20ft High Cube Container

LACU 21001222G1MAX. GROSS 30,480 kgTARE 2,200 kg

2,690 mm
8′ 9 7/8″

5,900 mm
19′ 4 1/4″

2,350 mm
7′ 8 1/2″

LACU 21001222G1MAX. GROSS 30,480 kgTARE 2,200 kg

2,590 mm
8′ 5 15/16″

2,340 mm
7′ 8 1/8″

Overview

The 20 ft High Cube container (also commonly known as 20ft HC container) keeps the standard 20-foot footprint while offering extra internal height, which increases cubic capacity and improves space utilization for cargo that needs additional headroom. It’s commonly selected for shipments where height and volume matter more than length, helping reduce unused space above the load and supporting efficient international and domestic logistics moves.

Provides extra internal height compared to a standard 20 ft unit

Increases cubic capacity for better volume utilization

Suitable for taller pallets and higher carton stacking

Common in warehouse-to-port and port-to-warehouse operations

Best used for cargo that benefits from additional vertical clearance

20 ft High Cube Container Image Gallery

Best for / Not ideal for

Best for	Not ideal for
Bulky, high-volume cargo that benefits from extra internal height	Cargo requiring active temperature control (use reefer equipment instead)
Taller pallets and stacked cartons where a standard 20 ft feels height-constrained	Bulk liquids or powders that require tank/bulk container configurations
Packaged consumer goods, retail, and e-commerce shipments needing better cube utilization	Oversized cargo that cannot be loaded through the doors (may need open top or flat rack)
Consolidations where reducing “air space” improves load efficiency

Industries & typical commodities

Retail and consumer goods: boxed products, textiles, home goods, and packaged merchandise.
E-commerce and 3PL cargo: consolidated parcels, stacked cartons, and distribution-ready goods.
Light manufacturing: components, finished goods, and parts packed in taller cartons.
Machinery and industrial equipment that benefits from additional vertical clearance.
Auto parts and batteries.
Paper products and other packaged goods where improved cube utilization is useful.
Food commodities: coffee, cocoa, rice, beans, canned goods, and other packaged products.
Beverages and liquids: bottled products and properly packaged containerized liquids.
Certain agricultural products packed in bags, cartons, or pallets.

Sizes & dimensions – 20ft High Cube Container

Dimension	Metric	Imperial
Internal Length	5.90 m	19.35 ft
Internal Width	2.35 m	7.72 ft
Internal Height	2.69 m	8.82 ft
Door Opening Width	2.34 m	7.69 ft
Door Opening Height	2.59 m	8.48 ft

Capacity & weights – 20ft High Cube Container

Spec	Metric	Imperial
Cubic Capacity	32.90 m³	1,161.85 ft³
Tare Weight	2,140 kg	4,717.89 lbs
Payload Capacity	28,340 kg	62,479.01 lbs
Max Gross Weight	30,480 kg	67,196.90 lbs

How many pallets fit in a 20ft HC Container?

Pallet capacity varies by loading pattern and pallet type. Use the estimates below as a quick reference:

US standard pallets: up to 10

Euro pallets: up to 11

Note: the actual number depends on the loading pattern, cargo height, and weight/overhang constraints.

Handling recommendations

Keep weight evenly distributed (avoid concentrating weight toward the doors or on one side).

“Heavy on bottom”: Place heavier cargo at the bottom and keep the center of gravity low.

Secure cargo with dunnage / straps / blocking & bracing to prevent shifting in transit.

Treat the door opening as the real constraint: some items may fit inside but still not pass through the door if they are too wide or tall.

If you plan to floor-load (no pallets), map your loading order and access lanes to avoid reworking cargo during unloading.

Reduce large voids using dunnage to minimize vibration and movement.

FAQs about 20 ft High Cube Containers

What is a 20 ft High Cube Container used for?

A 20 ft High Cube container (also called 20ft HC Container) is used for dry cargo that benefits from additional internal height and cubic capacity. It is especially useful for taller pallets, stacked cartons, packaged consumer goods, light manufacturing cargo, and shipments where improved vertical space utilization is important. Like a standard dry container, it does not provide temperature control.

How many pallets fit in a 20 ft High Cube Containers?

In general, a 20 ft High Cube container can hold up to 10 US standard pallets or 11 Euro pallets, depending on the loading pattern and pallet dimensions. The actual number may vary based on cargo height, weight, overhang, and required clearance.

Is a 20 ft High Cube Container waterproof and sealed?

Yes. A 20 ft High Cube container is fully enclosed and sealed to help protect cargo from weather exposure during transit. Cargo should still be properly packed and secured to reduce risks from humidity or condensation.

When should I choose a 20 ft High Cube vs a 20 ft standard container?

Choose a 20 ft High Cube when your cargo requires additional vertical clearance, such as taller pallets, stacked cartons, or loads that benefit from more usable cubic space. A 20 ft Standard may be sufficient when the cargo fits within standard height limits.

What cargo is not suitable for a 20 ft High Cube Container?

A 20 ft High Cube container is not suitable for cargo requiring active temperature control, specialized ventilation, or dedicated tank or bulk configurations. Oversized cargo that cannot be loaded through the doors or requires top or side loading may be better suited to specialized equipment.