High cube containers: Easy guide to dimensions [+ different sizes]

High cube containers are a popular choice for large shipments and over-height cargo. Read this blog to learn about high cube sizes, dimensions and benefits. Plus, buy this container type at the best price on Container xChange.

A high cube is the taller cousin of 20ft and 40ft standard containers – with an extra foot of height. 

Due to its popularity in the industry, sourcing this container type from reliable suppliers at prices that fit your budget can be tricky.

That’s where Container xChange comes in. Whether you want containers for one-time use, or your buying requirements are regular, our online marketplace has something for all. With 100,000+ containers in 2,500+ locations globally, you will find your fit here. The best part is, all our suppliers are vetted and pre-approved, so you can rest well knowing your money is safe.

Explore our public search below and check out offers on high cube containers in your preferred location today!  

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What is a high cube container?

High cubes have the same dimensions as their standard dry container counterparts – but with one important difference. This container type has an extra 12 inches / 30 cm of space. Check out the basic measurements of 40ft high cube sea containers in the below image:

So why are high cube containers so popular in the shipping industry? Let’s find out.

What is a high cube dry container used for? 

This versatile container type is used in the logistics industry to transport all kinds of dry cargo. It’s especially useful for moving oversized or bulky loads that wouldn’t fit in a standard container. This includes:

• Oversized machinery

• Construction equipment

• Agricultural machines

• Industrial materials 

• Over-height cargo

High cube shipping containers come in various sizes and types, including 20ft, 40ft, 45ft and reefer varieties. 

Interested to know how much these shipping containers cost? Check out the prices of different high cube sizes now. 

High cube containers vs standard containers 

As we mentioned above, the only difference between high cubes and standard containers is the extra foot of height. 

However, because of this, high cubes do have some advantages. For one thing, they’re ideal for large storage requirements, as they won’t increase the floor space in a warehouse and can be stacked on top of one another. 

What’s more, in cases where your cargo doesn’t quite fit into a standard unit, the high cube comes in as the savior. It offers the extra room your cargo needs, without you having to shell out on another whole container. 

High cube container dimensions

Before selecting the size that works for your shipping or storage needs, it’s important to check out the dimensions to make sure your load will fit. Let’s take a look at the measurements of 20ft, 40ft, and 45ft high cube dimensions below:

20ft high cube container dimensions

The internal length of a 20ft high cube container is 5.90 m/19.36 ft, the internal width is 2.35 m/7.72 ft and the internal height is 2.69 m/8.85 ft. The tare weight stands at 2,315 kg/5,103.701 lbs with a payload capacity of 28,160 kg/62,082.17 lbs and a cubic capacity of 37.2 m3/1,316.5cu ft

40ft high cube container dimensions

The 40ft high cube container has an internal length of 12.03 m/39.47 ft, an internal width of 2.35 m/7.71 ft, and an internal height of 2.7 m/8.86 ft. The tare weight stands at 3,900 kg/8,598 lbs with a payload capacity of 28,600 kg/62,974.8 lbs and a cubic capacity of 76.4 m3/2,696.9 cu ft.

If neither of these sizes can accommodate your cargo, don’t worry, there are two more alternatives with even larger shipping or storage capacity — 45ft high cube and 53ft high cube containers. 

45ft high cube container dimensions

The 45ft high cube container has an internal length of 13.55 m/44.46 ft, an internal width of 2.35 m/7.71 ft, and an internal height of 2.7 m/8.86 ft. The tare weight stands at 4,800 kg/10,552 lbs with a payload capacity of 27,700 kg/61,067 lbs and a cubic capacity of 86 m3/3,037 cu ft.

53ft high cube container dimensions

The internal length of the 53ft high cube container is 16.15 m/52.99 ft, the internal width is 2.44 m/8 ft and the internal height is 2.89 m/9.48 ft.

Now that you know about the different high cube sizes and the benefits of this container type, there’s only one thing left to do. Find out how to get the best price for high cube containers within your budget.  

4 easy steps to buy high cube shipping container at best price on Container xChange

If you’re ready to get high cube containers, let’s run you through the 4 easy steps to buying containers on xChange. 

• Finalize your criteria: Before you start browsing container offers, make sure you’ve worked out which container type and size best suits your cargo requirement.

• Search offers on the trading platform: Once you’ve got your search criteria finalized, it’s time to hop onto our trading platform, input your requirements, and start browsing offers.

• Negotiate a deal: Found an offer that suits you? Then the next step is to reach out to the supplier to negotiate the price and finalize the details. You read that right – no middlemen involved!

• Make safe payments: When both parties are happy with all aspects of the deal, it’s time to make the payment. Luckily, you can do this securely with the xChange Wallet. Finally, worrying about unsafe payments can become a thing of the past.

Need assistance in selecting the perfect shipping container for your one-time project? Or are you a regular container buyer and know exactly what you are looking for? Share your details and preferences by clicking the banner below, and we’ll reach out to you within 24 hours to ensure your requirements are fulfilled. Get in touch now to get started.

High cube containers: Common FAQs

What is a high cube container?

High cube containers have the same floor space as standard shipping containers, with an extra foot of height. This container type is ideal for transporting large cargo volumes or extra-height shipments.

What are the dimensions of a high cube container?

The 40ft high cube container has an internal height of 2.70m (8.9ft), an internal length of 12.03m (35.9ft) and an internal width of 2.35m (7.7ft). The cubic capacity is 76.4 m3 (2,696.9 cu).

What are the benefits of a high cube container?

High cube containers have the same floor space as their standard container counterparts but with an extra foot (30 cm) of height. This means you can pack in more, without increasing the space the container takes up – so you'll save money on shipping and storage.