40ft High Cube Container

LACU 210012 22G1 MAX. GROSS 30,480 kg TARE 2,200 kg

2,690 mm
8′ 9 7/8″

12,030 mm
39′ 5 5/8″

2,350 mm
7′ 8 1/2″

LACU 210012 22G1 MAX. GROSS 30,480 kg TARE 2,200 kg

2,580 mm
8′ 5 5/8″

2,340 mm
7′ 8 1/8″

Overview

The 40 ft High Cube container offers the same length and footprint as a standard 40 ft container, but with extra internal height to increase cubic capacity. It is widely used for light, voluminous cargo and shipments that benefit from additional vertical clearance. Specifications can vary by manufacturer and fleet, so confirm the exact unit when your cargo has tight clearance requirements.

Extra height for improved cubic utilization compared to 40 ft standard

Well-suited for bulky, low-density packaged cargo

Common choice for palletized and boxed goods

Specs may vary by manufacturer / container fleet

40 ft High Cube Container Image Gallery

Best for / Not ideal for

Best for	Not ideal for
Bulky, lightweight, high-volume packaged goods	Cargo requiring active temperature control (use reefer equipment)
Taller cartons / higher stacking where extra height improves utilization	Bulk liquids/powders requiring tank/bulk equipment
Retail, e-commerce, and general freight requiring more cube than a 40’ standard	Oversized cargo that can’t clear the door opening (may require open top / flat rack)

Industries & typical commodities

Retail / Consumer goods: cartons, packaged products, textiles, home goods, and promotional displays.
E-commerce / 3PL: consolidated cartons, parcels, and palletized shipments requiring additional cubic space.
Light manufacturing: finished goods, components, and products packed in taller cartons or crates.
Furniture and home goods: bulky packaged items that benefit from the additional internal height.
Automotive parts: packaged parts, components, and other high-volume cargo.
Food commodities: packaged, non-temperature-controlled products where additional cubic capacity is useful.
General freight: lightweight or high-volume packaged cargo that benefits from improved cube utilization.

Sizes & dimensions – 40ft High Cube Container

Dimension	Metric	Imperial
Internal Length	12.03 m	39.48 ft
Internal Width	2.35 m	7.72 ft
Internal Height	2.69 m	8.85 ft
Door Opening Width	2.34 m	7.69 ft
Door Opening Height	2.58 m	8.48 ft

Capacity & weights – 40ft High Cube Container

Spec	Metric	Imperial
Cubic Capacity	76.40 m³	2,698.04 ft³
Tare Weight	3,550 kg	7,826.41 lbs
Payload Capacity	26,930 kg	59,370.49 lbs
Max Cargo Weight	30,480 kg	67,196.90 lbs

How many pallets fit in a 40ft High Cube Container?

Pallet capacity varies by loading pattern and pallet type. Use the estimates below as a quick reference:

US standard pallets: up to 21

Euro pallets: up to 24-25

Note: the actual number depends on the loading pattern, cargo height, and weight/overhang constraints.

Handling recommendations

Keep weight evenly distributed (avoid concentrating weight toward the doors or on one side).

“Heavy on bottom”: Place heavier cargo at the bottom and keep the center of gravity low.

Secure cargo with dunnage / straps / blocking & bracing to prevent shifting in transit.

Treat the door opening as the real constraint: some items may fit inside but still not pass through the door if they are too wide or tall.

If you plan to floor-load (no pallets), map your loading order and access lanes to avoid reworking cargo during unloading.

Reduce large voids using dunnage to minimize vibration and movement.

FAQs about 40 ft High Cube Containers

What is a 40ft High Cube container used for?

A 40 ft High Cube container is used for transporting general cargo when extra internal height improves cubic utilization—especially light, voluminous goods and taller stacked cartons. It’s commonly chosen for retail, e-commerce, and general freight that would waste space in a standard 40 ft unit. It’s a practical option when you need more cube without changing handling processes.

How many pallets fit in a 40ft High Cube container?

A 40 ft High Cube typically fits up to 21 US standard pallets or about 24–25 Euro pallets in a common single-layer layout. Actual capacity can vary with pallet orientation, carton overhang, and the amount of bracing or dunnage required. If loads are tall or fragile, you may lose floor positions to create access lanes or add blocking and bracing.

Is a 40ft High Cube container waterproof and sealed?

A High Cube container is generally weather-resistant for normal transport and storage, helping protect cargo from rain and external exposure. Still, “waterproof” isn’t absolute and depends on unit condition—door gaskets, panel integrity, and maintenance history matter, especially for used equipment. For moisture-sensitive cargo, inspect doors and seals, confirm the interior is dry, and consider liners or desiccants to reduce condensation risk.

When should I choose a 40ft High Cube container vs a 40 ft Standard container?

Choose a 40 ft High Cube when your shipment is constrained by volume or height, not by floor area. The extra internal height improves utilization for tall pallet builds and stacked cartons, often reducing wasted air space compared with a standard 40 ft container. If cargo is dense and hits weight limits first, High Cube may add little value—door clearance and securing needs should guide selection.

What cargo is not suitable for a 40 ft High Cube container?

A general-purpose 40 ft High Cube is not suitable for cargo needing active temperature control (reefer equipment), bulk liquids (tank containers), or oversized items that can’t clear the door opening (often requiring open top or flat rack). Suitability also depends on packaging sensitivity and handling conditions; fragile or moisture-sensitive goods may require extra protection, blocking/bracing, or humidity control beyond the container itself.