- February 8, 2021
Whether you are moving a family home overseas, shipping a car with your furniture, or sending tall equipment, the 40ft high cube is the most popular container for full international moves. This guide covers its exact dimensions, how much it really holds, what it costs compared with a standard 40ft, and how to tell which container your move needs.
A 40 feet high cube container stands out as an essential solution for international shipping, offering both increased capacity and versatility compared to standard containers. Its distinguishing feature is the extra height, which provides more usable space, making it ideal for tall, bulky items or high-volume shipments.
Whether you’re moving a large household, transporting oversized equipment, or shipping bulk goods for your business, a 40 feet high cube container is the perfect choice for maximizing storage while maintaining compatibility with international shipping standards. In this article, we’ll explore its dimensions, capacity, and why it’s a superior option for many shipping needs.
Dimensions of a 40 Feet High Cube Container
The only difference between a high cube and a standard 40ft container is height. Length and width stay the same, so it fits the same ships, trucks and ports. Exact figures vary slightly between shipping lines.
Understanding the dimensions of a 40 feet high cube container is key to assessing its suitability for your shipping requirements. Its extra height offers nearly 10 cubic meters more capacity than a standard 40-foot container, without increasing its footprint.
| External Dimensions | ||
| Dimension | Feet | Meters |
| Length | 40 feet | 12.19 meters |
| Width | 8 feet | 2.44 meters |
| Height | 9 feet 6 inches | 2.89 meters |
| Internal Dimensions | ||
| Length | 39 feet 5 inches | 12.01 meters |
| Width | 7 feet 8 inches | 2.33 meters |
| Height | 8 feet 10 inches | 2.69 meters |
| Usable Capacity | N/A | 76.4 cubic meters |
Why the “realistic” figure? Furniture never packs perfectly, so an experienced crew usually fills about 85% of the nominal volume. Plan your move around 65 m³, not 76 m³.
Got a 3+ bedroom home or a car to ship? A 40ft high cube is usually the best value. Tell us where you’re moving and we’ll confirm the right container and price, free.
How Much Can a 40 Feet High Cube Container Accommodate?
The 40 feet high cube container is designed for shipments requiring both high volume and flexibility. With its extra height, it can easily accommodate a variety of cargo types, from residential goods to industrial equipment.
Residential Applications
For international moves, the 40 feet high cube container offers ample space to fit the contents of a 3- to 4-bedroom house, including furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. Additionally, its height makes it ideal for transporting oversized household items or stacked goods. It can also fit one car plus household goods, providing a convenient solution for families relocating overseas.
| Household Size | Capacity |
| 3- to 4-bedroom house | Entire contents |
| One car + household goods | Fits both with room for oversized items |
| Oversized furniture | Easily accommodates taller items |
Why High Cube is Ideal for Accommodating More
The increased capacity of a 40 feet high cube container not only allows you to ship more but also enables efficient use of space. The extra height ensures that tall items or stacked goods fit comfortably, reducing the need for additional containers and minimizing shipping costs.
Whether you’re transporting a household, moving a car along with personal belongings, or shipping business inventory, the 40 feet high cube container provides flexibility and capacity to meet your needs effectively.
Benefits of a 40 Feet High Cube Container
A 40 feet high cube container offers several advantages over standard containers, thanks to its increased height and capacity. These features make it a top choice for international shipping, especially when dealing with large or bulky items.
Increased Capacity
The extra height of a high cube container provides approximately 15% more usable volume than a standard 40-foot container, allowing you to maximize your shipment’s efficiency.
Flexibility for Various Cargo Types
A high cube container’s increased vertical space makes it perfect for transporting a wide range of items, including:
- Tall machinery and equipment.
- Oversized furniture or appliances.
- Stacked goods requiring more headroom.
Cost Efficiency
By fitting more into a single container, you can reduce the need for additional shipments. This not only saves money but also minimizes logistical complexity, making high cube containers a cost-effective solution for large-scale moves.
International Shipping Standards
Like standard containers, high cube containers meet international shipping requirements, ensuring seamless transportation across borders. Their compatibility with global shipping lines and ports makes them a reliable choice for any destination.
Have questions about your upcoming move?
Our team is ready to help.
How Much Does a 40ft High Cube Container Cost to Ship?
A high cube usually costs only slightly more than a standard 40ft container, often within a few percent, because carriers price both as one 40ft slot. Since you get about 13% more space, the cost per cubic metre is lower.
Your total moving price depends on:
- Route: origin and destination ports, and current ocean freight rates.
- Service level: port-to-port, or full door-to-door with packing, loading, customs and delivery.
- Volume: whether you need a full container or a shared one (LCL, groupage) for smaller moves.
- Extras: vehicle shipping, insurance, storage, crating for fragile items.
- Timing: peak season (summer, year end) costs more.
Comparing High Cube vs. Standard 40 Feet Shipping Containers
Understanding the differences between high cube and standard containers can help you decide which option is best suited for your shipping needs. While both containers share the same length and width, the additional height of the high cube makes it ideal for specific scenarios.
| Feature | Standard 40 Feet | 40 Feet High Cube |
| External Height | 8 feet 6 inches | 9 feet 6 inches |
| Usable Capacity | 67.7 cubic meters | 76.4 cubic meters |
| Ideal For | General shipping needs | Tall or bulky items |
When to Choose a High Cube Container
- Need for Extra Space: Choose a high cube if your shipment includes tall equipment, stacked goods, or oversized furniture.
- Cost-Effective Shipping: The increased capacity can help reduce the number of containers required for large shipments.
When a Standard Container is Sufficient
- Smaller Shipments: If your shipment does not require the additional height, a standard container may suffice.
- Budget Constraints: Standard containers are typically slightly cheaper than high cubes.
Wrapping Up
A 40 feet high cube container gives you about 76 cubic meters of space. That’s roughly 13% more than a standard 40ft container, and the footprint is the same. The extra foot of height makes it a strong choice for tall furniture, stacked goods, machinery, or a car moving together with household goods. Fitting more into one container often means fewer shipments and a lower cost per cubic meter.
If your shipment is smaller or has no tall items, a standard container may cost less. Read our 20 Feet Shipping Container Guide to compare.
The fastest way to know which size is right is to ask us. Earthrelo’s team will check your inventory, recommend the right container, and handle packing, customs and door-to-door delivery for you.
