The 40ft high cube container is a popular choice for shipping and storage, especially when extra vertical space is needed. As the name suggests, it is 40 feet long, but what sets it apart from a standard 40ft container is its height—it stands one foot taller at 9’6″ (2896 mm) instead of the usual 8’6″ (2591 mm).
This extra foot (30 cm) might not sound like much, but it helps when loading tall items or stacking pallets. The increased height also provides about 311 cubic feet (8.8 cubic meters) of additional internal space, bringing the total cubic capacity to approximately 2,700 cubic feet (76.4 cubic meters)—not 2,700 more, but 2,700 total.
Most high cubes are 40ft long, though 45ft versions are available for even more storage or shipping capacity. They’re constructed from steel or aluminium, making them just as tough and secure as standard containers, but with the added flexibility of extra height.
If you need more vertical space without increasing the container’s footprint, a 40ft high cube is an excellent option for transporting bulky, lightweight, or overheight cargo.
40′ High Cube Dry Container Specifications
| Specification | Measurement | Conversion |
|---|---|---|
Tare Weight | 3,940 kg | 8,687.7 lbs |
Payload Capacity | 28,560 kg | 62,974.8 lbs |
Cubic Capacity | 76.4 m³ | 2,696.9 cu ft |
Internal Length | 12.03 m | 39.5 ft |
Internal Width | 2.35 m | 7.7 ft |
Internal Height | 2.70 m | 8.9 ft |
Door Opening Width | 2.34 m | 7.7 ft |
Door Opening Height | 2.58 m | 8.5 ft |
Want to learn more? Check out our shipping container sizes guide for a full breakdown of dimensions and uses. If you’re new to logistics, our shipping terms guide will help you understand key terminology used in the industry.
Why Pick a High Cube?
- More Height, More Space: That extra foot can be a game-changer, especially for bulky or stackable cargo.
- Strong Lashing Points: These containers come with built-in lashing rings on the top-end rail, bottom cross member, and corner posts—each rated for up to 1000 kg. That’s plenty for securing heavy loads.
- Designed for Transport: Many 40ft high cubes have a recessed front end, so they sit lower on a gooseneck chassis. That means they stay within height limits while still giving you that extra space.
Whether you’re shipping goods overseas, using it for storage, or even converting it into a workspace, a high cube container gives you more flexibility than a standard one.
