When ceiling height matters, a high cube shipping container is the answer. Standing a full foot taller than a standard box, the high cube gives you extra vertical space for tall pallets, machinery, racking and comfortable living conversions, without changing the footprint on your site. At StackCrateCo we stock new (one-trip) and used high cube container for sale options in both 20ft and 40ft lengths, every unit inspected, honestly graded and delivered across the lower 48 states. If you have ever felt boxed in by a standard container, the high cube is the upgrade you have been looking for.
What is a high cube container?
A high cube container is a standard-footprint shipping container built one foot taller than the regular version. Where a standard box stands 8ft 6in tall, a high cube reaches 9ft 6in, adding roughly 13 percent more internal volume for the same length and width. That extra height is invaluable when you are storing tall items, fitting out a workshop, or insulating and lining a unit for living space, because insulation and ceiling finishes eat into headroom fast. The high cube is so popular for conversions that it has become the default choice for container homes, offices and studios. Apart from the height, it shares the same rugged steel construction, lockable doors and weatherproof seals as any other quality container.
High cube container dimensions
Getting the high cube container dimensions right is essential before you order. A 40ft high cube measures about 40ft long by 8ft wide by 9ft 6in tall externally, giving roughly 2,690 cubic feet of internal volume, while a 20ft high cube offers around 1,520 cubic feet in the shorter length. Internal heights typically sit just under 8ft 10in, which leaves comfortable headroom even after a floor and ceiling are added in a conversion. For exact internal and door measurements across every size, see our shipping container dimensions guide, and for the international build standard you can review the reference on intermodal containers.
High cube vs standard container
The only physical difference between a high cube and a standard container is that extra foot of height, but in practice it changes what the box can do. Standard containers are perfect when you simply need secure floor space and headroom is not a concern. The moment you plan to insulate, line, rack or stack tall goods, the high cube earns its small price premium many times over. Because both sizes share the same length and width, you can mix them on a site or in a build, using standards for storage and high cubes where height counts. If you are weighing the two, our team can help you choose the right grade and height for your project.
40ft high cube containers
The 40ft high cube container is the most popular high cube we sell. It combines the best cost per square foot of the 40ft length with the extra headroom of the high cube, making it the go-to for warehousing tall stock, fitting industrial racking, and building spacious container homes and offices. A 40 high cube container swallows tall pallets two-deep and still ships on a standard truck. Compare the full 40ft shipping containers range to see standard and high cube options side by side.
20ft high cube containers
If your site is tight but you still want height, a 20ft high cube container delivers. It keeps the easy-to-place 20ft footprint while adding the full foot of headroom, which is ideal for compact workshops, backyard studios and small conversions where every inch of ceiling counts. Browse our 20ft shipping containers to compare standard and high cube versions in the shorter length.
New vs used high cube containers
As with any container, the grade you choose drives the price. A one trip high cube container has shipped just once and arrives looking almost factory fresh, which is exactly what you want for a home, office or any build on display. A used cargo-worthy or wind and watertight high cube offers honest value for storage and workshops, with cosmetic wear but a sound, dry structure. We grade every unit clearly so you only pay for the condition your project actually needs.
- One-trip / new: near-pristine, ideal for conversions and customer-facing uses.
- Cargo-worthy: certified for transport, excellent structure with cosmetic age.
- Wind and watertight: sealed and dry, the budget-friendly storage choice.
How much does a high cube container cost?
The high cube container price sits a little above the equivalent standard box because of the extra steel and the strong demand for height. Beyond that, the usual factors apply: condition, length, location and any modifications. Used units are the most affordable, one-trip boxes carry a premium for their near-new appearance, and delivery is priced transparently by ZIP code so there are no surprises. For a full breakdown of what drives pricing, read our guide on how much a shipping container costs, then check live prices in our shop.
Popular uses for a high cube container
That extra foot of height unlocks a surprising range of uses. A high cube storage container is the natural choice whenever tall items or future linings are involved.
- Tall storage: racking, palletised stock and oversized equipment.
- Workshops: comfortable standing room even after lining and lighting.
- Container homes and offices: headroom to spare after insulation and ceilings.
- Gyms and studios: airy, usable space for equipment and movement.
- Cold storage: room for insulation and refrigeration units.
High cube containers for homes and conversions
The high cube is the conversion specialist of the container world. When you insulate walls and ceiling, fit flooring and add interior finishes, a standard container can start to feel low, but a high cube keeps comfortable headroom throughout. That is why architects and builders reach for high cubes when designing shipping container homes, offices and cabins. One-trip high cubes are the preferred starting point for living spaces thanks to their clean, near-new condition and tight door seals.
Modifying your high cube container
High cubes take modifications beautifully. Add personnel or roll-up doors, cut in windows and vents, line and insulate the walls, or fit mezzanine shelving to exploit the extra height. The strong structure means most changes are straightforward, and the additional headroom gives you more design freedom than a standard box. Finish the job with genuine container accessories such as lock boxes, vents, shelving and ramps to get the most from your unit.
Delivery of your high cube container across the USA
We deliver every high cube shipping container nationwide from our Sauget, Illinois depot using tilt-bed and flatbed transport. Tilt-bed needs no equipment and slides the container gently onto a level surface, while flatbed suits sites with a forklift or crane. Because a high cube is taller, do check for low branches, wires, eaves and doorways along the delivery route and at the final position. Delivery is priced by distance from your ZIP code at checkout, so the figure you see is the figure you pay. Confirm coverage and access on our delivery areas page.
How to prepare for delivery
A high cube needs the same firm, level base as any container, plus a little extra overhead clearance because of its height. For tilt-bed delivery, allow generous straight access so the driver can angle the bed and roll the box off, and make sure gateways and overhead obstructions can accommodate a 9ft 6in unit on a truck. A bed of gravel or sleepers keeps the container off wet ground and helps the doors stay square. Our team will confirm site requirements when you order.
Why buy your high cube container from StackCrateCo
When you buy a high cube container from StackCrateCo, every unit is physically inspected and honestly graded, so the box that arrives matches what you ordered. You get transparent ZIP-based delivery pricing, real advice from container specialists, and secure online checkout by card, wire or crypto. New to the terminology? Learn what a conex box is, then call us on (312) 998-4030 or request a fast quote.
High cube container grades explained
Knowing the grades helps you buy a high cube shipping container with total confidence. One-trip units are the newest on the market, having shipped a single time, so they show minimal wear and the cleanest paint, which makes them the first choice for homes, offices and anything on display. Cargo-worthy boxes remain certified for international transport and are structurally excellent with cosmetic age. Wind and watertight units are sealed and dry but no longer cargo-certified, offering the most affordable route to secure, weatherproof storage. As-is containers are sold for their steel value and suit only specific projects. Every high cube container for sale at StackCrateCo carries a clear grade, so you always know exactly what you are buying and never pay for condition you do not need.
Strength, stacking and durability
Despite the extra height, a high cube is every bit as strong as a standard container. The corner castings and steel frame are engineered to be stacked many units high when fully loaded aboard ship, which means a single box on your site is immensely robust. Corrugated steel walls resist impacts and weather, marine-grade plywood floors take heavy point loads, and the whole structure is built to endure decades of ocean and road transport. For buyers, that translates into a low-maintenance, long-lasting building block that simply keeps working. With a level base, occasional rust treatment and well-maintained door seals, a high cube will stay watertight and structurally sound for 25 years or more.
Buying a high cube container online
Buying steel online should be simple, and at StackCrateCo it is. Browse the live inventory of high cube container for sale listings, choose your length, grade and any modifications, then enter your ZIP code for an instant, all-in delivery price. Check out securely by card, bank wire or crypto and receive full order confirmation, with our team on hand throughout. There is no haggling, no hidden fees and no vague callbacks, just a clear price and a tall, spacious container delivered to your door, ready for storage or your next conversion.
High cube container FAQs
What is a high cube container?
A high cube container is a standard-footprint shipping container built one foot taller, at 9ft 6in instead of 8ft 6in, giving around 13 percent more internal volume for the same length and width.
What are the dimensions of a 40ft high cube container?
A 40ft high cube measures about 40ft long, 8ft wide and 9ft 6in tall, offering roughly 2,690 cubic feet of internal volume. A 20ft high cube offers around 1,520 cubic feet.
Is a high cube container worth the extra cost?
If you plan to insulate, line, rack or store tall items, yes. The extra foot of height pays for itself in usable space, especially for conversions where ceiling finishes reduce headroom.
Can I get a high cube in 20ft and 40ft?
Yes. High cube containers are available in both 20ft and 40ft lengths, so you can choose the footprint that fits your site while keeping the extra height.
Are high cube containers good for container homes?
They are the preferred choice. The extra headroom keeps a converted container comfortable after insulation and ceilings are added, which is why most container homes use high cubes.
Do you deliver high cube containers nationwide?
Yes, we deliver across the 48 contiguous states by tilt-bed or flatbed, priced by ZIP code. Check overhead clearance along the route and at the site because high cubes are taller than standard boxes.
What is the internal height of a high cube container?
A high cube has an internal height of just under 8ft 10in, compared with about 7ft 10in for a standard container. That extra foot leaves comfortable headroom even after a floor and ceiling are added during a conversion.
How much more does a high cube cost than a standard container?
A high cube typically costs a little more than the equivalent standard box due to the extra steel and strong demand for height. The exact difference depends on length, grade and location, all shown transparently at checkout.
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