More height · New and used

High cube shipping containers: 20ft and 40ft options

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.

External height
≈ 9 ft 6 in
Height gain
≈ 1 ft
Lengths to compare
20ft and 40ft

What changes for you

About 1 ft more in height

≈ 1 ft extraSame length and width as a standard container

More volume does not mean a higher payload.

Schematic diagram · Model dimensions to be confirmed

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Your choice: High Cube — increased height. Add the remaining project details on the next page.

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20ft or 40ft High Cube: height is not everything

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.

20ft or 40ft High Cube: height is not everything
Your criterion20ft High Cube40ft High Cube
External lengthApproximately 20 ftApproximately 40 ft
External heightApproximately 9 ft 6 inApproximately 9 ft 6 in
Empty internal volumeNot published: available on requestApproximately 2,694.5 cu ft
Empty interior floor areaApproximately 148.9 sq ftApproximately 304.6 sq ft
Layout to planTall equipment in a short formatA 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.

How much does a high cube container cost?

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

20ft or 40ft

The length must be specified in every quote. “High Cube” describes the height, not a single size.

02

New or used

Compare an equivalent condition and refurbishment level, with photos of the unit being offered.

03

Transport and installation

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.

Compare delivered prices

Dimensions and weights of 20ft and 40ft High Cube containers

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.

High cube container — reference points for your quote
SpecificationValue or information to obtain
20ft HC · External, L × W × H20 ft × 8 ft × 9 ft 6 in
20ft HC · Internal, L × W × H19 ft 5 in × 7 ft 8 in × 8 ft 10 in
20ft HC · Door, width × height7 ft 8 in × 8 ft 5 in
20ft HC · Advertised internal volumeNot published: available on request
20ft HC · Internal floor area148.9 sq ft (calculated)
20ft HC · Tare weight5,115 lb
20ft HC · Maximum payload62,085 lb
20ft HC · Maximum gross massNot published on the listing: on request
40ft HC · External, L × W × H40 ft × 8 ft × 9 ft 6 in
40ft HC · Internal, L × W × H39 ft 5.7 in × 7 ft 8.5 in × 8 ft 10.3 in
40ft HC · Door, width × height7 ft 8.1 in × 8 ft 6.2 in
40ft HC · Advertised internal volume2,694.5 cu ft
40ft HC · Calculated internal floor areaApproximately 304.6 sq ft
40ft HC · Tare weight8,598 lb
40ft HC · Maximum payload63,052.2 lb
40ft HC · Maximum gross mass71,650.2 lb
Key differenceIn 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.

Load height

Measure the equipment on its pallet or support. Compare this measurement with the door opening, not just the internal height.

Height after conversion

Ask for the combined thickness of the floor, insulation and ceiling, and the finished internal height after conversion.

Masses

Ask for tare weight, payload and maximum gross mass for the proposed model. Volumetric capacity alone is not enough to validate a heavy load.

The exact model

Ask for the distinction between High Cube DRY, refrigerated and other variants: the equipment changes the interior space.

Zoning and permits: key points for a 20ft High Cube

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.

  • Ontario: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • British Columbia: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Alberta: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Quebec: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Manitoba: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Saskatchewan: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • New Brunswick: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Nova Scotia: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Prince Edward Island: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Newfoundland and Labrador: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Yukon: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Northwest Territories: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Nunavut: zoning and building permits

    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.

Zoning and permits: key points for a 40ft High Cube

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.

  • Ontario: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • British Columbia: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Alberta: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Quebec: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Manitoba: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Saskatchewan: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • New Brunswick: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Nova Scotia: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Prince Edward Island: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Newfoundland and Labrador: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Yukon: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Northwest Territories: zoning and building permits

    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.

  • Nunavut: zoning and building permits

    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.

Which High Cube should you choose for your use?

20ft High Cube

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 table

40ft High Cube

The 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 40ft

A conversion project

Insulation, ceiling and floor covering reduce the usable space. Define the desired finished height with the company carrying out the work.

Preparing a converted container

Sizes at the same scale

Scroll 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

Side elevations to scale, external dimensions. The outline measures 5 ft 8.9 in: it is provided only as a scale reference. Dotted: the same length format, taller. Dimensions of the example models; they vary between manufacturers.

What can you do with a High Cube container?

The extra height is only useful if your load or conversion uses it. These examples help you check this before choosing.

CASE 1

Storing tall equipment

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

Organise stock on multiple levels

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

Prepare a fitted-out workshop

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.

How does the comparison work?

  1. Step 1

    Specify your container

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  2. Step 2

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  3. Step 3

    Compare the delivered price

    Container, transport and unloading, on the same basis.

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No listing yet describes all these criteria for this mode. You can consult the directory or specify your project in the form; the absence of a corresponding listing does not describe market stock.

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Frequently asked questions about High Cube containers

What does High Cube mean for a container?
It is a taller variant than the standard of the same length. The external gain is around 1 ft, for a total height close to 9 ft 6 in. Internal height depends on the model and its equipment.
What is the difference between a 20ft and a 40ft High Cube?
They are two nominal sizes. The reference models have external lengths of approximately 20 ft and 40 ft, respectively. Choose according to location, load and delivery, then check the precise internal dimensions on each offer.
What is the door height of a 40ft High Cube?
In the example shown, the door opening is 8 ft 6.2 in high, while the interior height is 8 ft 10.3 in. These two measurements are different: an object that stands upright inside must still be able to pass through the door.
Is a used High Cube available?
Sellers offer new and used High Cubes. Ask for the size, photos, depot and availability of the model that matches your project.
What volume does a High Cube container offer?
The 40ft High Cube example lists 2,694.5 cu ft. The 20ft High Cube reference sheet does not state a volume; ask the supplier for its capacity and actual clear interior. Added volume is useful only if the load occupies the height: also check the door clearance.
How do I compare high cube containers for sale?
Compare the same length, condition and specification. Ask for photos of the actual unit and a quote including applicable sales tax, delivery and unloading. Check 20ft and 40ft high cube options against your usable height, door clearance and site access.
Is the extra volume of a High Cube always usable?
It is useful if your load can use the height: tall items, stackable products or suitable racking. If your goods must remain on a single level, the extra height does not create additional floor area. So compare your planned storage with the advertised volume.
Is a 40ft High Cube or two 20ft containers the better choice?
A 40ft container offers a single long space. Two 20ft containers allow you to separate uses or split storage between two locations. Compare both options including their deliveries, siting, access and the equipment to plan for each unit.

Useful guides

Updated on · technical figures describe example models; confirm the specification and delivery terms for the unit offered

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