For most global food trade, the 40ft High Cube Reefer is the standard. But for specific high-volume routes—especially "Short Sea" routes in Europe or domestic rail in North America there is a bigger player: the 45ft High Cube Reefer.

Listed in the TraceContainer.com system as "45 High Cube Reefer" (or sometimes by the ISO code 45R1), this unit is the largest refrigerated container available in standard logistics.

It combines the temperature precision of a standard reefer with the massive cargo volume of a road trailer.

What is a 45ft High Cube Reefer?

It is a 45-foot long, 9-foot 6-inch tall refrigerated container.

• The Goal: To match the carrying capacity of a refrigerated semi-trailer truck.

• The Advantage: It allows "Intermodal" transport. You can load 33 pallets of frozen fries in Belgium, put the container on a train, then a barge, then a ship to Ireland, and finally a truck without ever opening the doors.

Capacity: The "33 Pallet" Rule

The main reason shippers hunt for these containers is Pallet Capacity.

• 40ft Reefer: Fits roughly 23 Euro Pallets.

• 45ft Reefer (Pallet Wide): Fits 33 Euro Pallets.

(Note: Many 45ft Reefers are built as "Pallet Wide" units, meaning the internal walls are slightly thinner or the frame is wider to accommodate two 1200mm pallets side-by-side).

45ft High Cube Reefer Dimensions

These are massive units requiring specialized chassis for road transport.

Best Uses: 45ft Reefer HC

Because of its huge volume, the 45ft Reefer is ideal for light, voluminous perishables:

1. Flowers & Plants: Trays of tulips or orchids that take up space but weigh very little.

2. Pharmaceuticals: Large shipments of temperature-controlled medical supplies.

3. Leafy Greens: Spinach, lettuce, and herbs.

4. Bakery Products: Frozen breads and pastries.

Logistics Warning

Before booking a 45ft Reefer, check the route:

1. Terminal Handling: Not all ports handle 45ft units efficiently (they often must be stowed on the deck of the ship).

2. Trucking: You need an extended chassis (45ft capable) to move this from the port to the warehouse.

3. Availability: These are rarer than 40ft units. They are "special equipment" for many shipping lines.

Track Your 45ft Reefer

These units are high-value targets often moving time-sensitive goods like medicine or flowers. 

Ensure your cold chain is unbroken. Track your 45ft Reefer instantly with TraceContainer.com.

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