Complete Guide to Container Heights and Container Truck Heights

Container Heights and Truck Heights – Why They Matter

 

In container logistics, understanding container height and truck bed height is essential for planning safe and efficient transport.

Knowing the combined total height helps companies avoid road restrictions, bridge strikes, and regulatory violations.

 

1. Understanding Standard Container Heights

Container height depends on the container type and model. Below are the most common specifications:

 

20-foot container (20')

• External height: approx. 2.59 m (8 ft 6 in)
• Internal height: approx. 2.39 m
• Suitable for general cargo.

 

40-foot container (40')

• External height: approx. 2.59 m (8 ft 6 in), same height as a 20' container
• Length: twice that of a 20' container
• Ideal for larger volumes or longer cargo.

 

40-foot High Cube container (40'HC)

• External height: approx. 2.90 m (9 ft 6 in)
• Internal height: approx. 2.69 m
• Provides extra vertical space for taller or bulkier cargo.

 

45-foot High Cube container (45'HC)

• External height: approx. 2.90 m (9 ft 6 in), same as 40'HC
• Length: longer than a 40' container
• Best suited for large shipments or when more internal volume is required.

 

2. Understanding Container Truck Bed Heights

The height of the truck chassis or trailer directly affects the total loaded height (truck + chassis + container).

 

Standard container truck

• Typical bed height: around 1.3 m (130 cm)
• Suitable for most standard container transport needs.

Low-bed / flatbed container truck

• Typical bed height: approx. 0.9–1.1 m (90–110 cm)
• Used for over-height cargo or locations with limited clearance (e.g. low gates, indoor loading areas).

Reefer container truck

• Typical bed height: approx. 1.4–1.5 m (140–150 cm)
• Designed to carry refrigerated (reefer) containers, ensuring structural stability and cold chain reliability.

Understanding these heights allows you to calculate the total vehicle height and choose the right truck type for each job.

 

3. Legal Height Limits for Loaded Trucks in Taiwan

According to Taiwan's Regulations on Oversized Vehicle Transport on Public Roads, key rules include:

●Load distribution:

Cargo must be evenly distributed on the truck bed.

It must not extend beyond the cab at the front. If the load is longer than the truck body, the rear overhang must not exceed 30% of the vehicle's total length, and warning flags/lamps must be used.

• Daytime: red triangular flag
• Nighttime: red light or reflective warning device. For box trucks, cargo must not extend beyond the enclosed body.

 

●Width limit:

The cargo width must not exceed the vehicle width.

 

●Height limit (from ground):

• Large vehicles: maximum total height 4.0m
• Small vehicles: maximum total height 2.85m

 

●Container transport with heavy trucks:

When a heavy truck is carrying a container:

• It must be equipped with locking devices (twist locks).
• The container must not extend beyond the vehicle width.

 

These rules mean you always need to consider:

Truck bed height + container height + any cargo protrusion = total loaded height

to ensure the vehicle remains within legal limits.

 

4. Why Choose WuSin Transportations Co., LTD.

WuSin Transportations Co., LTD. has many years of experience in Taiwan's container transport market and offers:

 

Diverse container transport services 

• Transport for 20', 40', and 45' containers, including both standard and high cube types 
• Reefer container and low-bed container truck services to handle special logistics challenges and over-height cargo

 

Full-range loading and lifting capabilities

• Equipped with professional cranes and lifting equipment 
• Capable of handling:
  • Standard containers 
  • Out-of-gauge cargo 
  • Loose cargo, precision machinery, and special equipment

 

Customized logistics solutions

• Tailored advice for transporting:
  • Factory equipment
  • Large models and industrial components
  • Medical and scientific equipment
• WuSin's team provides real-time communication and flexible planning to improve logistics efficiency.

 

Location advantages and yard support

• Ample yard space for temporary container storage
• Can arrange stuffing (loading), unstuffing (unloading), and lifting services according to customer needs.

By choosing WuSin Transportations Co., LTD., you get a safe, efficient, and professional container logistics experience, suitable for a wide range of industries and transport scenarios.