Complete technical specs for the 40ft High Cube container — 1 foot taller than standard 40ft, with 13% more internal volume. Metric and imperial units side by side. ISO 1496-1 certified, type code 45G1.
Quick Reference
The 40ft High Cube (40' HC, 40' HQ, type code 45G1) is the most popular container size in modern global trade. Same length and width as a standard 40ft, but 1 foot taller — giving an extra 8.7 m³ (305 ft³) of cargo space. Ideal for bulky, low-density cargo where volume is the limiting factor.
Full 40ft HC container specification sheet with dimensions, weight, capacity tables — formatted for printing.
| Feature | Metric (mm / kg / m³) | Imperial (ft / lb / ft³) |
|---|---|---|
| External Dimensions | ||
| Length | 12,192 mm | 40 ft 0 in |
| Width | 2,438 mm | 8 ft 0 in |
| Height (HC) | 2,896 mm | 9 ft 6 in |
| Internal Dimensions | ||
| Length | 12,032 mm | 39 ft 5.7 in |
| Width | 2,352 mm | 7 ft 8.6 in |
| Height | 2,698 mm | 8 ft 10.2 in |
| Door Opening | ||
| Width | 2,343 mm | 7 ft 8.2 in |
| Height | 2,585 mm | 8 ft 5.8 in |
| Weight & Capacity | ||
| Tare weight (empty) | 3,900 kg | 8,598 lb |
| Max payload | 26,580 kg | 58,602 lb |
| Max gross weight | 30,480 kg | 67,200 lb |
| Internal volume | 76.4 m³ | 2,700 ft³ |
| Pallet Capacity | ||
| Euro pallets (1200 × 800 mm) | 25 (50 stacked) | |
| Standard / US pallets (1200 × 1000 mm) | 20 (40 stacked) | |
| Construction | ||
| Material | Corten weathering steel | |
| Floor | 28 mm marine plywood (standard) | |
| Stack height | 9 high (laden) | |
| CSC certified | ✓ Yes (ISO 1496-1) | |
| Type code (ISO 6346) | 45G1 | |
| TEU equivalence | 2 TEU | |
Industry Applications
40ft HC dominates the bulky/lightweight cargo trade. Common loadings:
Garments on hangers (GOH), bulk fabric rolls. Extra height allows 2 layers of GOH bars.
Sofas, mattresses, tall wardrobes. Extra headroom prevents damage to upright items.
Tall machines, robotics, production lines. Many industrial units exceed 7'10" — need HC.
Boxed retail goods stacked 2 layers. The 1 ft of extra height nearly doubles pallet capacity.
Container homes, offices, accommodation. Standard 8'6" feels cramped; HC ceiling is comfortable.
Higher volume per move = lower cost per unit. Most preferred container in retail logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare With Other Sizes
The 40ft HC is our most-stocked container — available new (One-Trip) and used (IICL / Cargo Worthy / WWT) at all our European depots. Quote within 24 hours.
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