40-Foot High-Cube Container: Dimensions, Weight, and CBM Specifications Explained
What You Need to Know About 40ft HC Containers
A 40-foot high-cube (HC) container, also called a 40ft HQ container, is an ISO-standardized shipping container that measures 12.19 metres in length and stands 2.89–2.90 metres tall—approximately one foot taller than a standard 40-foot container. The internal volume of a 40ft HC container is approximately 76–76.4 cubic metres (m³), which represents roughly 10% more cargo capacity than a standard 40-foot container. This extra height makes high-cube containers ideal for lightweight, voluminous cargo that needs to maximize space utilisation without exceeding weight limits.
Understanding the precise specifications of 40ft high-cube containers is critical for logistics professionals, freight forwarders, and businesses planning international shipments. Whether you're calculating shipping costs, optimising warehouse space, or determining the feasibility of a shipment, knowing the exact dimensions, weight capacity, and volume is essential to avoid costly mistakes and ensure efficient supply chain operations.
Key Highlights
- 40ft HC containers offer 76–76.4 m³ of usable cargo space, approximately 10% more than standard containers
- The tare (empty) weight ranges from 3,750–4,150 kg, with maximum payload capacity typically between 26,300–28,750 kg
- High-cube containers are optimal for lightweight, high-volume cargo, helping you maximise space while staying within weight restrictions
| Specification |
Standard 40ft Container |
40ft High-Cube (HC/HQ) |
Difference |
| External Length |
12.19 m (40 ft) |
12.19 m (40 ft) |
— |
| External Width |
2.44 m (8 ft) |
2.44 m (8 ft) |
— |
| External Height |
2.59 m (8 ft 6 in) |
2.89–2.90 m (9 ft 6 in) |
+0.30 m (+1 ft) |
| Internal Length |
~12.03 m (39 ft 5–6 in) |
~12.03 m (39 ft 5–6 in) |
— |
| Internal Width |
~2.35 m (7 ft 8–9 in) |
~2.35 m (7 ft 8–9 in) |
— |
| Internal Height |
~2.39 m (7 ft 10 in) |
~2.70 m (8 ft 10 in) |
+0.31 m (+1 ft) |
| Volume (CBM) |
67–69 m³ |
76–76.4 m³ |
+~10% |
| Tare Weight (Empty) |
3,800–4,000 kg |
3,750–4,150 kg |
Comparable |
| Maximum Payload |
26,300–28,750 kg |
26,300–28,750 kg |
Subject to route limits |
| Maximum Gross Weight |
~30,480 kg (67,200 lbs) |
~30,480 kg (67,200 lbs) |
— |
Understanding 40ft High-Cube Container Dimensions
The primary advantage of a 40ft high-cube container lies in its additional height. While the external length and width remain identical to standard containers, the HC variant adds approximately 30 centimetres (one foot) to the external height, increasing from 2.59 metres to 2.89–2.90 metres. This seemingly modest increase translates into significant practical benefits for cargo optimisation.
The internal dimensions tell a similar story. The internal length and width remain consistent at approximately 12.03 metres and 2.35 metres respectively. However, the internal height increases from 2.39 metres in a standard container to approximately 2.70 metres in a high-cube variant. This extra internal space is where the real value emerges for logistics operations.
External vs. Internal Dimensions: Why the Difference Matters
The gap between external and internal dimensions exists because of the container's structural components—walls, roof, and floor—which add thickness. Understanding this distinction is crucial when planning cargo placement and calculating actual usable space. For instance, if you're stacking products or arranging pallets, you must account for the internal measurements, not the external ones.
The internal height of 2.70 metres in a 40ft HC container allows for more efficient stacking of goods. For businesses shipping lightweight products such as electronics, textiles, or packaged goods, this extra headroom can mean the difference between fitting one additional layer of stock and maximising the container's capacity without exceeding weight restrictions.
What is the CBM (Cubic Metre) Capacity of a 40ft HC Container?
CBM (cubic metres) is the standard measurement used in international logistics to quantify cargo volume. For a 40ft high-cube container, the usable volume is consistently 76–76.4 m³, though some sources cite up to 2,694–2,700 cubic feet (approximately 76.3–76.4 m³).
To put this in perspective, a standard 40-foot container holds approximately 67–69 m³. The high-cube variant therefore provides roughly 10% additional volume—an increase that can significantly impact shipping economics, particularly for volumetric cargo where space, rather than weight, is the limiting factor.
Why CBM Matters for Your Shipment
Freight charges are often calculated based on the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight (also called dimensional weight). When shipping lightweight goods, carriers convert volume into an equivalent weight using a standard ratio (typically 1 cubic metre = 167 kg or 1 cubic foot = 5.2 kg). Understanding the exact CBM capacity helps you:
- Calculate accurate volumetric weight charges before booking
- Determine whether a 40ft HC or standard 40ft container is more cost-effective for your cargo
- Optimise pallet and product placement to maximise space utilisation
- Avoid unexpected surcharges due to underestimated volume
Our Instant Quote Calculator allows you to input your cargo dimensions and weight to receive accurate freight rate comparisons across multiple carriers and shipping modes, helping you make informed decisions about container selection.
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