High Cube vs Standard Containers

It would be easy to think that choosing the right shipping container is as simple as picking the most appropriate length of unit for your needs, but there are a few other considerations it’s worth being aware of before you do. Shipping containers are heavily standardised to ensure they are easy to move from lorry to train to boat and back again as they transport goods around the world.

Standard shipping units are generally available as 10ft containers, 20ft containers and 40ft containers, and can come with doors at one end, both ends, along one side or even with an open top. But the unit we’re focusing on today is known as a high cube container, and in this post, the container experts here at KH Containers are answering the question: high cube vs standard containers: which is best?

What Is a Standard Container?

When you picture a shipping container in your mind, you are almost certainly seeing a standard container. The 20ft standard container is the most popular shipping unit in the world, and they do everything from carrying goods around the world on large cargo ships to keeping building supplies and machinery securely locked away on building sites. To say they’re versatile is an understatement. They are built from weatherproof, durable Corten steel, generally have doors at one end and feature standardised lifting points for ease of transport.

Benefits of Standard Containers

Being the most common type of container in the world, there are several benefits to choosing a standard container:

• They are generally more affordable as they are so common
• They are easy to get hold of quickly
• They feature ample space for storing a range of items
• They are easy to transport and position
• They offer plenty of room for container conversions, such as offices

As with all containers, they’re also strong, vandal-resistant, water and windproof and lend themselves easily to a multitude of usage situations.

What Is a High Cube Container?

The standard containers we’ve been discussing so far are all 8ft 6in (approx 2.6 metres) tall. The difference with high cube containers is that they have an extra foot of height, so they come in at 9ft 6in (approx 2.9 metres), giving extra storage space or headroom, depending on your intended use. Everything else, such as their standardised widths and lengths, door placement choices and construction materials, remains the same.

Benefits of High Cube Containers

An extra foot of height may not immediately sound like much, but it can make a significant difference in the day-to-day use of the unit, particularly as far as maximising your storage capacity or creating a more comfortable working environment with a container conversion is concerned.

• They provide noticeably more internal storage space
• The increased headroom makes them ideal for workshops and offices
• They are well-suited to storing taller equipment and machinery
• The additional height allows for taller shelving units
• They are more future-proof if you anticipate your storage needs growing
• They come in the same common lengths as standard containers
• They give more flexibility without increasing the container’s footprint

When it comes to high cube containers vs standard containers, it’s all about that extra space and how you might be able to use it.

High Cube vs Standard Container Dimensions and Specifications

Most measurements remain the same between standard and high cube containers, apart from the height, of course. This table shows a direct comparison between a 40ft standard and a 40ft high cube unit, so you can see approximately the kind of space you’ll get with each one. Of particular note is the door opening dimensions, as this may be important to you depending on what you’re planning to store.

 

Specification	40ft Standard Container	40ft High Cube Container
External Dimensions	40ft (L) x 8ft (W) x 8ft 6in (H)	40ft (L) x 8ft (W) x 9ft 6in (H)
Internal Dimensions	39ft 5in (L) x 7ft 8in (W) x 7ft 9in (H)	39ft 5in (L) x 7ft 8in (W) x 8ft 9in (H)
Volume	Approx 67 cubic metres/2375 cubic ft	Approx 75 cubic metres/2675 cubic ft
Door Dimensions (Standard End Door)	7ft 8in (W) x 7ft 5in (H)	7ft 8in (W) x 8ft 5in (H)
Tare (Empty) Weight	3,700 kg	3,900 kg

 

High Cube vs Standard Container: Which Is Right for You?

The good news is that there’s no wrong answer here, as both types of container offer the same strength, security and versatility. Your main consideration really is down to how much internal height you need. If you’re storing tools, stock, equipment or machinery, a standard container will likely be more than sufficient.

However, if you need that extra headroom, want to install taller shelving or are planning a container conversion into an office, workshop or welfare unit and would like the luxury of more headroom, a high cube container might be the better option. It may be worth stepping inside both types of containers, just to give you a full appreciation for how much of a difference there is.

Mistakes to Avoid When Deciding on Your Container

Choosing a container isn’t complicated, but a little upfront planning can save you a lot of hassle down the line. Here are just some of the considerations we’d recommend making before you arrive at a final decision:

• Don’t focus solely on the price; give due consideration to how you’ll actually use your unit and what you may benefit from with the extra height
• Think about the height of any items you’re storing, particularly if you’re planning to install shelving or store taller or larger equipment
• Consider your future requirements, as choosing a slightly taller container now could save you the hassle of having to upgrade later
• Don’t forget to consider access requirements and door opening dimensions before making your final decision

Shipping Containers at KH Containers

We hope this advice has helped you understand the difference between standard and high cube containers. Our mission is to find you the ideal solution for your storage or expansion needs, whether you need a new container or a used container, in a whole variety of lengths and types.

With over a decade of experience in all things shipping container, the friendly team here at KH Containers is on hand to offer any advice that you may need to help make a decision, so please get in touch with us on 0333 577 3191, email henry@khcontainers.co.uk or use our online contact form if there’s anything at all we can help you with.