90% of customers prioritize understanding the internal dimensions of shipping containers and their maximum cubic meter (CBM) capacity. This ensures that all ordered goods can be securely loaded and transported without any portion being left behind. In international shipping, the 40HQ container is the most widely used standard. To address this, I’ll be dedicating a special section to explore the internal measurements of 40HQ containers and their optimal loading capacities across various configurations.
40HQ Container Size and Measurements
External Dimensions: 12.19 meters (length) x 2.44 meters (width) x 2.9 meters (height)
Internal Dimensions: 12.03 meters (length) x 2.35 meters (width) x 2.7 meters (height)
Door Opening: 2.34 meters (width) x 2.59 meters (height)
For visual reference, please see the attached image.
Theoretical Capacity: 12 × 2.35 × 2.7 = 76 CBM
Practical Capacity: Typically ranges between 59–68 CBM due to loading constraints.
Maximum Load Capacity (Without Pallets): Approximately 68 CBM
Generally speaking, due to the constraints of carton dimensions and the need to maintain spacing between cartons for easier loading and unloading, the maximum stacking height inside the container is 2.55 meters, the maximum stacking width is 2.25 meters, and the maximum length typically does not exceed 11.8 meters. As a result, without palletizing, the maximum load capacity of the container is approximately 67.7 CBM (2.55 × 2.25 × 11.8).
Maximum Load Capacity (With Pallets): Approximately 59 CBM
When using pallets, the number of products that can be loaded is significantly reduced. First, the total height of the pallet must be less than the container door height of 2.59 meters. Additionally, since the pallet needs to be transported into the container by a forklift, a minimum clearance of 15 cm is required to maneuver the forklift. As a result, the total height of the pallet cannot exceed 2.44 meters.
Once the pallet is inside the container, a 5 cm clearance is needed on both the left and right sides of the container, as well as a 5 cm gap between pallets to ensure smooth and efficient movement. This reduces the maximum usable width of the container to 2.2 meters. Furthermore, due to pallet size limitations, the maximum usable length of the container is generally 11.5 meters. Therefore, when using pallets, the container’s maximum capacity is approximately 61.7 CBM (2.44 × 2.2 × 11.5).
However, because the cartons must fully align with the pallet specifications, the pallet height typically does not exceed 2.35 meters, the usable width remains under 2.2 meters, and the usable length stays within 11.5 meters. This brings the maximum capacity down to approximately 59 CBM (2.35 × 2.2 × 11.5). This figure is based on our tested maximum capacity with pallets. In practice, the actual capacity may be slightly lower depending on the specific pallet and carton dimensions. Rest assured, we will provide the best possible solution and accurate data tailored to your specific requirements.
