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
High cube shipping containers: 20ft and 40ft options
A high cube shipping container adds about 11.8 in 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 6.2 in
- Height gain
- ≈ 11.8 in
- Lengths to compare
- 20ft and 40ft
What changes for you
About 11.8 in more in height
More volume does not mean a higher payload.
Schematic diagram · Model dimensions to be confirmed
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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.
| Your criterion | 20ft High Cube | 40ft High Cube |
|---|---|---|
| External length | Approximately 20 ft 0.2 in | Approximately 39 ft 11.9 in |
| External height | Approximately 9 ft 6.2 in | Approximately 9 ft 6.2 in |
| Empty internal volume | Not published: available on request | Approximately 2,694.5 cu ft |
| Empty interior floor area | Approximately 148.5 sq ft | Approximately 304.6 sq ft |
| Layout to plan | Tall equipment in a short format | A larger stock with organized 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.
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.
Dimensions and weights of 20ft and 40ft High Cube containers
The 20ft example uses one manufacturer 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 US 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 building approval: 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 city, county or authority having jurisdiction. Describe the container's position, height, duration, foundations, utilities and access. Zoning, building, fire and floodplain approvals are separate checks. Floodplain development rules can cover storage or site work even where no building permit is needed. Use the adopted state or local code and ordinances; a small footprint, mobility or a shipping certificate does not establish an exemption.
- California: zoning and building
Ask the city or county whether the proposed storage or commercial use, location, duration and appearance are allowed. Confirm applicable Title 24 building and fire requirements, local amendments and any factory-built approval route for converted or occupied units. Residential use needs a separate assessment.
- Texas: zoning and building
Confirm municipal or county authority, deed restrictions, floodplain rules and the proposed use. Ask TDLR whether factory conversion falls within the IHB program. Certain nonpublic construction-site buildings and temporary commercial units have program exemptions; an IHB exemption does not settle local permits, installation or workplace requirements.
- Washington: zoning and building
Confirm zoning, setbacks, duration, fire access and site approvals locally. A factory-built occupied or converted unit can fall within L&I's modular-building or commercial-coach program; establish its classification and required approval or insignia before fabrication and shipment. A bare storage shell and a completed office do not necessarily follow the same route.
- Other states and Washington, DC: zoning and building
Identify the zoning, building, fire and floodplain authorities for the actual parcel, including any tribal or federal jurisdiction. Check the adopted code, local ordinances and any state modular-building program. Repurposed containers can be subject to container-specific structural provisions, but a model-code publication alone does not establish local law or a permit exemption.
Zoning and building approval: 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 city, county or authority having jurisdiction. Describe the container's position, height, duration, foundations, utilities and access. Zoning, building, fire and floodplain approvals are separate checks. Floodplain development rules can cover storage or site work even where no building permit is needed. Use the adopted state or local code and ordinances; a small footprint, mobility or a shipping certificate does not establish an exemption.
- California: zoning and building
Ask the city or county whether the proposed storage or commercial use, location, duration and appearance are allowed. Confirm applicable Title 24 building and fire requirements, local amendments and any factory-built approval route for converted or occupied units. Residential use needs a separate assessment.
- Texas: zoning and building
Confirm municipal or county authority, deed restrictions, floodplain rules and the proposed use. Ask TDLR whether factory conversion falls within the IHB program. Certain nonpublic construction-site buildings and temporary commercial units have program exemptions; an IHB exemption does not settle local permits, installation or workplace requirements.
- Washington: zoning and building
Confirm zoning, setbacks, duration, fire access and site approvals locally. A factory-built occupied or converted unit can fall within L&I's modular-building or commercial-coach program; establish its classification and required approval or insignia before fabrication and shipment. A bare storage shell and a completed office do not necessarily follow the same route.
- Other states and Washington, DC: zoning and building
Identify the zoning, building, fire and floodplain authorities for the actual parcel, including any tribal or federal jurisdiction. Check the adopted code, local ordinances and any state modular-building program. Repurposed containers can be subject to container-specific structural provisions, but a model-code publication alone does not establish local law or a permit exemption.
Which High Cube should you choose for your use?
20ft High Cube
Consider a 20ft high cube if a container about 19 ft 8.2 in long 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 table40ft High Cube
About 39 ft 4.4 in long for more volume. 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 40ftA 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 containerSizes 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
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
Organize 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?
Step 1
Specify your container
Container type, condition, purchase or rental and quantity.
Step 2
Submit one request
Your requirements and ZIP code, entered only once.
Step 3
Compare the delivered price
Container, transport and unloading, on the same basis.
Free and with no obligation. ContainerFox helps you compare suppliers and request quotes. Your request goes through our comparison service: the companies listed in the directory are not necessarily the recipients of your request. Professionals may pay for the introduction service (How the service works).
Prepare my requestFind high cube container suppliers
This selection reproduces the information published by the companies in the directory. Directory order, not a ranking; it does not guarantee stock or receipt of your request.
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.
Browse the directory with these criteriaFrequently 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 11.8 in, for a total height close to 9 ft 6.2 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 different lengths: approximately 19 ft 8.2 in and 39 ft 4.4 in. 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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