40' dry high-cube container

Specifications

40' dry high-cube

Length: 12.03 m
Width: 2.35 m
Height: 2.70 m

Door width: 2.34 m
Door height: 2.58 m
Max payload: 28.62 t

Capacity: 76 cbm
Max EUR pallets: 25

ISO code: 45G0

Facts

A 40’ high-cube dry container can load 28,620 kilos. With a height of 2.70 metres and an inside width of 2.35 metres, the volume of a 40 'high-cube - often abbreviated hc - container is 76 cubic metres. High-cube containers have become very popular in recent years for transporting dry goods via sea freight.

A 40 ft high-cube container is suitable for goods above normal height. Like a standard 40-foot container, a high-cube model is also typically used to transporting ordinary consumer goods. This applies to goods / products such as clothes, shoes, furniture, electronics and the like – all cargo at the light end of the scale, but it is a container with room for a lot of goods.

A high-cube 40 'container has a tare weight of 3,900 kilos and a length of 12.03 metres.

When should you choose a 40-foot dry high-cube container?

A 40-foot dry high-cube (HC) container is a good choice when your cargo requires more height and volume than a standard 40-foot dry container. It offers the same container length and width as a standard 40-foot container, but with additional internal height.

This makes it suitable for light, bulky or taller cargo that does not require temperature control. The extra height can make a significant difference when shipping goods on taller pallets, large boxes or cargo that needs more vertical clearance.

A 40-foot dry high-cube container is typically equipped with lashing rings in both the bottom and top of the container. These can be used to help secure the cargo during transport, provided the cargo is correctly lashed and stowed inside the container.

This container type is typically used when volume is more important than weight. If your cargo is dense and heavy, the maximum payload may be reached before the container is full. In that case, a standard 20-foot or 40-foot dry container may be more suitable.

Before booking, it is important to check both the internal height and the door height. Even if the cargo fits inside the container, it must also be possible to load it safely through the container doors.

A 40-foot dry high-cube container can normally fit up to 25 EUR pallets, depending on the cargo dimensions, pallet height and loading method. It provides more cubic capacity than a standard 40-foot dry container and is often preferred for goods where extra space helps improve loading efficiency.

Although container dimensions are standardised, actual measurements and payload may vary slightly depending on manufacturer, container age and equipment availability. For cargo with limited clearance, unusual dimensions or special handling requirements, the specifications should always be confirmed before transport.

Blue Water’s sea freight specialists can help you assess whether a 40-foot dry high-cube container is the right solution for your shipment. We consider your cargo type, weight, route, loading method and delivery requirements to help ensure a safe and efficient transport setup.

A 40-foot dry high-cube container is often used for:

  • Furniture and home interiors
  • Clothing, shoes and textiles
  • Electronics and consumer goods
  • Lightweight industrial products
  • Packaged retail goods
  • Cargo loaded on taller pallets
  • Large cartons and boxed goods
  • Volume-based full container load shipments

Frequently Asked Questions

A 40-foot dry high-cube container is used for dry cargo that requires extra height or more loading volume. Typical cargo includes furniture, textiles, electronics, consumer goods, retail products and lightweight industrial cargo.

The main difference is the height. A 40-foot dry high-cube container offers more internal height and more cubic capacity than a standard 40-foot dry container. This makes it suitable for taller or more voluminous cargo.

A 40-foot dry high-cube container can normally fit up to 25 EUR pallets. The exact number depends on pallet type, cargo dimensions, pallet height and loading method.

You should choose a high-cube container when your cargo requires additional vertical space or when extra cubic capacity can improve loading efficiency. It is often used for lighter cargo that takes up a lot of space.

Yes, but it is often most suitable for lighter, bulky cargo. For very heavy cargo, the maximum payload may be reached before the container is full, so another container type may be more efficient.

No. A dry high-cube container is not temperature-controlled. For goods that require a specific temperature during transport, a reefer container is normally required.

Yes. Container dimensions, door height and payload may vary slightly depending on the specific equipment. Always confirm the details before booking, especially for cargo with limited clearance or special loading requirements.

Container types and sizes

Please note! Dimensions are a guideline only. For exact dimensions and container directions, please contact Blue Water. Containers for heavy cargo are available on request.

20' Dry container

Length: 5.90 m
Width: 2.35 m
Height: 2.39 m

Door width: 2.34 m
Door height: 2.28 m
Max payload: 28.20 t

Capacity: 33 cbm
Max EUR pallets: 11

20' Open top container

Length: 5.90 m
Width: 2.34 m
Height: 2.35 m

Door width: 2.29 m
Door height: 2.25 m
Max payload: 28.20 t

Roof opening: 5.68 x 2.25 m
Capacity: 32 cbm

20' Reefer container

Length: 5.45 m
Width: 2.29 m
Height: 2.25 m

Door width: 2.29 m
Door height: 2.24 m
Max payload: 27.49 t

Capacity: 28 cbm
Max EUR pallets: 10

40' Dry container

Length: 12.03 m
Width: 2.35 m
Height: 2.39 m

Door width: 2.34 m
Door height: 2.28 m
Max payload: 28.80 t

Capacity: 67 cbm
Max EUR pallets: 25

40' Dry high-cube container

Length: 12.03 m
Width: 2.35 m
Height: 2.70 m

Door width: 2.34 m
Door height: 2.58 m
Max payload: 28.62 t

Capacity: 76 cbm
Max EUR pallets: 25

40' Reefer high-cube container

Length: 11.58 m
Width: 2.29 m
Height: 2.50 m

Door width: 2.29 m
Door height: 2.50 m
Max payload: 28.35 t

Capacity: 67 cbm
Max EUR pallets: 23

40' Open top container

Length: 12.03 m
Width: 2.34 m
Height: 2.35 m

Door width: 2.29 m
Door height: 2.25 m
Max payload: 26.60 t

Roof opening: 11.81 x 2.22 m
Capacity: 64 cbm

45' Dry high-cube container

Length: 13.56 m
Width: 2.35 m
Height: 2.70 m

Door width: 2.34 m
Door height: 2.58 m
Max payload: 27.60 t

Capacity: 85 cbm
Max EUR pallets: 27