20 Myths About 45ft Container Capacity: Dispelled

Moesgaard Serrano

Mar 11, 2025 • 5 min read

Understanding the 45ft Container: Capacity, Uses, and Insights

In the world of shipping and logistics, the 45-foot container sticks out as a flexible and effective option for carrying goods. While the basic 20-foot and 40-foot containers are commonly used, the 45-foot container offers distinct benefits that make it a preferred option for certain types of cargo. This short article explores the capacity, dimensions, and practical applications of the 45-foot container, providing valuable insights for both logistics experts and businesses looking to enhance their shipping procedures.

What is a 45ft Container?

A 45-foot container, as the name suggests, is a shipping container that measures 45 feet in length. This prolonged length provides additional cargo space compared to its 40-foot counterpart, making it perfect for larger deliveries or those that require more volume. The 45-foot container is part of the intermodal cargo system, designed to be transferred by ship, rail, and truck without the need for unloading and reloading the cargo.

Dimensions and Specifications

Length: 569 centimeters (18 feet 8 inches) externally, 555 centimeters (18 feet 2.5 inches) internally
Width: 243.8 centimeters (8 feet) externally, 235 centimeters (7 feet 8.5 inches) internally
Height: 290 centimeters (9 feet 6 inches) externally, 260 centimeters (8 feet 6 inches) internally
Door Opening: 233 centimeters (7 feet 7.5 inches) wide, 259 centimeters (8 feet 6 inches) high
Volume: Approximately 76 cubic meters (2,685 cubic feet)
Weight Capacity: Up to 29,310 kgs (64,600 pounds)

Internal and External Features

The 45-foot container is equipped with a number of functions that improve its use and sturdiness:

Corrugated Steel Walls: These provide structural integrity and resistance to use and tear.
Aluminum or Steel Doors: Robust doors make sure security and ease of access.
Flooring: Typically made of wood or plywood, the flooring is designed to support heavy loads and is resistant to moisture.
Ventilation: Some 45-foot containers are equipped with ventilation systems to avoid moisture accumulation and safeguard temperature-sensitive goods.
Strengthened Corners: These corners are designed to stand up to the rigors of long-distance transport and stacking.

Capacity and Volume

The 45-foot container offers a substantial boost in volume capacity compared to the 40-foot container. Here's a contrast:

40-Foot Container:

Internal Length: 12.03 meters (39 feet 5.5 inches)
Internal Width: 2.35 meters (7 feet 8.5 inches)
Internal Height: 2.39 meters (7 feet 10 inches)
Volume: 67.7 cubic meters (2,393 cubic feet)

45-Foot Container:

Internal Length: 5.55 meters (18 feet 2.5 inches)
Internal Width: 2.35 meters (7 feet 8.5 inches)
Internal Height: 2.60 meters (8 feet 6 inches)
Volume: 76 cubic meters (2,685 cubic feet)

The additional internal length and height of the 45-foot container translate to a boost in volume capacity of about 12%. This extra space can be crucial for businesses that require to ship big volumes of goods, such as furnishings, equipment, or automobile parts.

Typical Uses of 45ft Containers

Bulky Items and Machinery:

Furniture and Appliances: Large furnishings sets, home devices, and office equipment.
Automotive Parts: Car parts, engines, and other large machinery.
Building Materials: Steel beams, wood panels, and other construction supplies.

Bulk Goods:

Plastics and Resins: Large quantities of basic materials used in production.
Grains and Agricultural Products: Bulk shipments of grains, seeds, and other agricultural goods.
Chemicals and Liquids: Specialized containers with liners for transporting chemicals and liquids.

Blended Loads:

Retail Goods: A mix of various products, such as clothes, electronics, and home items.
Industrial Supplies: Various parts and products for industrial applications.

Advantages of Using 45ft Containers

Increased Efficiency:

The bigger capacity of the 45-foot container decreases the variety of containers required for a delivery, reducing shipping expenses and decreasing handling time.

Affordable:

While the cost of a 45-foot container is somewhat greater than a 40-foot container, the extra volume frequently validates the additional cost, especially for high-volume shipments.

Versatile Applications:

The 45-foot container can accommodate a vast array of cargo types, from large products to combined loads, making it a flexible choice for different industries.

Decreased Carbon Footprint:

By carrying more items in a single container, the 45-foot container helps in reducing the overall carbon footprint of a delivery, aligning with sustainability goals.

Disadvantages of Using 45ft Containers

Limited Availability:

45-foot containers are not as extensively readily available as 20-foot or 40-foot containers, which can make them harder to secure for particular paths.

Increased Handling Costs:

The larger size of the 45-foot container may require specific handling devices, potentially increasing expenses at ports and terminals.

Restrictions on Routes:

Some shipping routes and inland transportation systems might have restrictions on making use of 45-foot containers, restricting their applicability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is a 45-foot container suitable for all kinds of cargo?

A1: While the 45-foot container is extremely versatile, it is best suited for large items, machinery, and high-volume shipments. For smaller sized or lighter cargo, a 20-foot or 40-foot container may be better.

Q2: How much more does it cost to ship a 45-foot container compared to a 40-foot container?

A2: The cost of shipping a 45-foot container is normally higher than a 40-foot container, however the increase is typically justified by the extra volume capacity. The specific cost distinction can differ based on the shipping route, provider, and market conditions.

Q3: Can 45-foot containers be stacked on ships?

A3: Yes, 45-foot containers can be stacked on ships, however they may have particular stacking requirements and weight limitations to make sure security and stability throughout transit.

Q4: Are there various types of 45-foot containers?

A4: Yes, there are various types of 45-foot containers, consisting of basic dry containers, refrigerated containers, and open-top containers. 45ft container dealers COG Containers is developed to fulfill particular cargo requirements and ecological conditions.

Q5: How do I identify if a 45-foot container is the best option for my delivery?

A5: Consider the volume and weight of your cargo, the shipping path, and the availability of 45-foot containers. Consulting with a logistics provider can help you make an informed choice based upon your specific requirements.

Case Study: Optimizing Shipping with 45ft Containers

Business: XYZ Furniture Manufacturers

Obstacle: XYZ Furniture required to deliver large, bulky furnishings sets from their factory in China to a retail warehouse in the United States. They were utilizing numerous 40-foot containers for each delivery, which was ineffective and pricey.

Option: XYZ Furniture changed to 45-foot containers for their deliveries. The additional volume capacity permitted them to combine their cargo into less containers, minimizing the number of managing operations and decreasing overall shipping expenses.

Result: By optimizing their shipping procedure with 45-foot containers, XYZ Furniture saw a 15% decrease in shipping costs and a 20% reduction in transit time. The improved effectiveness also enabled them to meet their delivery schedules more dependably and with higher flexibility.

The 45-foot container is an important asset in the shipping and logistics industry, using increased volume capacity and performance for larger shipments. While it may have some restrictions in regards to accessibility and handling, the advantages frequently outweigh the drawbacks, particularly for organizations dealing with bulky or high-volume products. By understanding the specifications, benefits, and practical applications of the 45-foot container, business can make informed choices to optimize their shipping processes and accomplish cost savings and functional effectiveness.

For those considering the use of 45-foot containers, it is vital to evaluate the specific requirements of their cargo and seek advice from logistics professionals to ensure the best possible shipping option.