40' High Cube Container

Prototype Information

The 40-foot High Cube container was created to give shippers more space without changing the way containers are handled. As global trade ramped up in the 1970s, the standard 40-foot container became a workhorse in international shipping. But as companies moved more lightweight, high-volume goods—like electronics, textiles, and packaged consumer items—they needed more room inside each container to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

To solve this, manufacturers introduced the 40-foot High Cube container. By adding just one extra foot of height—raising the container from 8 feet 6 inches to 9 feet 6 inches—they increased internal volume by roughly 12%. That extra space let shippers load more goods per container, especially when weight wasn’t the limiting factor.

The design caught on quickly. By the 1980s, High Cubes were common on major trade routes. Ports, ships, and trucks didn’t need to adapt much since the containers kept the same footprint and stacking compatibility as standard units. Logistics operators liked the flexibility, and businesses got better value per shipment.

Today, the 40-foot High Cube container plays a central role in global supply chains. Companies use it to move everything from flat-packed furniture to high-tech equipment. Its added space and compatibility with existing infrastructure make it a smart choice for maximizing efficiency in modern shipping.