The 40ft container is the default choice for most Bengaluru sea freight importers — at 67 CBM (76 CBM for High Cube), it handles light to medium-density cargo like electronics, textiles, furniture, and plastic goods more economically than two 20ft containers. Sea Air Cargo Systems clears 40ft and 40ft HC containers at ICD Whitefield for Bengaluru importers and exporters.
A 40ft standard container has internal dimensions of 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.39m and 67 CBM capacity. The 40ft High Cube (HC) adds 31 cm in height (2.70m internal) for 76 CBM — essential for tall cargo or maximising volume on light goods. At 150–170% of a 20ft rate but double the volume, 40ft wins on per-CBM economics for light cargo.
A 40ft standard container offers 2.39m internal height and 67 CBM of volume. The 40ft High Cube raises the roof to 2.70m, adding 9 CBM of capacity (76 CBM total) for a premium of typically USD 50–150 on the ocean leg. Choose the HC when: your cargo is taller than 2.2m after packing (furniture, machinery cabs, oversized cartons); your goods are extremely light and voluminous (garments on hangers, foam products); or you want maximum CBM at minimal additional cost. The per-CBM cost of a 40ft HC is often lower than a standard 40ft for light cargo because the extra volume more than offsets the small price premium.
| Spec | 20ft Standard | 40ft Standard | 40ft High Cube |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal L×W×H | 5.90×2.35×2.39m | 12.03×2.35×2.39m | 12.03×2.35×2.70m |
| Volume | 33 CBM | 67 CBM | 76 CBM |
| Max payload | 28 tonnes | 26.5 tonnes | 26.5 tonnes |
| Ocean rate (vs 20ft) | 100% | 150–170% | 155–175% |
Electronics importers in Electronic City commonly use 40ft HC for PCB and component imports — the extra height accommodates tall packaging without crushing. Furniture and home décor importers use both 40ft standard and HC depending on product dimensions. Textile machinery importers use 40ft for large looms and knitting machines that fit lengthwise. Auto component manufacturers in Peenya often prefer 20ft for heavy metal parts but use 40ft for lighter plastic trim components. Retail importers in HSR Layout and Koramangala shipping bulk inventory from China typically choose 40ft for the best per-unit shipping cost.
Choose one 40ft over two 20ft containers when your total cargo is under 26.5 tonnes and over 33 CBM. Two 20ft containers cost roughly 200% of a single 20ft rate, while one 40ft costs only 150–170% — saving 15–25% on ocean freight. The only exception is when your cargo is so dense (above 0.8 t/CBM) that it would max out the 40ft payload before filling its 67 CBM. In that case, two 20ft containers give you 56 tonnes of total payload versus 26.5 tonnes in one 40ft.
Benchmark 40ft container rates to Bengaluru: China (Shanghai/Shenzhen) at USD 900–2,000 ocean freight; Germany (Hamburg) at USD 1,500–2,800; UAE (Jebel Ali) at USD 700–1,200. Inland haulage costs are higher than 20ft due to weight: ₹10,000–₹18,000 from Chennai Port and ₹22,000–₹35,000 from JNPT for a 40ft container. These rates are volatile — bunker adjustment factors, currency fluctuations, and carrier capacity all impact pricing.
A 40ft container from China to Bengaluru takes 24–32 days total: 18–22 days ocean transit to the gateway port (JNPT or Chennai), plus 1–5 days inland movement to ICD Whitefield, plus 3–5 days customs clearance. Pre-arrival Bill of Entry filing reduces clearance to 1–2 days for green-channel cargo. Red-channel physical examination adds 2–3 days. Plan 5 days for prudent customs clearance scheduling.
Sea Air Cargo Systems clears 40ft and 40ft HC containers at ICD Whitefield. Compare with 20ft container shipping to Bangalore, or explore FCL imports to Bangalore for full booking guidance. Electronic City firms can read our electronics imports to Electronic City guide. Use our container load optimiser or calculate CBM for your shipment.
Standard 40ft: 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.39m (H), volume 67 CBM, max payload 26.5 tonnes. 40ft High Cube: 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.70m (H), volume 76 CBM, same payload. The extra 31 cm of height in the HC is crucial for cargo taller than 2.1m or extremely light goods that benefit from the full volume.
A 40ft container fits 20–21 standard Euro pallets (120×100 cm) in a single layer, or up to 40–42 in double-stack configuration for light goods under 1.35m per stack. For standard pallets loaded to 2.0m height, expect approximately 21 pallet positions totalling 42–50 CBM of actual cargo volume.
Ocean freight on a 40ft container from China (Shanghai or Shenzhen) to Bengaluru currently ranges from USD 900–2,000 depending on carrier, season, and routing. Inland haulage from Chennai Port to Bengaluru adds ₹10,000–₹18,000. Contact us for a current all-in quote including clearance at ICD Whitefield.
Yes, but marginally — typically USD 50–150 more on the ocean leg. Given the extra 9 CBM of capacity (76 vs 67 CBM), the per-CBM cost of a 40ft HC is actually lower than a standard 40ft for light cargo that fills the space. Most carriers default to offering HC when available.
Yes. A single FCL can contain goods from multiple suppliers as long as all are declared on a single consolidated Bill of Entry (or separate BoEs if preferred). The HS codes, values, and quantities for all goods must be accurately declared. Your CHA consolidates the documentation.
3–5 business days standard. With pre-arrival filing: 1–2 days for RMS green-channel. Physical examination (red channel) adds 2–3 days. 40ft containers take slightly longer to examine physically than 20ft — planning for 5 days is prudent for red-channel risk items.
Get rates for standard and High Cube containers, plus full customs clearance and delivery.