45ft high cube container: maximum volume
The 45ft is the largest standard container: 13.7 m long, 2.70 m of headroom and 86 m³ — about 15% more volume than a 40ft high cube. It is the logisticians' choice to maximise volume on a contained footprint. 2026 prices, dimensions and transport constraints.
Key Features
- External dimensions (L×W×H)
- 13.72 × 2.44 × 2.90 m
- Internal dimensions (L×W×H)
- 13.56 × 2.35 × 2.70 m
- Door opening (W×H)
- 2.34 × 2.58 m
- Floor area
- ≈ 33.5 m²
Dimensions and specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| External dimensions (L×W×H) | 13.72 × 2.44 × 2.90 m |
| Internal dimensions (L×W×H) | 13.56 × 2.35 × 2.70 m |
| Door opening (W×H) | 2.34 × 2.58 m |
| Floor area | ≈ 33.5 m² |
| Usable volume | 86 m³ |
| Tare weight (empty) | 4,800 kg |
| Max payload | 27,700 kg |
| Standard | ISO 668 type 45G1 (high cube) |
45ft container prices in 2026
The 45ft high cube trades above the 40ft high cube for its extra volume. Less common used than the 40ft, it can need a slightly longer lead time.
| Condition | Price excl. delivery | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| New (factory) | £5,775 – £7,875 | Logistics, conversion, export |
| One-trip | £5,040 – £6,510 | Premium conversion, showroom |
| Used grade A | £3,990 – £5,250 | Pro storage, off-site warehouse |
| Used grade B/C | £3,360 – £4,410 | Out-of-sight storage, overflow |
Q1 2026 ranges. Excludes delivery (£368 – £998 by area): the 13.7 m size requires suitable transport — plan access ahead.
What is a 45ft used for?
- Maximum logistics volume — 86 m³ and up to ~27 Euro pallets on the floor: the best volume-to-footprint ratio for dense palletised storage.
- Off-site warehouse / overflow — fast capacity extension when the warehouse is full, without building or renting a large covered area.
- Long conversion — workshop, showroom, office or retail unit where the length and 2.70 m height give real spatial comfort.
- High-volume export — maximise the load per unit, useful for bulky, low-density goods.
- Industrial storage — long parts, bulky equipment, seasonal stock in a single closed, secure unit.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 45ft container cost?+
Budget from £3,990 – £5,250 used grade A and up to £5,775 – £7,875 factory-new. Add delivery (£368 – £998 by area and access). The 45ft high cube costs a little more than a 40ft high cube for its extra volume.
What is the difference between a 45ft and a 40ft high cube?+
The 45ft is 13.72 m long vs 12.19 m for the 40ft: about 1.5 m more, roughly 10 m³ and 15% extra volume (86 m³ vs 76 m³). Same width, same high-cube height (2.70 m inside). Choose the 45 when every m³ counts and access allows the size.
Does a 45ft pose transport constraints?+
Yes: at 13.7 m it is a long size requiring suitable transport and a clear manoeuvring area. Check passage width, turns and height (2.90 m on a trailer) before ordering. In dense urban areas, access is the first blocker.
How many pallets fit in a 45ft?+
About 27 to 28 Euro pallets on the floor (80×120 cm), versus ~25 for a 40ft. With stacking, capacity nearly doubles depending on load height (2.70 m usable).
Is the 45ft easy to find used?+
Less than the 40ft: it is mainly used on certain shipping lines and North American routes, so the European used fleet is smaller. Expect a slightly longer lead time at times, or opt for the 40ft high cube if its volume is enough.
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