ISO 668 Compliant • 76.3 m³ Volume • Global High Cube Access

    40ft High Cube Container (40HC)

    The industry's most traded container type with 76.3 m³ of internal volume. Maximum cubic capacity for volumetric cargo, e-commerce logistics, and SOC one-way leasing, available from 87 countries.

    Technical Specifications Dashboard

    External Dimensions

    12.192 × 2.438 × 2.896 m

    40' × 8' × 9'6"

    Internal Dimensions

    12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m

    39'6" × 7'8" × 8'10"

    Door Opening

    2.34 × 2.58 m

    7'8" × 8'6"

    Internal Volume

    76.3 m³

    2,694 ft³

    Max Payload

    26,540 kg

    58,511 lbs

    Tare Weight

    3,940 kg

    8,687 lbs

    Max Gross Weight

    30,480 kg

    67,197 lbs

    Standards

    ISO 668 / CSC

    Global intermodal compliance

    ISO 668 & ISO 6346 Compliant

    40ft High Cube Dimensions & Capacity

    The 40ft High Cube container (40HC) measures 12.192 m long × 2.438 m wide × 2.896 m high externally, with internal dimensions of 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m. The extra 30 cm of internal height compared to a standard 40DC provides 76.3 m³ (2,694 ft³) of loading volume, a 13% increase. The door opening is 2.34 × 2.58 m, accommodating taller pallets and oversized cargo. With a payload capacity of 26,540 kg (58,511 lbs), the 40HC is the most popular container type for high-volume trade. All units comply with ISO 668 and CSC structural certification standards.

    Why the 40ft High Cube Is the Preferred Volumetric Solution

    The 40HC is the single most traded container type in the global shipping industry. The extra foot of internal height (2.69 m vs 2.39 m in a standard 40DC) delivers 76.3 m³ of loading volume, making it the default choice for volumetric cargo, palletised goods, and e-commerce fulfilment operations. From garments and furniture to consumer electronics and FMCG products, the High Cube configuration maximises cubic efficiency on every voyage.

    For SOC one-way leasing, the 40HC dominates global demand. Its prevalence across all major trade lanes ensures high availability, competitive positioning rates, and predictable asset flow. Carriers, NVOCCs, and freight forwarders consistently specify 40HC units for their operational programmes, making it the most liquid container asset on the secondary market.

    Common Applications

    The 40ft High Cube is the most popular container in global trade, with extra height for maximum cubic efficiency:

    SOC one-way leasing for importers and NVOCCs
    E-commerce, FMCG, and retail distribution (palletised cargo)
    Garment, textile, and furniture shipments
    Automotive parts and lightweight consumer goods
    Cold chain logistics (as insulated or reefer base unit)
    Project cargo and oversized equipment transport

    Global Availability & Depot Network

    As the most traded container type worldwide, 40HC units are continuously replenished across MG-Atlantic's port-based depot network in 87 countries. Our positioning infrastructure covers every major terminal in Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East, with priority allocation for high-volume operators and SOC leasing programmes.

    The 40HC is the core asset of our one-way leasing fleet. Our operational model combines container sales, SOC programmes, and export documentation support, enabling seamless deployment from depot release through to vessel loading. Fast positioning, transparent pricing, and dedicated coordination for any trade lane or volume requirement.

    40HC containers for sale in the USA

    Wholesale containers · For dealers, resellers and fleet buyers: one quote on the full quantity, grade confirmed in writing, units released together.

    Choose the Right Container Grade for Your Operation

    Operational objectives require different structural conditions. Select the grade aligned with your usage model, compliance needs, and budget strategy.

    All structural grades are suitable for static storage applications. Selection depends on budget tolerance and asset lifecycle expectations.

    New (One-Trip)

    Factory-built 40HC container with a single export delivery cycle. Pristine structural condition with full CSC validity, extra-height configuration, and minimal operational wear.

    Best for: SOC leasing fleets, premium export operations, long-term investment.

    • Maximum structural integrity, zero operational exposure
    • Full ISO & CSC compliance with factory warranty
    • Highest secondary market value for High Cube units
    • Ideal for institutional SOC fleet programmes and asset-backed financing

    Cargo Worthy (CW)

    Inspected and certified 40HC for international ocean transport. The most popular and cost-effective grade for active SOC one-way leasing operations worldwide.

    Best for: SOC one-way leasing, active shipping, freight forwarding.

    • Valid CSC plate, immediate intermodal compliance
    • Most cost-efficient 40HC solution for one-way programmes
    • Ready for vessel loading without additional certification
    • Balanced asset lifecycle between acquisition cost and operational exposure

    IICL Standard

    Refurbished 40HC container according to Institute of International Container Lessors standards. Higher cosmetic and structural grading for institutional-grade deployments.

    Best for: Leasing fleets, institutional operators, premium clients.

    • Strict multi-point inspection and grading protocol
    • Enhanced flooring, door gaskets, and panel condition
    • Optimized lifecycle performance for HC leasing programmes
    • Meets institutional compliance for fleet-grade High Cube deployment

    As-Is

    Sold without structural certification. Suitable for static storage, structural conversion, or project-based usage outside intermodal operations.

    Best for: Construction sites, modular builds, storage yards.

    • Budget-oriented acquisition with minimal capital exposure
    • Conversion-friendly, extra height ideal for habitable spaces
    • Sourced on request across the depot network
    • Ideal for non-transport applications with fixed deployment

    40ft High Cube Pricing Factors

    40HC pricing is driven by volumetric trade demand, commodity cycles, and regional equipment positioning. As the dominant container type globally, these factors shape acquisition cost.

    Market Pricing Drivers

    • E-commerce & volumetric demand premium
    • Steel index & High Cube manufacturing cost
    • Trade imbalance between origin & destination

    Get a location-based quote for accurate pricing.

    Indicative guidance, final pricing depends on depot location, condition grade, and timing.

    Depot-drivenCondition-based

    Volumetric Demand Premium

    40HC units command a structural premium driven by e-commerce, FMCG, and palletised cargo demand on key trade lanes.

    IMPACT: HIGH

    Steel Index Impact

    High Cube new-build costs reflect additional material input plus elevated demand, driving secondary market floor prices.

    STRUCTURAL DRIVER

    Trade Imbalance Routes

    Export-heavy hubs offer lower 40HC pricing. Import-dominated corridors reflect repositioning costs and constrained supply.

    MOST SENSITIVE LEVER

    Condition Grade

    New, IICL, CW, and As-Is 40HC units form tiered pricing aligned with certification standards and deployment scope.

    IMPACT: MEDIUM–HIGH

    Seasonal & Volume Effects

    Peak seasons (Q3–Q4) spike High Cube demand. Volume commitments unlock per-unit cost advantages and guaranteed availability.

    SCALABLE ADVANTAGE

    Get an Accurate Price

    Depot location and condition grade are the primary inputs for an accurate 40HC quotation.

    Showing live availability for 40HC

    Market

    Market notes

    Frequently Asked Questions

    External dimensions are 12.192 × 2.438 × 2.896 m. Internal dimensions are 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m, for an internal volume of 76.3 m³. Dimensions follow ISO 668; internal figures vary slightly between manufacturers.

    Maximum payload is 26,540 kg, tare weight 3,940 kg, and maximum gross weight 30,480 kg. Payload is the gross weight minus the tare, so a heavier unit carries less. Road and rail limits may be lower than the container's own rating.

    New (one-trip) for occupied or visible use. Cargo Worthy for ocean transport and general storage. IICL for the strictest lessor standard. As-Is for storage and conversion where certification is not required. MG-Atlantic supplies the container and does not convert it, so the grade advice carries no commercial bias.

    40ft High Cube Containers, Available Now

    Fast quotations from our depot network. Buy, lease, or ship one-way, MG-Atlantic delivers.

    Fast quotation • Depot pickup options • Global coverage