Choose high cube when the load needs more height
These paired marine examples share an 11.602 × 2.276 m interior floor. High cube adds 305 mm of interior height, about 12 in, without adding floor length or width.
Compare high cube for taller packaged loads. Count floor positions from the floor plan, then check the unit's marked load line and handling limits before using the extra height. Interior height and doorway height are separate measurements; neither authorizes stacking or a particular load weight.
Use these nominal dimensions to compare the two configurations. The offered container's measurements and loading instructions govern your final arrangement.
| Nominal measurement | 40ft standard example | 40ft high-cube example |
|---|---|---|
| Outside L × W × H | 40 × 8 × 8 ft 6 in (12.192 × 2.438 × 2.591 m) | 40 × 8 × 9 ft 6 in (12.192 × 2.438 × 2.896 m) |
| Inside floor L × W | 38.06 × 7.47 ft (11.602 × 2.276 m) | 38.06 × 7.47 ft (11.602 × 2.276 m) |
| Inside height | 7.30 ft (2.226 m) | 8.30 ft (2.531 m) |
| Door opening W × H | 7.47 × 7.54 ft (2.276 × 2.299 m) | 7.47 × 8.54 ft (2.276 × 2.603 m) |
Plan for a held batch or individual retrieval
A larger batch can use the floor differently from stock picked throughout the day. Decide which goods need individual access before filling the long room.
A separate portable 40ft example has a 456 × 88 in interior floor and publishes 20 positions for US 48 × 40 in pallets. A different geometric arrangement on that floor places one row of 11 pallet footprints beside a chosen 36 in strip.
Each footprint is rotated to run 40 in along the floor and 48 in across it. Eleven occupy 440 in of length. Across the room, 48 in of load, 36 in of chosen aisle space and 2 in at each sidewall total 88 in. The loads end 16 in before the assumed rear doors, exceeding the chosen 12 in door reserve.
The 11 footprints show geometry only. The plan reserves no space at the front machinery end and has not been checked for airflow, pallet removal or safe aisle clearance. The 36 in width is an illustration choice, not a handling minimum.
Marine T-bar floors need their own loading pattern: keep goods within the cargo-floor boundary and below the marked load line, with the required air circulation. An open retrieval strip on the portable floor does not establish a suitable marine loading plan.
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Compare the equipment behind the 40ft asking price
These four US equipment asking prices were checked on October 9, 2026. They show different heights, box conditions and cooling systems; they are not ContainerPick inventory offers.
Box condition, refrigeration age and access features differ across these offers. A new motor in a used box leaves the box's condition as a separate purchase decision. Review the actual unit's cooling test and refrigeration warranty alongside its shell condition.
The Georgia offers list 460 V three-phase base equipment. For the $28,500 new high cube, a listed $3,450 transformer option accepts 208/230 V three-phase input. That gives $28,500 + $3,450 = $31,950 for the unit and transformer only. It remains a three-phase system.
Have transport, unloading, placement, taxes and site electrical work itemized before comparing final totals. The $31,950 subtotal covers the equipment and listed option; it does not establish a delivered or installed price.
| Configuration | Refrigeration and access | Market | Asking price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40ft standard, used, as-is working | 2011 refrigeration; cargo doors and raised T-rail floor | Morrow / Atlanta area, Georgia | $7,500 |
| 40ft high cube, used, as-is working | 2010 refrigeration; cargo doors and raised T-rail floor | Morrow / Atlanta area, Georgia | $10,500 |
| 40ft high cube, new production / one trip | December 2025 refrigeration; inset access door, LED lights and alarm/release | Morrow / Atlanta area, Georgia | $28,500 |
| 40ft high cube, used box with new freezer motor | New 5 HP single-phase freezer equipment; 208–240 V and dedicated 40 A service | Santa Maria, California, selected pickup location | $24,500 |
Match the cooling configuration to site power
The marine specifications below belong to the two dimension examples above. Keep them separate from the priced units and the portable pallet plan.
For a single-phase alternative, the $24,500 used-box freezer configuration lists 208–240 V and dedicated 40 A service. It needs more than an ordinary 120 V household outlet. Its freezer label and 5 HP motor rating do not establish a specific holding temperature or freezing rate.
Match the assigned machinery's voltage, phase, frequency and connection with your electrician before delivery. Listed connection amperages describe the supply requirement; use accumulated meter kWh over representative holding periods for the electricity budget.
Record the required temperature, outdoor conditions, incoming load and door routine with that energy measurement. Assess cooling warm arrivals or freezing a batch separately from holding stock that is already at temperature. A product-sheet temperature range alone does not establish the temperature achieved throughout your load.
| Marine example | Published temperature range | Published electrical requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 40ft standard | −20 to 70°F (−28.9 to 21.1°C) | Most installed machinery: 208/230 or 380/460 V, three phase, 50/60 Hz; identify the installed unit. |
| 40ft high cube | −10 to 70°F (−23.3 to 21.1°C) | 460 V / 30 A or 230 V / 60 A, three phase; confirm the installed unit's frequency and connection. |
Check the long unloading route and machinery access
One gooseneck tilt-bed delivery service specifies 120 ft of straight space for a 40ft container, with approximately 14 ft of overhead clearance and 16 ft while tilted. Use those figures to discuss that unloading method with the operator; the truck and method selected for your site determine the actual requirement.
Set the door orientation and machinery-end access before placement. The unloading area needs to suit the truck and supports, while the refrigeration equipment needs room for ventilation and service. If the approach cannot accommodate the long unit, compare a shorter refrigerated format through the size comparison.
Get My Best Price
Choose 40ft standard or 40ft high cube in the planner and add your packaged-load dimensions, retrieval routine, required temperature, site power and delivery ZIP. Include whether you want used working equipment, a new or one-trip unit, or a used box with newly fitted refrigeration.
Review the editable request, copy or download it, and send it to your chosen supplier when you are ready.
Buying questions
Can one 40ft container hold products with different temperature requirements?
Give each product's required temperature and handling conditions in the request. One high-cube room adds height; it does not provide separate temperature zones. Products that need different conditions may require separate equipment or a specifically designed arrangement.