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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 30 cm 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
- ≈ 2.90 m
- Height gain
- ≈ 30 cm
- Volume 20 / 40 HC
- ≈ 37 / 76 m³
What changes for you
About 30 cm more in height
More volume does not mean a higher payload.
Schematic diagram · Model dimensions to be confirmed
- Independent supplier matching service
- The supplier directory does not sell containers
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 6.05 m | Approximately 12.19 m |
| External height | Approximately 2.89 m | Approximately 2.90 m |
| Empty internal volume | Approximately 37.4 m³ | Approximately 76.3 m³ |
| Empty interior floor area | Approximately 13.9 m² | Approximately 28.3 m² |
| 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.
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 offloading methods checked for the vehicle used.
Ask for totals excluding and including VAT, 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
Two technical examples: a 20ft High Cube from French seller CAPSA and a 40ft High Cube from shipping line Hapag-Lloyd. The CAPSA data is a specification reference, not a UK sales offer. Specifications vary by manufacturer; always distinguish between the available height inside and the door opening height.
| Specification | Value or information to obtain |
|---|---|
| 20ft HC · External, L × W × H | 6.05 × 2.43 × 2.89 m |
| 20ft HC · Internal, L × W × H | 5.89 × 2.35 × 2.69 m |
| 20ft HC · Door, width × height | 2.34 × 2.58 m |
| 20ft HC · Advertised internal volume | 37.40 m³ |
| 20ft HC · Internal floor area | 13.86 m² (stated area) |
| 20ft HC · Tare weight | 2,340 kg |
| 20ft HC · Maximum payload | Not published on the listing: on request |
| 20ft HC · Maximum gross mass | Not published on the listing: on request |
| 40ft HC · External, L × W × H | 12.192 × 2.438 × 2.896 m |
| 40ft HC · Internal, L × W × H | 12.032 × 2.350 × 2.700 m |
| 40ft HC · Door, width × height | 2.340 × 2.597 m |
| 40ft HC · Advertised internal volume | 76.3 m³ |
| 40ft HC · Calculated internal floor area | Approximately 28.3 m² |
| 40ft HC · Tare weight | 3,900 kg |
| 40ft HC · Maximum payload | 28,600 kg |
| 40ft HC · Maximum gross mass | 32,500 kg |
| Key difference | In both examples, the door is lower than the internal height |
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.
Planning permission: key points for a 20ft High Cube
External footprint of a 20ft High Cube: approximately 14.7 m². This is a dimensional estimate, not a permission threshold.
Establish the site's lawful use and the proposed container use before delivery. Show its siting, height, duration, foundations or connections, access and effects on neighbours. Storage, an incidental garden room and an independent home are different proposals. Planning and technical building approval are separate; the applicable rules come from the UK nation where the site is located. Size, mobility and a shipping certificate alone do not establish an exemption.
- England: planning
Identify both the building work and any material change of use. Class E incidental garden-building rights do not authorise a new self-contained home. A dwelling needs a separate building-regulations design covering structure, fire, energy, ventilation and access.
Building regulations - Wales: planning
Apply Welsh planning and building guidance. Incidental outbuilding allowances do not automatically permit a separate dwelling. For a new home, address Welsh fire-suppression provisions and investigate whether the drainage proposal needs separate SuDS approval.
Building regulations - Scotland: planning
Planning and the building warrant are separate. A new home needs a warrant before construction, a design under the Scottish Domestic Technical Handbook, and acceptance of its completion certificate before occupation unless temporary occupation is authorised.
Building warrants - Northern Ireland: planning
A separate garden residence requires a planning application. Use district council building control and Northern Ireland's Technical Booklets for a dwelling: D for structure, E for fire, F1 for energy, K for ventilation and R for access.
Building regulations
Planning permission: key points for a 40ft High Cube
External footprint of a 40ft High Cube: approximately 29.7 m². This is a dimensional estimate, not a permission threshold.
Establish the site's lawful use and the proposed container use before delivery. Show its siting, height, duration, foundations or connections, access and effects on neighbours. Storage, an incidental garden room and an independent home are different proposals. Planning and technical building approval are separate; the applicable rules come from the UK nation where the site is located. Size, mobility and a shipping certificate alone do not establish an exemption.
- England: planning
Identify both the building work and any material change of use. Class E incidental garden-building rights do not authorise a new self-contained home. A dwelling needs a separate building-regulations design covering structure, fire, energy, ventilation and access.
Building regulations - Wales: planning
Apply Welsh planning and building guidance. Incidental outbuilding allowances do not automatically permit a separate dwelling. For a new home, address Welsh fire-suppression provisions and investigate whether the drainage proposal needs separate SuDS approval.
Building regulations - Scotland: planning
Planning and the building warrant are separate. A new home needs a warrant before construction, a design under the Scottish Domestic Technical Handbook, and acceptance of its completion certificate before occupation unless temporary occupation is authorised.
Building warrants - Northern Ireland: planning
A separate garden residence requires a planning application. Use district council building control and Northern Ireland's Technical Booklets for a dwelling: D for structure, E for fire, F1 for energy, K for ventilation and R for access.
Building regulations
Which High Cube should you choose for your use?
20ft High Cube
Consider a 20ft high cube if a container about 6 m 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 12 m 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
1.75 m
20ft standard
length 6.06 m · height 2.59 m
20ft High Cubethis page
length 6.05 m · height 2.89 m
40ft standard
length 12.19 m · height 2.59 m
40ft High Cubethis page
length 12.19 m · height 2.90 m
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
Insulation, ventilation, lighting and electrical installation included in the conversion quote.
How does the comparison work?
Step 1
Specify your container
Container type, condition, purchase or hire and quantity.
Step 2
Submit one request
Your requirements and postcode, entered only once.
Step 3
Compare the delivered price
Container, transport and offloading, on the same basis.
Free and with no obligation. The supplier directory does not sell containers. 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 30 cm, for a total height close to 2.90 m. 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 6 m and 12 m. 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 2.597 m high, while the interior height is 2.700 m. 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?
On the models given as examples: 37.40 m³ for the 20ft High Cube and 76.3 m³ for the 40ft High Cube, compared with 33.2 m³ and 67.7 m³ for standard containers of the same length. This volume is only useful 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 VAT, delivery and offloading. 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
Prepare a more useful quote request
Check these details before comparing equipment, delivery and services.