Compare 40GP and 40HQ dimensions in feet and meters, convert CBM and weight units, and estimate how many cartons may fit before shipping a full container from China.
A 40-foot container is standardized intermodal equipment designed to move cargo efficiently between ships, trucks and trains. The two most common dry-container versions are the standard-height 40GP and the taller 40HQ/40HC high cube.
Both have the same nominal external length and width. A 40HQ is one foot taller externally and offers roughly 8.6 CBM more theoretical internal capacity, making it useful for light, bulky cargo such as furniture, panels, household goods and e-commerce inventory.
Businesses shipping larger commercial orders from China can use FCL shipping from China to book a dedicated 40GP or 40HQ container.
Important: dimensions, tare weight, maximum gross weight and payload vary by container manufacturer, owner and equipment series. Always verify the container door/CSC plate and the carrier booking before loading. Road, rail, terminal and destination weight limits may be lower than the container’s structural rating.
Metric and imperial reference
40-Foot Container Size: 40GP vs 40HQ
These figures are common planning references. The actual container assigned for shipment must be checked before cargo loading.
Convert dimensions, volume and weight, or estimate theoretical carton capacity for a 40GP or 40HQ. Results are planning estimates—not a loading guarantee.
Container Conversion Tool
Choose a calculator and enter your cargo data.
Length12.192 m40.000 ft
Length detail1,219.20 cm480.00 in
Volume67.700 CBM2,390.77 ft³
Berat26,700 kg58,863.4 lb · 26.700 t
Best orientation60 × 40 × 40 cmGeometric row estimate
Theoretical cartons—Before utilization factor
Planning cartons—Space-adjusted estimate
Weight-limited cartons—Final estimate: —
This simple estimator tests six carton orientations against approximate clear internal dimensions. It does not model door restrictions, pallets, aisle space, corrugations, wheel wells, load distribution, crushing strength, mixed carton sizes or cargo securing.
Per package1.200 CBM42.38 ft³
Total volume24.000 CBM847.55 ft³
40GP volume use35.5%Against 67.7 CBM theoretical
Planning suggestionReview LCL vs FCLDensity: 416.7 kg/CBM
Volume and payload
How Much Can a 40-Foot Container Hold?
A container can become volume-limited, weight-limited or dimension-limited. The nominal CBM figure alone does not determine whether cargo fits.
Volume-limited cargo
Furniture, insulation, household goods, panels and other light bulky products may fill the available cubic space before reaching payload limits.
Weight-limited cargo
Metal, stone, liquid, dense machinery and some construction products may reach legal transport weight before filling the container.
Dimension-limited cargo
Long, tall or irregular pieces may fail to pass the door or may require open-top, flat-rack or project-cargo equipment.
Why practical CBM is lower: corrugated walls, door frames, pallets, packaging tolerances, cargo shapes, non-stackable areas, load securing and weight distribution create unused space. Use a loading plan for commercial decisions.
Equipment selection
Types of 40-Foot Containers and Their Uses
40GP Dry ContainerGeneral cargo, machinery, cartons, textiles and industrial products.
40HQ High CubeTaller, light and bulky goods needing extra internal height and volume.
40ft ReeferTemperature-controlled food, pharmaceuticals and sensitive cargo.
40ft Open TopOver-height machinery and cargo requiring crane loading from above.
40ft Flat RackOversized equipment, vehicles and cargo exceeding standard walls.
Full container workflow
How to Ship a 40-Foot Container from China
Submit cargo detailsProduct, HS code, packages, dimensions, gross weight, value, supplier city and destination.
Select 40GP or 40HQCompare internal dimensions, door opening, cargo height, CBM and weight.
Book FCL spaceChoose carrier, route, schedule, equipment and applicable free time.
Dispatch empty containerMove equipment from depot to the factory or warehouse loading point.
Load and secure cargoDistribute weight, block movement, record loading and apply the container seal.
What are the external dimensions of a 40-foot container?
A common 40GP external size is 12.192 m long × 2.438 m wide × 2.591 m high, equivalent to 40 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in. A 40HQ is typically 2.896 m or 9 ft 6 in high.
What are the internal dimensions of a 40ft container?
A typical 40GP internal size is approximately 12.032 × 2.352 × 2.393 m. A typical 40HQ is approximately 12.032 × 2.352 × 2.698 m. Actual equipment varies.
How many CBM fit in a 40-foot container?
The nominal internal volume is about 67.7 CBM for a 40GP and about 76.3 CBM for a 40HQ. Practical loading volume is lower and depends on packaging, pallets, cargo shape, weight and securing.
How much weight can a 40-foot container carry?
A common 40GP structural payload reference is about 26,700 kg, but the actual container plate, carrier rules, truck/rail limits and destination regulations control. A full payload may not be legally movable on every route.
What is the difference between 40GP and 40HQ?
They have the same nominal external length and width. A 40HQ is one foot taller externally and offers about 8.6 CBM more theoretical internal capacity.
How many pallets fit in a 40ft container?
The answer depends on pallet footprint, overhang, loading direction, cargo height, weight and whether pallets can be stacked. A loading diagram should be prepared from the exact pallet dimensions.
Can the calculator guarantee how many cartons will fit?
No. It provides a geometric estimate using six carton orientations and a planning factor. Actual loading must consider door opening, mixed sizes, pallets, cargo strength, securing and weight distribution.
What information is needed for a 40ft container shipping quote?
Provide the product, HS code if known, packages, dimensions, gross weight, total CBM, supplier address, destination port or postcode, cargo-ready date, Incoterm and any special cargo properties.
Need a 40GP or 40HQ from China?
Send BRF Logistics your cargo dimensions, weight, supplier address and destination to confirm container choice and current FCL pricing.
