40HQ container dimensions (40ft high cube)
A 40HQ (40ft high cube, also called 40HC) measures about 12.03 m long, 2.35 m wide and 2.70 m high inside. It holds about 76 m³, with a typical payload of about 26.5 tonnes. It is about 30 cm taller than a 40ft standard container.
| Inside length | 12.03 m (39'6") |
|---|---|
| Inside width | 2.35 m (7'8") |
| Inside height | 2.70 m (8'10") |
| Door opening (W × H) | 2.34 × 2.60 m (7'8" × 8'6") |
| Outside (L × W × H) | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.90 m (40' × 8' × 9'6") |
| Volume | ≈ 76 m³ (2,695 ft³) |
| Tare weight | ≈ 3,900 kg |
| Typical payload | ≈ 26,500 kg |
| Realistic carton load | ≈ 65–68 m³ |
These are typical values and differ slightly by manufacturer and carrier, so check the door plate. The realistic carton load is a common rule of thumb, not a guarantee.
How many cartons fit
| Carton (cm) | Maximum cartons |
|---|---|
| 60 × 40 × 40 | 588 |
| 50 × 40 × 30 | 928 |
| 45 × 35 × 30 | 1,360 |
| 30 × 20 × 15 | 7,412 |
These figures come from the LoadTrue packing engine, with cartons upright and 2 cm clearance at the walls and ceiling, before weight and carton strength. For your own carton, use the container loading calculator.
What the extra 30 cm buys
The extra height adds about 9 m³, roughly 13%, for cargo that can stack higher. Whether you benefit depends on carton height. With a 60 × 40 × 40 cm carton, a 40HQ fits one more layer than a 40GP, which is why the maximum rises from 490 to 588 cartons.
When a 40HQ does not help
- Heavy cargo: if weight reaches the payload first, extra height is wasted.
- Weak cartons: a taller stack puts more weight on the bottom layer.
- Height limits: at 2.90 m outside, a high cube is 30 cm taller on the truck, so check routes with low bridges.
Is 40HQ the same as 40HC?
Yes. HQ and HC both mean high cube; the label depends on the company. See the 40ft standard for comparison, or plan a full order with container loading software.