How New York handles shipping container homes: the 2025 Uniform Code, NYC ancillary dwelling units, container laws in Buffalo, Sweden and Coxsackie, Adirondack Park review, septic and modular approval.
40ft High Cube Container
Built for when space matters. The 40ft high cube is 9ft 6in tall, a foot taller than a standard 40ft, and gives you about 2,690 cubic feet of storage on the same footprint. Compare quotes from vetted local suppliers across the US.
Find Your Perfect ContainerNew and Used Options Available
Features + specs
Long, tall and fully customizable
40ft high cube container dimensions
External: 40ft (12.19 m) long, 8ft (2.44 m) wide, 9ft 6in (2.90 m) high. Internal: about 39ft 5in x 7ft 8in x 8ft 10in (12.03 x 2.35 x 2.69 m), roughly 2,690 cubic feet (76.3 m³). Tare about 8,600 lb (3,900 kg), max gross 67,200 lb (30,480 kg).
40ft high cube container durability
- Weatherproof corten steel construction.
- Choose any grade, new one-trip, used cargo worthy or as-is, from vetted suppliers.
40ft high cube container extras
The taller interior leaves room for insulation, lighting and services overhead. Modification partners in the network can quote doors, windows and power.
Use Cases
What can a 40ft high cube container be used for?
1. Tall storage and racking
Why:
The extra foot of height allows full-height pallet racking, double-stacked pallets and tall machinery.
Customization:
Add shelving, lighting and ventilation for a walk-in warehouse.
2. Workshops and studios
Why:
More headroom means a better workspace for standing work, lifts and ceiling-mounted tools.
Customization:
Add windows, insulation, electrical and a personnel door.
3. Container homes and ADUs
Why:
About 300 square feet of floor space and a high ceiling make the 40ft high cube the most popular base for container homes.
Customization:
Insulate, line and fit out with kitchen, bathroom and solar.
4. Offices and site accommodation
Why:
The taller interior keeps room for insulation and a suspended ceiling without feeling cramped.
Customization:
Add glazing, HVAC and partition walls for a multi-room office.
5. Retail, events and hospitality
Why:
Extra height gives an open, premium feel for bars, showrooms and pop-up stores.
Customization:
Cut serving flaps, add counters, branding and power.
New or used
New vs used: which container is right for you?
US-Wide Supplier Network
best for business
New 40ft high cube container
One-trip containers in as-new condition.
Ideal for long-term use or prominent, high visibility locations.
Available in multiple colors and fully customizable.
Can be supplied with factory lockbox and vents.
Budget pick
Used 40ft high cube container
Choose your grade: as-is, wind and watertight (WWT) or CSC-plated cargo worthy.
Ideal for budget storage and remote or low visibility sites.
May have cosmetic wear and surface rust.
Limited colors, but cost-effective and fully customizable.
No Fees No Obligation
About 40ft high cube containers
Large, tall containers that can handle more
The 40ft high cube is the longest and tallest standard container, about 1 foot (305 mm) taller than a regular 40ft. That extra height is why it is the most common choice for conversions: there is room for insulation, lighting and services overhead while the ceiling stays comfortable.
Beyond storage, 40ft high cubes become tiny homes, offices, workshops, showrooms and mobile labs. For a side-by-side look at both heights, see standard vs high cube containers.
Why choose a 40ft high cube container?
- Extra headroom: About 12% more internal volume than a standard 40ft, on the same footprint.
- Modification friendly: The taller interior makes insulating, lining and fitting services far easier.
- Strong and protective: Corten steel with a sealed, weather-resistant construction, plus optional lockboxes and vents.
- Available across the US: Connect with vetted local suppliers nationwide and get a 40ft high cube delivered to your site.
Got questions? Let's chat.
Hi, I’m Andy. 15+ years in containers. How can I help?
We are here to make container buying simple.
Talk to a real expert, get advice, and find your perfect fit, fast.
Blog
Want to know more about 40ft high cube containers?
Buyer guides, sizing tips and market insights for the US.
Shipping Container Homes in California: Codes, ADUs and City Rules
How California handles shipping container homes: the 2025 state codes, the LADBS conversion bulletin, San Diego rules, state ADU law, HCD approval for factory-built units and counties that allow containers only for storage.
Shipping Container Homes in Washington: Codes, ADUs and L&I Rules
How Washington handles shipping container homes: the 2021 state codes, Pierce, King and Ferndale container rules, the two-ADU state law, the energy code wall U-factor and the L&I factory-assembled program.
FAQs
40ft high cube containers: frequently asked questions
All you need to know about 40ft high cube containers.
01
Externally, a 40ft high cube is 40ft long, 8ft wide and 9ft 6in high (12.19 x 2.44 x 2.90 m). Internally it measures about 39ft 5in x 7ft 8in x 8ft 10in (12.03 x 2.35 x 2.69 m). The door opening is about 7ft 8in wide by 8ft 5in high (2.34 x 2.58 m).
02
9ft 6in (2.90 m) externally and about 8ft 10in (2.69 m) internally. That is 1 foot taller than a standard 40ft shipping container, which is 8ft 6in externally and 7ft 10in inside.
03
An empty 40ft high cube weighs about 8,600 lb (3,900 kg). The maximum gross weight is 67,200 lb (30,480 kg), which leaves a payload of roughly 58,600 lb (26,580 kg).
04
It depends on condition, grade and delivery distance. In the US, 40ft high cubes are widely available and often priced close to standard 40ft units. See our shipping container prices page for current ranges, then request quotes for a delivered price.
05
About 20 standard US pallets (48 x 40 in) in a single layer, the same floor capacity as a standard 40ft. The extra height lets you stack taller loads where the cargo weight allows.
06
Usually yes, with around 100 feet of straight access for the truck and firm, level ground. On a standard trailer a high cube sits close to the typical 13ft 6in US road clearance, so mention low bridges or overhead lines on the route when you request quotes.
07
As a container platform, we connect you with vetted local suppliers. Some only sell containers, others also offer leasing and rental. Renting can make sense for short-term use, while buying often suits longer-term or customized projects. Because pricing and availability vary by region and supplier, submit your requirements to receive options tailored to your situation.
See a 40ft high cube full size on your property
Use your phone camera to place the container on your property at its real size. You see how much room it takes and how it sits before you buy.
Grade and color
Scan with your phoneThis page opens straight on your phone.
- On your phone, tap “View full size”.
- Move the phone slowly over the ground until it picks up the surface.
- The container appears about 10 ft in front of you, doors facing you, so you see all of it straight away.
- Drag with one finger to bring it closer or move it. Twist with two fingers to turn it. You can also walk around it.
Full-size view is not available on this device. Turn the 3D model above with your finger to see it from every side.
Works on iPhone 6s or newer with iOS 12 or later and on most Android phones from 2018 on with Google Play Services for AR. On other devices you can turn the 3D model above and look at it from every side.
External size 40ft high cube: 40 ft × 8 ft × 9 ft 6 in (12.19 × 2.44 × 2.90 m), length × width × height