01
20ft or 40ft
The length must be specified in every quote. “High Cube” describes the height, not a single size.
More height · New and used
A high cube shipping container adds about 1 ft of height compared with a standard container of the same length. Compare 20ft and 40ft options for tall equipment, racking or a conversion, then check the door clearance and usable floor space.
What changes for you
About 1 ft more in height
More volume does not mean a higher payload.
Schematic diagram · Model dimensions to be confirmed
Both formats offer extra height. The choice mainly comes down to length, the volume to store and how you access the back of the container.
| Your criterion | 20ft High Cube | 40ft High Cube |
|---|---|---|
| External length | Approximately 20 ft | Approximately 40 ft |
| External height | Approximately 9 ft 6 in | Approximately 9 ft 6 in |
| Empty internal volume | Not published: available on request | Approximately 2,694.5 cu ft |
| Empty interior floor area | Approximately 148.9 sq ft | Approximately 304.6 sq ft |
| Layout to plan | Tall equipment in a short format | A larger stock with organised access right to the back |
Rounded figures from the High Cube models given as examples. Dimensions and door opening vary by build; the permissible load is checked separately.
The price of a High Cube should be compared on an equivalent size, condition and delivery basis. Ask the supplier for a standard alternative if you are unsure: any extra cost should meet a specific height need, and not just the search for a large advertised volume.
01
The length must be specified in every quote. “High Cube” describes the height, not a single size.
02
Compare an equivalent condition and refurbishment level, with photos of the unit being offered.
03
Have the route, overhead obstacles and unloading methods checked for the vehicle used.
Ask for totals excluding and including sales tax, separating the container, delivery and unloading. Prepare delivery information
Compare the total delivered cost.
The departure depot and on-site positioning can change the comparison. Gather your criteria in a free request so you can compare proposals on the same basis.
The 20ft example uses one Canadian supplier specification; the 40ft example uses an international carrier specification. The 20ft exterior length is nominal and its published imperial dimensions are rounded. Confirm actual measurements and availability with the supplier. Always distinguish internal height from the lower door opening.
| Specification | Value or information to obtain |
|---|---|
| 20ft HC · External, L × W × H | 20 ft × 8 ft × 9 ft 6 in |
| 20ft HC · Internal, L × W × H | 19 ft 5 in × 7 ft 8 in × 8 ft 10 in |
| 20ft HC · Door, width × height | 7 ft 8 in × 8 ft 5 in |
| 20ft HC · Advertised internal volume | Not published: available on request |
| 20ft HC · Internal floor area | 148.9 sq ft (calculated) |
| 20ft HC · Tare weight | 5,115 lb |
| 20ft HC · Maximum payload | 62,085 lb |
| 20ft HC · Maximum gross mass | Not published on the listing: on request |
| 40ft HC · External, L × W × H | 40 ft × 8 ft × 9 ft 6 in |
| 40ft HC · Internal, L × W × H | 39 ft 5.7 in × 7 ft 8.5 in × 8 ft 10.3 in |
| 40ft HC · Door, width × height | 7 ft 8.1 in × 8 ft 6.2 in |
| 40ft HC · Advertised internal volume | 2,694.5 cu ft |
| 40ft HC · Calculated internal floor area | Approximately 304.6 sq ft |
| 40ft HC · Tare weight | 8,598 lb |
| 40ft HC · Maximum payload | 63,052.2 lb |
| 40ft HC · Maximum gross mass | 71,650.2 lb |
| Key difference | In both examples, the door is lower than the internal height |
Equipment data describes example models, including international examples where identified. Confirm Canadian availability, certification and suitability for your project with the supplier.
Measure the equipment on its pallet or support. Compare this measurement with the door opening, not just the internal height.
Ask for the combined thickness of the floor, insulation and ceiling, and the finished internal height after conversion.
Ask for tare weight, payload and maximum gross mass for the proposed model. Volumetric capacity alone is not enough to validate a heavy load.
Ask for the distinction between High Cube DRY, refrigerated and other variants: the equipment changes the interior space.
External footprint of a 20ft High Cube: approximately 160 sq ft. This is a dimensional estimate, not a permission threshold.
Before delivery, check the site's zoning and intended use with the municipality or authority having jurisdiction. Describe the container's position, height, duration, foundations, utilities and access. Development approval and building permits are separate checks. Use the adopted provincial or territorial code and local bylaws; a small footprint, mobility or a shipping certificate does not establish an exemption.
Ask the municipality about residential use, additional units, setbacks, lot coverage, access and servicing. Use Ontario's Building Code and the municipal building-permit process. Establish the evidence needed for a converted container's intended occupancy.
Check the parcel's zoning and current local bylaw before buying. A storage-container permission does not automatically permit residential occupation. Use the BC Building Code where applicable. Vancouver has its own building bylaw; check the local permit route.
Check land-use approval and building permits separately with the municipality or accredited authority. Calgary's 2018 container advisory identifies structure, fire, services and permit checks. Its old code references are historical: use today's Alberta code and authority instructions for the actual project.
Check municipal land use and the building authority responsible for the address. Confirm whether the provincial Building chapter and any municipal provisions apply to this building. Quebec's Construction Code, Chapter I – Building, uses the National Building Code 2020 with Quebec amendments. The scope of that chapter and municipal enforcement need to be established for the proposed home.
Identify the municipality or planning district responsible for land use and building permits. Where the province is the building authority, contact Inspection and Technical Services; the route depends on the location and building. Send the proposed residential occupancy, site plan and factory-work details to that authority. A permit exemption for a different kind of structure does not establish that a container home is exempt.
Start with the local authority and its appointed building official. Local building bylaws address construction, placement, use and occupancy, alongside the land-use decision for the parcel. Ask the official to identify the permit documents and inspections for the converted shell, foundations, services and finished occupancy. State whether the work is a new home, relocation or alteration.
Ask the local government or regional service commission which service handles land-use approval and building permits for the address. Describe the proposed dwelling, not simply a storage container. Have the building official confirm the design submission, inspections and authority for the project. An exemption for an accessory structure without overnight accommodation cannot be assumed to cover a home.
Check municipal land-use permission and the building-permit route before ordering. Identify whether the work is a new dwelling, a relocated building or a change of use. For factory work, ask the building official how Section 10A applies to the proposed module and its inspection or certification evidence. Factory documentation does not resolve site foundations, connections or occupation.
Confirm the building-permit office for the property's parcel identification number (PID) with provincial Inspection Services or your municipal planning office. Establish development approval separately; the land-use and building authorities can differ. The provincial service includes homes of all sizes, including tiny homes. Provide the site and building drawings and ask how the converted container, factory work and on-site connections will be reviewed.
Check the local land-use and building-permit route, then ask the provincial fire and life-safety plan-review service whether a separate review applies to the proposed dwelling. The Fire Protection Services Regulations distinguish building classes, including provisions affecting one- and two-family dwellings. Do not apply a general provincial plan-review statement to every home without checking that scope.
Within Whitehorse, start with the city; outside Whitehorse, use the Government of Yukon building-permit service. Confirm the land-use authority and any separate development permission for the parcel. Yukon identifies moving or installing a modular building as work requiring a building permit. Give the authority the actual construction, intended occupancy and site-servicing information before transport.
Check local development and land-use permission separately from the territorial fire and building-code review. Ask the Office of the Fire Marshal which submissions are required for the building and proposed use. The Fire Prevention Regulations distinguish buildings that must submit a description of work. An exception from submitting that description is not an exemption from the applicable code; a change of use can alter the review route.
Obtain the municipal or hamlet development permit first where required. The Office of the Chief Building Official handles most building-permit applications; confirm the authority for your address. Ask the office for the drawing package, review, inspection and occupancy requirements for the proposed home. A permit exception for an accessory building does not establish a housing exemption or remove applicable design requirements.
External footprint of a 40ft High Cube: approximately 319.9 sq ft. This is a dimensional estimate, not a permission threshold.
Before delivery, check the site's zoning and intended use with the municipality or authority having jurisdiction. Describe the container's position, height, duration, foundations, utilities and access. Development approval and building permits are separate checks. Use the adopted provincial or territorial code and local bylaws; a small footprint, mobility or a shipping certificate does not establish an exemption.
Ask the municipality about residential use, additional units, setbacks, lot coverage, access and servicing. Use Ontario's Building Code and the municipal building-permit process. Establish the evidence needed for a converted container's intended occupancy.
Check the parcel's zoning and current local bylaw before buying. A storage-container permission does not automatically permit residential occupation. Use the BC Building Code where applicable. Vancouver has its own building bylaw; check the local permit route.
Check land-use approval and building permits separately with the municipality or accredited authority. Calgary's 2018 container advisory identifies structure, fire, services and permit checks. Its old code references are historical: use today's Alberta code and authority instructions for the actual project.
Check municipal land use and the building authority responsible for the address. Confirm whether the provincial Building chapter and any municipal provisions apply to this building. Quebec's Construction Code, Chapter I – Building, uses the National Building Code 2020 with Quebec amendments. The scope of that chapter and municipal enforcement need to be established for the proposed home.
Identify the municipality or planning district responsible for land use and building permits. Where the province is the building authority, contact Inspection and Technical Services; the route depends on the location and building. Send the proposed residential occupancy, site plan and factory-work details to that authority. A permit exemption for a different kind of structure does not establish that a container home is exempt.
Start with the local authority and its appointed building official. Local building bylaws address construction, placement, use and occupancy, alongside the land-use decision for the parcel. Ask the official to identify the permit documents and inspections for the converted shell, foundations, services and finished occupancy. State whether the work is a new home, relocation or alteration.
Ask the local government or regional service commission which service handles land-use approval and building permits for the address. Describe the proposed dwelling, not simply a storage container. Have the building official confirm the design submission, inspections and authority for the project. An exemption for an accessory structure without overnight accommodation cannot be assumed to cover a home.
Check municipal land-use permission and the building-permit route before ordering. Identify whether the work is a new dwelling, a relocated building or a change of use. For factory work, ask the building official how Section 10A applies to the proposed module and its inspection or certification evidence. Factory documentation does not resolve site foundations, connections or occupation.
Confirm the building-permit office for the property's parcel identification number (PID) with provincial Inspection Services or your municipal planning office. Establish development approval separately; the land-use and building authorities can differ. The provincial service includes homes of all sizes, including tiny homes. Provide the site and building drawings and ask how the converted container, factory work and on-site connections will be reviewed.
Check the local land-use and building-permit route, then ask the provincial fire and life-safety plan-review service whether a separate review applies to the proposed dwelling. The Fire Protection Services Regulations distinguish building classes, including provisions affecting one- and two-family dwellings. Do not apply a general provincial plan-review statement to every home without checking that scope.
Within Whitehorse, start with the city; outside Whitehorse, use the Government of Yukon building-permit service. Confirm the land-use authority and any separate development permission for the parcel. Yukon identifies moving or installing a modular building as work requiring a building permit. Give the authority the actual construction, intended occupancy and site-servicing information before transport.
Check local development and land-use permission separately from the territorial fire and building-code review. Ask the Office of the Fire Marshal which submissions are required for the building and proposed use. The Fire Prevention Regulations distinguish buildings that must submit a description of work. An exception from submitting that description is not an exemption from the applicable code; a change of use can alter the review route.
Obtain the municipal or hamlet development permit first where required. The Office of the Chief Building Official handles most building-permit applications; confirm the authority for your address. Ask the office for the drawing package, review, inspection and occupancy requirements for the proposed home. A permit exception for an accessory building does not establish a housing exemption or remove applicable design requirements.
The reference model is approximately 20 ft long. Consider this size if the footprint meets your needs but standard height is too restrictive. Give the height of the equipment, including packaging and support.
The 20ft High Cube in the tableThe reference model is approximately 40 ft long. Check that the load can make use of the height and that the site allows delivery of a large format.
Compare standard and High Cube 40ftInsulation, ceiling and floor covering reduce the usable space. Define the desired finished height with the company carrying out the work.
Preparing a converted containerScroll to see all formats.
Scale
5 ft 8.9 in
20ft standard
length 19 ft 10.5 in height 8 ft 6 in
20ft High Cubethis page
length 20 ft height 9 ft 6 in
40ft standard
length 40 ft height 8 ft 6 in
40ft High Cubethis page
length 40 ft height 9 ft 6 in
The extra height is only useful if your load or conversion uses it. These examples help you check this before choosing.
CASE 1
A technical cabinet or a machine may justify the High Cube without requiring a 40ft. Measure the whole unit ready to go in, with its base and packaging, then compare it with the door opening.
Equipment to consider
Suitable handling method, blocking and securing points depending on the equipment.
CASE 2
The extra height can be used for bulky, light items. Keep frequently used stock within reach and define from the start how you will reach the upper levels.
Equipment to consider
Shelving sized for the loads, access suitable for high levels and aisle lighting.
CASE 3
Floor, insulation and ceiling take up part of the available height. Start from the desired height once work is complete, with the workbench, storage and equipment in place.
Equipment to consider
Include climate-appropriate insulation, moisture control, ventilation, heating or cooling where needed, lighting and electrical work. Confirm local zoning, building and trade permits for the workshop occupancy.
Step 1
Container type, condition, purchase or rental and quantity.
Step 2
Your requirements and postal code, entered only once.
Step 3
Container, transport and unloading, on the same basis.
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Updated on · technical figures describe example models; confirm the specification and delivery terms for the unit offered
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