The 45 ft High Cube container is a high-capacity unit designed to maximize cubic space for shipments that benefit from extra length and height. It’s commonly used for light, voluminous cargo where space utilization is more important than reaching weight limits quickly. Because container specifications can vary slightly by manufacturer and fleet, confirm the exact unit details when cargo has tight dimensional constraints.
Extra length and height to improve cubic utilization
Well-suited for light, voluminous packaged goods
Common in retail, e-commerce, and general freight flows
Specs may vary by manufacturer / fleet
45 ft High Cube Container Image Gallery
Best for / Not ideal for
Best for
Not ideal for
Bulky, lightweight packaged cargo where volume utilization matters most
Cargo requiring active temperature control (use reefer equipment instead)
Tall pallet builds / higher carton stacking that benefits from high-cube clearance
Light manufacturing: finished goods, components, and products packed in taller cartons or crates.
Furniture and home goods: bulky packaged items that benefit from the additional internal height and length.
Automotive parts: packaged components, accessories, and other high-volume cargo.
Food commodities: packaged, non-temperature-controlled products where additional cubic capacity is useful.
General freight: lightweight or high-volume packaged cargo that benefits from maximum cube utilization.
Sizes & dimensions – 45ft High Cube Container
Dimension
Metric
Imperial
Internal Length
13.556 m
44.48 ft
Internal Width
2.352 m
7.72 ft
Internal Height
2.698 m
8.85 ft
Door Opening Width
2.340 m
7.68 ft
Door Opening Height
2.585 m
8.48 ft
Capacity & weights – 45ft High Cube Container
Spec
Metric
Imperial
Cubic Capacity
85 m³
3,001.75 ft³
Tare Weight
4.900 kg
10,802.65 lbs
Payload Capacity
27,600 kg
60,847.58 lbs
Max Cargo Weight
32,500 kg
71,650.24 lbs
How many pallets fit in a 45ft High Cube Container?
Pallet capacity varies by loading pattern and pallet type. Use the estimates below as a quick reference:
US standard pallets: up to 24
Euro pallets: up to 27
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 45 ft High Cube Containers
What is a 45 ft High Cube container used for?
A 45 ft High Cube container is used for general cargo where extra length and internal height improve cubic utilization—especially light, voluminous goods and tall stacked cartons. It’s common in retail, e-commerce, and consolidated freight where maximizing space helps reduce cost per unit moved. Because equipment can vary by fleet, confirm internal and door measurements when loads are close to clearance limits.
How many pallets fit in a 45 ft High Cube container?
A 45 ft High Cube typically fits up to 27 Euro pallets or around 24 US standard pallets in a common single-layer layout. Actual capacity can vary based on pallet size, orientation, carton overhang, and how much blocking/bracing is required to secure the load. If you need access lanes, extra dunnage, or have fragile/tall cargo, usable floor positions may decrease.
Is a 45 ft High Cube container waterproof and sealed?
A 45 ft High Cube container is designed to be weather-resistant for normal transport and storage, helping protect cargo from rain and external exposure. Still, “waterproof” isn’t absolute and depends on the unit’s condition—door gaskets, panel integrity, and maintenance history matter, especially for used equipment. For moisture-sensitive cargo, inspect door seals, confirm the interior is dry, and consider liners or desiccants to reduce condensation risk.
When should I choose a 45 ft High Cube container vs a 40 ft High Cube container?
Choose a 45 ft High Cube when you need more cubic capacity than a 40 ft High Cube—especially for shipments constrained by volume rather than weight. The extra length can improve load efficiency by fitting more cartons or a longer pallet plan, potentially reducing the number of containers needed. Before selecting 45HC, confirm destination handling capability (dock/chassis constraints) and verify door clearance for tall loads.
What cargo is not suitable for a 45 ft High Cube container?
A general-purpose 45 ft High Cube is not suitable for cargo needing active temperature control (reefer equipment), bulk liquids (tank containers), or oversized items that can’t clear the door opening (often requiring open top or flat rack solutions). Suitability can also depend on route handling; fragile or moisture-sensitive goods may require additional protection, bracing, or humidity control beyond the container itself
Don't Just Take Our Word for It
Learn from the experiences of those who matter most: our customers
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Read our cookies policyACCEPT
Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.