| Specification | Standard 40 ft | High Cube 40 ft | High Cube 45 ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Length (ft) | 39.42 | 39.42 | 44.42 |
| Internal Width (ft) | 7.67 | 7.67 | 7.67 |
| Internal Height (ft) | 7.83 | 8.83 | 8.83 |
| Total Internal Volume (cubic ft) | 2,367 | 2,669 | 3,006 |
| Maximum Payload (lbs) | 58,600 | 58,600 | 56,200 |
| Estimated Shipping Cost — Shenzhen → San Diego | $5,000 | $5,200 | $6,200 |
| Cost per Internal Cubic Foot (Shenzhen → San Diego) | $2.11 | $1.95 | $2.06 |
| Estimated Shipping Cost — Shenzhen → St. Maarten | $7,500 | $7,800 | $9,000 |
| Cost per Internal Cubic Foot (Shenzhen → St. Maarten) | $3.17 | $2.92 | $2.99 |
Notes: All figures are estimates for full container load (FCL) shipments based on typical 2024–2025 rates. Actual freight costs vary with fuel surcharges, carrier availability, seasonality, port congestion, customs/duties, and inland trucking. The 45-foot high cube is less widely deployed on some trade lanes, which can increase its effective rate. St. Maarten is a smaller Caribbean port with fewer direct routes from China, which is reflected in the higher per-container pricing. Always obtain live quotes from a freight forwarder before committing to a shipment.
``` A few observations worth highlighting from the data: - **Best efficiency on the San Diego route** goes to the 40ft High Cube at $1.95/cf — it offers the extra foot of internal height without the premium or limited availability sometimes attached to 45ft units. - **St. Maarten is roughly 50–60% more expensive** than San Diego on a per-container basis because the Caribbean route has fewer direct sailings and usually involves transshipment (often via Panama, Kingston, or Miami). - The **45ft High Cube** gives you about 337 extra cubic feet versus the 40ft HC, but you pay roughly $1,000–$1,200 more depending on the route, so it's roughly break-even on efficiency compared to the 40ft standard.