Freight glossaryContainersInternational Shipping
40-ft High Cube Container (40HC)
Definition
A 40-ft high cube container is a 40-ft shipping container that is 9 feet 6 inches tall, one foot taller than a standard 40, with the same floor.
What it means
On one major carrier's published specifications, a 40-ft high cube measures 12,032 x 2,350 x 2,697 mm inside, holds about 76 m³ (2,684 cu ft), weighs 3,880 kg empty and can carry up to 28,620 kg. Its door opening is 2,577 mm tall.[1]
The extra foot adds volume, not floor. A high cube takes the same 18 standard 48 x 40 in. pallets on the floor as a standard 40; the height helps only if pallets can be stacked or cartons are loaded loose to the roof. The side-by-side comparison with a 53-ft trailer is in container vs. trailer capacity.
Related
Related terms
- 40-ft ContainerA 40-ft container is a standard shipping container about 40 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8 feet 6 inches tall...Glossary
- Shipping ContainerA shipping container is a standardized steel box, most often 20 or 40 feet long and 8 feet wide, built to...Glossary
- Floor-Loaded FreightFloor-loaded freight is cartons stacked directly on the floor of a container or trailer, without pallets...Glossary
- TEUA TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) is the standard unit for counting containers: one 20-ft container is 1...Glossary
Related questions
- How Many Cartons Fit in a 40-ft Container?It depends on the carton size, which way up the cartons may go, how high they can be stacked and what they...Answer
- How Much Weight Can a 40-ft Container Carry?On one major carrier's published specs, a 40-ft standard dry container is rated for a maximum payload of...Answer
- What Is the Difference Between Gross, Net and Tare Weight?Net weight is the goods alone. Tare weight is the weight of the empty container, packaging or vehicle. Gross...Answer
Related tools
Related guides
Sources
- Maersk, “Our fleet: equipment specifications, dry containers (PDF),” Carrier equipment specification. Accessed September 30, 2026.
General operational information, not legal, customs or regulatory advice. Rules and rates change; confirm current requirements with the agency, carrier or contract that governs your shipment.