Large Shipping Container Sizes: 40′, 45′, 46′, and 53′

Large shipping container offers practical, logistical, and financial advantages, especially when you need more storage, transport efficiency, or space for conversion.

The large container sizes for shipping logistics cargo vary, depending on the dimensions and weight of the load. There are 40’, 45’, 46’, and even 53’.

Then, the grouping of container sizes is divided into standard and high cube sizes, based on the height of the container. However, all large shipping container sizes are only available in High Cube size, providing an extra 1’ in height.

To get a better understanding of the dimensions of large shipping container sizes and their benefits, read this article until the end!

Contents

Top Benefits of Using a Large Shipping Container

Large Shipping Container
Large Shipping Container

Increased Capacity

With a larger container, you will have more interior space to store or ship larger volumes of cargo or equipment. Therefore, large containers are ideal for bulky items, palletized goods, or full-scale conversion projects (like homes or retail units).

Lower Cost per Cubic Foot

While the upfront price is higher than smaller containers, the cost per cubic meter of space is lower. This makes the large containers more economical for high-volume shipping or long-term storage.

Fewer Trips Needed

Using a larger container will allow you to consolidate more goods into one container. This means that you will have fewer transportation cycles and can reduce fuel costs, labor expenses, and handling time.

Ideal for Conversions

Large containers offer more layout flexibility and easier integration of amenities (plumbing, HVAC, etc.). This makes them ideal for tiny homes, offices, retail stores, workshops, classrooms, clinics, or cafes.

Better for Oversized Cargo

Oversized cargo often can not fit inside the standard container. Therefore, you will need a larger container to load wider and longer things like machinery, construction materials, and large vehicles.

Versatile for Modifications

Large containers will provide you with more space. This means that you will have more room for double doors or roll-up access, partitioning, lofting, shelving, or built-in systems.

Improved Workflow in Storage Use

Big or large containers allow aisle-based access, better organization, and stacked storage inside. This is great for warehouses or on-site efficiency where quick access to tools, stock, or inventory is essential.

Suitable for High-Demand Environments

Large-sized containers are great for industries like construction, agriculture, health, education, and entertainment. These industries use large containers for jobsite storage, modular spaces, supply units, and mobile hospitals.

40’ High Cube Container 

40’ High Cube Container Dimension

Specification Measurement
Length x Width x Height 40’ x 8’ x 9.6’
Volume 2,694 cu.ft
Tare Weight 7,760 lbs
Max Payload 59,440 lbs
Max Cargo 67,200 lbs

 

The 40’ High Cube Shipping Container measures 40’ x 8’ x 9.6’, providing additional height and ample space for a wide range of goods and equipment. Whether you need to store or transport consumer goods, household items, construction materials, or machinery, this container will offer the space you require.

This 40ft container comes with several standard shipping container features, including corner castings and forklift pockets that make it easy to move around your property or loading dock. These pockets are specifically designed to fit standard forklifts, allowing you to move the container safely and efficiently.

45’ High Cube Container 

45’ High Cube Container Dimension

Specification Measurement
Length x Width x Height 45’ x 8’ x 9.6’
Max Gross Weight 71,650 lbs
Tare Weight 10,471 lbs
Cargo Weight 61,178 lbs

 

The 45′ High Cube Container is perfect for bulk shipping, allowing you to save costs by transporting large quantities of products efficiently. Also, its one-foot height advantage over standard containers makes it ideal for manufacturers, wholesalers, and conversion projects that require larger space.

The 45’ is the longest for ocean freight, and complies with ISO standards. The new units come with a CSC plate that enables containers for international shipping, ensuring smooth worldwide logistics operations. The CSC plate must be renewed every 5 years.

46’ High Cube Container 

46’ High Cube Container Dimension

Specification Measurement
Length x Width x Height 46’ x 8’ x 9.6’
Max Weight 74,960 lbs
Tare Weight 14,770 lbs
Max Payload 60,190 lbs
Cubic Capacity 2,870 cu.ft

 

A 46′ length container gives you the space you need to fit more cargo in a single container.

Compared to typical container types, this container allows you to stack your pallet-supported merchandise in a more spacious area.

53’ High Cube Container 

53’ High Cube Container Dimension

Specification Measurement
Length x Width x Height 53’ x 8’ x 9.6’
Max Weight 9,997 lbs
Tare Weight 9,997 lbs
Max Payload lbs
Cubic Capacity 3,040 cu.ft

 

The 53’ High Cube Containers are more spacious and have a greater capacity for freight than other types of containers. This can assist various industries in achieving strategic objectives by serving as a standard storage facility for cargo goods and customized storage.

This large container is widely used in North American rail and truck freight. However, the 53’ container is not an ISO-standard container, not commonly used for international sea shipping or for land use only.

Conclusion

Large shipping containers like 40’, 45’, 46’, and 53’ offer numerous benefits, including cost savings, enhanced security, increased storage capacity, and greater application flexibility. 

If you would like to buy or rent large containers, get them from Tradecorp, a reliable storage container sales, purchase, rental, and modification service company. Tradecorp provides modification and custom shipping container services to residences by adding windows, doors, walls, and roof insulation. 

Our experienced staff is ready to help you arrange the shipping of your container to your requested location. Fill out our quote form to buy or rent from us!