When a 40ft High Cube just isn't big enough, there is one final step up in the standard container world: The 45ft High Cube.

Listed in the TraceContainer.com system as "45 High Cube" or "45 General Purpose", this massive unit offers the maximum volume possible in standard container shipping.

It was designed to compete directly with semi-truck trailers. By matching the length of a standard road trailer, the 45ft container allows shippers to move goods seamlessly from Ship to Train to Truck without losing a single inch of cargo space.

What is a 45ft High Cube?

It is a steel shipping container that is 45 feet (13.7 meters) long and 9 feet 6 inches (2.9 meters) tall.

• The Extra Length: It is 5 feet longer than a standard 40ft box.

• The Construction: It typically features "corner castings" at the 40ft mark and the 45ft mark. This allows it to be lifted by standard cranes designed for 40ft containers.

The "Pallet Wide" Advantage

The 45ft High Cube is famous for one specific number: 33.

1. Euro Pallets (1200x800mm): A 45ft container can fit 33 Euro Pallets on the floor.

2. Why this matters: A standard road trailer in Europe also fits 33 pallets. This means you can swap a truck shipment for a container shipment (Intermodal) without leaving any cargo behind.

45ft High Cube Dimensions

Note: These are massive units. Always verify your receiving warehouse has the turning radius to handle a 45ft chassis.

Logistics Challenges (Read Before Booking)

While the extra space is great, 45ft containers come with operational rules:

1. On-Deck Stowage: On many older container ships, 45ft containers can only be loaded on the top deck (above the hold) because they are too long to fit inside the cell guides below deck.

2. Trucking: You need a specific extendable chassis to haul a 45ft container. Not every trucker has one.

3. Turning Radius: The extra length makes tight corners in cities difficult.

Best Uses

1. Lightweight, High-Volume Goods: E-commerce parcels, textiles, foam, insulation materials.

2. Short-Sea Shipping: Moving cargo between European countries (e.g., Rotterdam to Dublin) or US Domestic transport, as an alternative to road trucking.

Track Your 45ft Shipment

These giants often move on mixed routes involving rail, barge, and truck. Keep visibility on your intermodal chain. Track your 45ft High Cube instantly with TraceContainer.com.

Track 45ft Container