40ft HC Shipping Containers | Worthy Container

40ft High Cube Containers

Get extra vertical space with a 40ft high cube container from Worthy Container. New & used units for storage or shipping. Request a free quote today!

40ft High Cube (HC) Shipping Container: Product Guide

1. Product Overview

The 40ft High Cube (HC) container is the gold standard for high-volume storage, international logistics, and structural modifications. Standing exactly one foot (12 inches) taller than a standard container, it provides a total exterior height of 9' 6".

While 20ft High Cubes are relatively rare in the used market, the 40ft High Cube is a staple of the global shipping fleet and is widely available in both New (One-Trip) and Used (Cargo Worthy/WWT) conditions. It is the preferred choice for projects requiring maximum headroom, such as container homes, mobile offices, and the storage of tall heavy machinery.

2. Technical Specifications Table

Specification Category	Metric	Imperial	Notes
External Dimensions	12.19 m L x 2.44 m W x 2.90 m H	40' L x 8' W x 9' 6" H
Internal Dimensions	12.03 m L x 2.35 m W x 2.70 m H	39' 5" L x 7' 8" W x 8' 10" H
Door Opening	2.34 m W x 2.58 m H	7' 8" W x 8' 5" H
Tare Weight (Empty)	~3,840 - 3,940 kg	~8,465 - 8,687 lbs	Varies by floor type
Max Payload Capacity	~28,600 kg	~63,050 lbs
Max Gross Weight	30,480 kg	67,200 lbs	ISO Standard
Cubic Capacity	76.4 m³	2,698 ft³	~13-15% more than Std

Specification Category

Metric

Imperial

Notes

External Dimensions

12.19 m L x 2.44 m W x 2.90 m H

40' L x 8' W x 9' 6" H

Internal Dimensions

12.03 m L x 2.35 m W x 2.70 m H

39' 5" L x 7' 8" W x 8' 10" H

Door Opening

2.34 m W x 2.58 m H

7' 8" W x 8' 5" H

Tare Weight (Empty)

~3,840 - 3,940 kg

~8,465 - 8,687 lbs

Varies by floor type

Max Payload Capacity

~28,600 kg

~63,050 lbs

Max Gross Weight

30,480 kg

67,200 lbs

ISO Standard

Cubic Capacity

76.4 m³

2,698 ft³

~13-15% more than Std

3. Key Advantages of the High Cube

Vertical Headroom: The internal height of 8' 10" (2.70m) is essential for habitable conversions. It allows for the installation of subfloors, ceiling insulation, and recessed lighting while still maintaining a comfortable finished ceiling height.

Oversized Cargo Access: The door header is also higher, providing a 2.58m (8' 5") opening. This is critical for driving in tall machinery like excavators, forklifts, or tractors that cannot fit through a standard 7' 5" door.

Efficiency: For high-volume, low-density goods, the HC provides approximately 300 additional cubic feet of storage compared to a 40ft standard unit for a marginal price increase.

4. Construction & Features

Corten Steel Structure: Constructed from 14-gauge corrugated Corten steel (weathering steel), designed to develop a protective patina that prevents deep corrosion.

Floor System: Features 28mm (1.1") marine-grade plywood or bamboo flooring. The floor is rated for a maximum forklift axle load of 5,460 kg (12,037 lbs).

Forklift Pockets: Most New (One-Trip) 40ft HC units are manufactured with forklift pockets to aid maneuverability at depots and job sites. These should only be used to lift the container when it is empty.

Lockbox & Security: One-Trip units typically include a factory-installed Lockbox (security shroud) and high-locking handles for ergonomic ground-level operation.

5. Delivery & Site Requirements

The 40ft HC is the largest standard unit and imposes the strictest delivery constraints.

Linear Clearance: Requires at least 100 to 125 feet of straight-line clearance for a tilt-bed truck to pull away as the container slides off.

Vertical Clearance:

En Route: 14 feet to clear overhead obstacles.

At Drop Site: The container tip can reach 21 feet high during the tilt-off process. Check for power lines and building eaves.

Foundation: Must be placed on firm, level ground. We recommend using concrete piers, a gravel pad, or railroad ties under the four corner posts to prevent the frame from twisting (racking), which causes doors to jam.