45ft High Cube Containers Felixstowe

When a 45ft high cube container makes sense

A 45ft high cube gives you more length than a 40ft container while retaining the additional height associated with a high cube. This makes it particularly useful where the requirement is driven by volume rather than simply weight. Typical dry van specifications describe the type as suitable for general cargo, unit loads, transport and storage.

The extra space only has value if you can use it. For a smaller quantity of goods, a 20ft shipping container may be easier to position. Where 40ft provides enough floor length, compare a 40ft high cube container before committing to the longer unit.

A 45ft container also needs more consideration at delivery. Check the complete access route and final position, not just whether there is a 45ft space on the ground.

45ft high cube container dimensions

The following figures are representative of a 45ft high cube dry van. Container specifications vary by manufacturer, so dimensions should be treated as approximate. This matters if you have machinery, pallets or other goods that will be a close fit. Confirm the specification of the container being offered before relying on a measurement.

These figures show why checking the actual specification matters. Another published 45ft high cube specification gives an internal width of 2.352m rather than 2.414m, a door height of 2.597m rather than 2.585m and different permitted weights. Manufacturer, design and individual equipment can therefore affect usable dimensions and capacity.

Why the high cube height matters

A 45ft high cube is approximately 300mm, or about 1ft, taller externally than a standard-height dry van. The representative specification above provides 2.700m, or 8ft 10 1/4in, of internal height. The door opening is lower than the internal ceiling, at approximately 2.585m or 8ft 5 3/4in.

That distinction matters when loading tall equipment. A load can theoretically fit within the internal height but still be too tall to pass through the cargo doors. Measure the item at its widest and highest points and include pallets, packing, lifting frames or other equipment that adds to its overall dimensions.

The increased height can also help when goods can safely be stacked, but do not calculate suitability from cubic capacity alone. Floor loading, weight distribution, access and the characteristics of the goods still need consideration.

45ft high cube or 40ft high cube?

The choice usually comes down to usable length and volume. Both types provide high cube height, but the 45ft unit adds approximately 5ft of external length. If that extra floor length lets you store the required goods in one container, it can be useful. If the extra section will remain largely empty, a 40ft high cube may be more practical.

Site access can settle the decision. A 45ft unit needs a longer final position and suitable vehicle and crane access for delivery. A site that comfortably accommodates a 40ft container should not automatically be assumed suitable for a 45ft unit.

Compare the intended load rather than choosing on overall size alone. If extra height is unnecessary as well as the additional length, a standard 40ft shipping container may meet the requirement with a smaller footprint.

Buying or hiring a 45ft high cube container

Buying can suit long-term storage, repeated use or a project where you want to retain control of the container. Consider what happens after the immediate requirement ends. A larger container needs space for continued use, resale, collection or relocation, so future access is part of the purchase decision.

Hiring can make more sense for temporary, seasonal or project storage. Check the hire period, collection arrangements, relocation rules and responsibility for damage before accepting the terms. Do not modify a hired container unless the agreed hire terms permit it.

Condition matters under either arrangement. One-trip generally describes a container that has made a limited initial shipping movement and should not be interpreted as unused. Used containers can vary in age, repairs, cosmetic condition and previous service.

If you know the intended use and site details, request a container quote with enough information to assess the requirement.

Storage, security and condensation

For storage use, check the roof, side panels, floor, cargo doors, locking bars and seals. Wind and watertight is a condition description associated with resistance to ordinary wind and rain when the container is in suitable condition. It does not mean airtight and should not be treated as a guarantee for moisture-sensitive contents.

A lockbox can provide extra protection around a padlock where one is fitted, but no locking arrangement removes every security risk. Site security and the value and nature of the contents still need to be considered.

Condensation can form when temperature changes cause moisture in the internal air to collect on cold steel surfaces. Wet goods brought into the container can add more moisture. Ventilation, suitable packing, lining, insulation or condensation-control measures may be appropriate depending on what you store and for how long.

See the explanation of shipping containers and weather protection if moisture control is an important part of the storage plan.

Export and shipping use

A 45ft high cube can be used for cargo transport, but a container offered for static storage should not automatically be treated as suitable for international shipping. If export is the intended use, say so before buying and confirm the container’s cargo condition and current CSC status.

CSC refers to the Convention for Safe Containers. The plate and associated examination status are relevant to container safety approval. Still, a plate alone does not mean a particular shipping line will accept the container, cargo or proposed movement.

For a shipper-owned container movement, check carrier acceptance, Verified Gross Mass requirements, booking information and documentation with the shipping line or freight forwarder. Customs requirements, insurance, tax, Incoterms 2020 and responsibility for charges such as storage, detention or demurrage can depend on the shipment and contract. Check these points with the relevant carrier, freight forwarder, customs agent, insurer or professional adviser.

The Shippers Own Containers guide covers the main points to consider before arranging an SOC movement.

Delivery and placement in Felixstowe

Measure the proposed position and the route used to reach it. Check gate width, bends, turning space, parked vehicles and the ground over which the delivery vehicle will travel. Look above the route and unloading area for cables, trees, lighting, roofs and other obstructions.

Where HIAB delivery is proposed, the lorry needs a suitable working position as well as access to the site. HIAB refers to a vehicle-mounted crane used to lift the container from the delivery vehicle into position. Crane reach and lifting conditions affect where the unit can be placed, so do not assume it can be lifted over a building, fence or other obstruction without the delivery arrangement being checked.

Tell the supplier which way the cargo doors need to face. Leave enough space for them to open fully and for the intended loading method. Future collection access matters too, particularly if the site layout may change during a long hire or storage period.

The container should have firm, reasonably level support appropriate to the site and expected load. Poor support can allow the container to settle or twist, which can make the cargo doors difficult to operate. Drainage should also carry water away rather than allowing it to collect beneath or around the unit. See the advice on proper container placement before preparing the position.

Planning for a 45ft container

Planning requirements can depend on the intended use, how long the container will remain, the status and location of the site, neighbouring property, listed status, conservation areas, a change of use and any associated works or modifications.

A container is not automatically exempt from planning requirements, nor does every placement necessarily need planning permission. For a Felixstowe site, check the current position with the relevant local council before committing to a longer-term placement, conversion or change of use.

What to provide when requesting a 45ft container

Give enough detail to distinguish a genuine 45ft high cube requirement from a job that a smaller container could handle. Include the intended use, whether you want to buy or hire, what will go inside and whether the container is for static storage or international transport.

For delivery, provide the Felixstowe site location, available access width, proposed position, ground conditions, overhead restrictions and required door orientation. If the cargo is a close fit, include its dimensions and weight so the relevant container specification can be checked rather than relying on nominal 45ft dimensions.

You can also compare other sizes and types through the container equipment range before submitting your enquiry.