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What is a 40ft High Cube Container

Written by Modaltrans | Mar 5, 2024 1:15:14 PM

‍A 40ft High Cube container is a type of shipping container that offers extra height compared to standard containers. It is commonly used in the logistics industry to transport various types of cargo, especially oversized or bulky loads that wouldn't fit in a standard container. The additional foot of height provided by the high cube container makes it an ideal choice for accommodating extra-height shipments and large cargo volumes.

Dimensions of a 40ft High Cube Container

The 40ft High Cube container has specific dimensions that determine its capacity and usability. These dimensions are typically measured using both the imperial and metric systems. Let's take a closer look at the exterior and interior dimensions of a 40ft High Cube container:

Exterior Dimensions

  • Length: 40 feet or 12.19 meters
  • Width: 8 feet or 2.44 meters
  • Height: 8 feet 6 inches or 2.59 meters



Interior Dimensions

  • Length: 39 feet 6 inches or 12.03 meters
  • Width: 7 feet 9 inches or 2.35 meters
  • Height: 8 feet 10 inches or 2.69 meters

Usable Capacity

The 40ft High Cube container offers a usable capacity of 76 cubic meters or 2,696.9 cubic feet. This increased capacity compared to standard containers is due to the additional height provided by the high cube design.

Benefits of a 40ft High Cube Container

The 40ft High Cube container offers several advantages over standard containers, making it a popular choice in the shipping and logistics industry. Let's explore some of the key benefits:

  • Increased Storage Space: With an extra foot of height, the high cube container provides more storage space without increasing the floor space. This makes it ideal for large storage requirements, allowing for efficient stacking of containers on top of one another.
  • Accommodation of Oversized Cargo: The additional height of the high cube container makes it suitable for transporting oversized cargo, including machinery, construction equipment, agricultural machines, and industrial materials. It provides the extra room needed to fit these bulky loads without the need for an additional container.
  • Cost Savings: By maximizing the available space, the high cube container helps save money on shipping and storage costs. The ability to pack in more cargo without increasing the container's footprint translates to cost savings for businesses.
  • Versatility: The 40ft High Cube container is available in various sizes and types, including 20ft, 40ft, 45ft, and reefer varieties. This versatility allows businesses to choose the container that best suits their specific shipping requirements.

Difference Between a 40ft High Cube and a 40ft Standard Height Container

The primary difference between a 40ft High Cube container and a 40ft Standard Height container lies in the height dimension. While both containers have the same width and length, the high cube container offers an extra foot of height, providing additional storage capacity. Let's compare the specifications of these two container types:

40ft Standard Height Container:

  • Exterior Height: 8 feet 6 inches or 2.59 meters
  • Interior Height: 7 feet 10 inches or 2.39 meters
  • Storage Capacity: 2,350 cubic feet or 66.5 cubic meters
  • Weight: 8,000 lbs or 3,629 kg
  • Maximum Gross Weight: 67,200 lbs or 30,480 kg

40ft High Cube Container:

  • Exterior Height: 9 feet 6 inches or 2.89 meters
  • Interior Height: 8 feet 10 inches or 2.69 meters
  • Storage Capacity: 2,694 cubic feet or 76.4 cubic meters
  • Weight: 8,775 lbs or 3,981 kg
  • Maximum Gross Weight: 67,200 lbs or 30,480 kg



As you can see, the high cube container provides an additional 344 cubic feet or 9.8 cubic meters of storage capacity compared to the standard height container. This extra space can be crucial when shipping larger or taller cargo.

Pallet Capacity and Maximum Load

The pallet capacity and maximum load of a 40ft High Cube container are important considerations for businesses planning to utilize this container type. Let's explore these factors in more detail:

Pallet Capacity

The number of pallets that can fit into a 40ft High Cube container depends on the dimensions of the pallets being used. There are two common pallet types:

  • Euro Pallets (1.2m x 0.8m): The base of a 40ft High Cube container can hold up to 25 Euro pallet stacks, as long as the load does not hang over the sides. The optimal arrangement is to have one row along the length and another row along the width.
  • American Pallets (40" x 48"): The base of a 40ft High Cube container can accommodate up to 21 American pallets, as long as the load does not exceed the sides of the pallets.

Maximum Load

The maximum load that a 40ft High Cube container can carry depends on various factors, including restrictions imposed by the shipping line, the nature of the cargo, and specific details of the shipment. However, the empty weight of a 40ft High Cube container is typically around 8,775 lbs or 3,981 kg. The container can be loaded to a maximum overall weight of 67,200 lbs or 30,480 kg.

It's important to consult with the shipping line and consider the specific requirements of your cargo to determine the maximum load that can be safely transported in a 40ft High Cube container.



Conclusion

In conclusion, a 40ft High Cube container is a versatile and practical option for transporting oversized or bulky cargo. Its additional height provides increased storage capacity without increasing the container's footprint. Businesses can benefit from the cost savings, versatility, and accommodation of larger cargo volumes offered by the high cube container. By understanding the dimensions, benefits, and differences between high cube and standard height containers, businesses can make informed decisions when choosing the right container for their shipping needs.