producing both standard and custom-built containers for a variety of applications, including housing and storage.
8. W&K Container Inc.
- Location: United States
- Specialty: Custom container modifications & specialized units
US-based W&K Container specializes in custom container modifications and provides a wide range of standard and specialized containers. With 25 years of experience in the industry, they supply local and municipal governments, as well as the private sector.
9. YMC Container Solutions
- Location: United Kingdom
- Factories: 2 (Brandesburton & Wakefield)
- Specialty: Multi-purpose shipping containers
With headquarters in the UK, YMC manufactures multi-purpose shipping containers. Having been in the industry for over 40 years, the company has captured the market in the UK and has two manufacturing facilities located in Brandesburton and Wakefield.
10. DCM Hyundai Limited (DHL)
- Location: India (Joint venture with Hyundai Group, Korea)
- Factories: Not specified
- Specialty: General shipping containers
DCM was established in 1993 as a joint venture between DCM Shriram Industries Ltd. in India and The Hyundai Group of Korea. Both companies are world leaders in the container business. Over the last thirty years, the company has developed an outstanding reputation with customers across 25 countries globally.
Practical insights for businesses
For businesses that are looking to enter the shipping container business or expand their reach within the industry, there are key considerations to make. The first decision is whether you want to buy or rent a container. Organizations that are planning on longer-term container use will find it cost-effective to buy one, whereas, for single usage, rental may be more convenient.
If you’re considering buying a container, you need to decide if you’re looking for a new or used container, what size you want, and whether you need modifications. It’s also a good idea to shop around and see when prices are lower and when demand is higher.
The global shipping container market is constantly changing, with demand fluctuating in line with shifts in the global industry. Container xChange’s online marketplace lets you compare containers across locations so that you can get the best deals without the cost of going through a dealer or the risk of dealing with private sales.
Need to learn more? Checkout these blogs
These articles offer practical advice to help you find the right containers, understand their value, and make confident decisions for your business.
- Shipping container business – Details about top manufacturers for new and used containers.
- How to buy a shipping container – A complete guide to buying containers the right way.
- Shipping container investment – Why containers are a smart investment for businesses and individuals.
- Shipping container grades – A breakdown of container grades and container conditions.
- Types of containers – A closer look at the different container types and finding the best for your business needs.
- Try Container xChange for free – Book a demo to see how it works.
Container manufacturers: Common FAQs
Who is the biggest container manufacturer?
The biggest container manufacturer in the world is CIMC, a Chinese container company. They have an annual capacity of 2 million containers, and are the first company to reach 2 million TEUs internationally.
What companies make shipping containers?
There are many companies who make shipping containers, including CIMC, Singamas and CXIC. These 3 companies currently control around 90% of global container manufacturing. CIMC has 11 factories and an annual capacity of 2 million containers.
Who builds shipping containers?
Shipping container manufacturing companies build shipping containers. These include CIMC, Singamas, CXIC, and Maersk. Currently, around 85% of container manufacturers are situated in China.
