Extra Height When Standard Just Won't Cut It
|
Need a 40 foot container but wish it had a little more headroom? That's exactly what the 40 foot high cube is for. It gives you all the length and width of a standard 40 footer, plus an extra foot of interior height. That might not sound like a huge difference on paper, but in practice, it opens up a lot of possibilities.
We sell both new and used 40 foot high cube containers with delivery available throughout Minnesota. Whether you're planning a container home conversion, need to stack inventory higher, or just want the extra breathing room, we can get you the right shipping container at the right price. Call Minnesota Shipping Containers at (612) 324-5309 for a free quote! |
What Makes High Cube Different?
The 40 foot high cube (often written as 40 HC or 40 HQ) is essentially a taller version of the standard 40 foot container. Same length, same width, but with roughly one additional foot of interior height.
Here's the quick comparison:
Standard 40ft Container:
That extra foot changes a lot. When you're standing inside an HC, it feels noticeably more spacious. The ceiling isn't pressing down on you. There's room for overhead lighting, ventilation systems, or just more air above your head. For certain projects, that difference is everything.
Here's the quick comparison:
Standard 40ft Container:
- Interior height: 7 ft 9-5/8 in
- Exterior height: 8 ft 6 in
- Interior height: 8 ft 9 in
- Exterior height: 8 ft 6 in
That extra foot changes a lot. When you're standing inside an HC, it feels noticeably more spacious. The ceiling isn't pressing down on you. There's room for overhead lighting, ventilation systems, or just more air above your head. For certain projects, that difference is everything.
40 Foot HC Container Dimensions
Here are the full specifications for a 40 foot HC shipping container. These numbers help you plan what will fit inside and whether the container will work on your property.
Exterior Dimensions:
Notice that the door opening is also taller on a high cube. That extra clearance makes it easier to load and unload tall items. Furniture, equipment, palletized goods stacked high. It all moves in and out more smoothly.
The cubic capacity of a high cube is about 13% greater than a standard 40 foot storage container. You're getting the same footprint but more usable volume. For storage purposes, that means you can stack things higher or store taller items without running into ceiling limitations.
Exterior Dimensions:
- Length: 40 ft
- Width: 8 ft
- Height: 8 ft 6 in
- Length: 39 ft 4 in
- Width: 7 ft 7 in
- Height: 8 ft 9 in
- Width: 7 ft 8 in
- Height: 8 ft 5 in
- Weight of Container: 8750 lbs
- Max Capacity Weight (including container): 68,000 lbs
- Thickness: 14 gauge
Notice that the door opening is also taller on a high cube. That extra clearance makes it easier to load and unload tall items. Furniture, equipment, palletized goods stacked high. It all moves in and out more smoothly.
The cubic capacity of a high cube is about 13% greater than a standard 40 foot storage container. You're getting the same footprint but more usable volume. For storage purposes, that means you can stack things higher or store taller items without running into ceiling limitations.
Why Choose a High Cube Over a Standard Container?
Not everyone needs a high cube. If you're just storing boxes, tools, or typical inventory, a standard 40ft shipping container works fine. But certain situations make the high cube worth the extra investment.
Container Home and Office Conversions
This is probably the most common reason people choose HC containers. When you're turning a steel box into a living or working space, ceiling height matters a lot. Standard containers feel a bit cramped. High cubes feel more like actual rooms.
Once you add flooring, insulation, and a finished ceiling, you lose a few inches of headroom. Starting with a high cube means you end up with comfortable ceiling heights in the finished space. Most shipping container home builders strongly prefer high cubes for this reason.
Installing Overhead Systems
If you need to install lighting, HVAC ductwork, ventilation fans, or overhead storage systems, the extra height gives you room to work with. You can mount equipment on the ceiling without it hanging down into your usable space.
Stacking Inventory Higher
Warehouses and businesses that stack pallets or shelving benefit from extra vertical space. A high cube lets you add another level of storage or simply gives forklifts more room to maneuver when placing items on upper shelves.
Storing Tall Equipment or Vehicles
Some equipment is just tall. Certain machinery, vehicles with roof racks, large appliances. A high cube accommodates items that would be a tight squeeze in a standard shipping container.
More Comfortable Work Environment
If you're setting up a workshop, studio, or any space where people will spend significant time, the extra headroom makes a noticeable difference in comfort. It's more pleasant to work in a space that doesn't feel like the ceiling is closing in on you.
Container Home and Office Conversions
This is probably the most common reason people choose HC containers. When you're turning a steel box into a living or working space, ceiling height matters a lot. Standard containers feel a bit cramped. High cubes feel more like actual rooms.
Once you add flooring, insulation, and a finished ceiling, you lose a few inches of headroom. Starting with a high cube means you end up with comfortable ceiling heights in the finished space. Most shipping container home builders strongly prefer high cubes for this reason.
Installing Overhead Systems
If you need to install lighting, HVAC ductwork, ventilation fans, or overhead storage systems, the extra height gives you room to work with. You can mount equipment on the ceiling without it hanging down into your usable space.
Stacking Inventory Higher
Warehouses and businesses that stack pallets or shelving benefit from extra vertical space. A high cube lets you add another level of storage or simply gives forklifts more room to maneuver when placing items on upper shelves.
Storing Tall Equipment or Vehicles
Some equipment is just tall. Certain machinery, vehicles with roof racks, large appliances. A high cube accommodates items that would be a tight squeeze in a standard shipping container.
More Comfortable Work Environment
If you're setting up a workshop, studio, or any space where people will spend significant time, the extra headroom makes a noticeable difference in comfort. It's more pleasant to work in a space that doesn't feel like the ceiling is closing in on you.
Common Uses for 40ft High Cube Containers
High cubes are versatile. Here in Minnesota, we see them used for a wide range of residential, commercial, and creative projects.
- Container Homes and Tiny Houses. HC shipping containers are the go-to choice for container home builders. With about 320 square feet of floor space and comfortable ceiling heights, a single 40 HC makes an excellent tiny home, guest house, or accessory dwelling unit. Stack or combine multiple containers for larger homes.
- Converted Offices and Workspaces. Businesses use HC containers as on-site offices, remote workstations, and job site headquarters. The extra height allows for proper lighting, climate control, and a professional interior finish.
- Retail and Food Service. Coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, and food trucks have all been built from HC containers. The height allows for commercial kitchen hoods, display shelving, and a comfortable customer experience.
- Artist Studios and Workshops. Painters, sculptors, woodworkers, and craftspeople appreciate the extra room. Tall easels, large canvases, standing workbenches. The high cube accommodates creative work that needs vertical space.
- Recording Studios and Music Rooms. The additional height provides room for acoustic treatment, soundproofing materials, and proper studio setup without feeling cramped.
- Climate Controlled Storage. When you need to install insulation and HVAC for temperature sensitive storage, high cubes give you the space for those systems while maintaining usable interior volume.
- Fitness and Training Spaces. Some people convert our shipping containers into home gyms or training facilities. The high cube allows for exercises that require overhead clearance, like pull-ups, overhead presses, or jumping movements.
Condition Options We Have Available
Our 40 foot HC shipping containers are available in different conditions. Here's what we offer:
New (One Trip) Containers
One Trip containers have only made a single voyage from the overseas factory. They arrive in excellent condition with clean paint, smooth doors, and no rust or damage.
Here's some good news about high cubes specifically. Many One Trip containers are high cubes. Manufacturers have shifted toward producing more high cubes in recent years because of their popularity for conversions and specialty uses. So availability tends to be pretty good.
Here's some good news about high cubes specifically. Many One Trip containers are high cubes. Manufacturers have shifted toward producing more high cubes in recent years because of their popularity for conversions and specialty uses. So availability tends to be pretty good.
Used Cargo Worthy Containers
Cargo Worthy containers have been in shipping service but still meet international standards. They're structurally sound and watertight with some cosmetic wear. Expect minor dents, paint chips, and maybe a little surface rust.
Used Wind and Watertight (WWT) Containers
WWT containers are older and show more wear. They no longer qualify for international shipping but still keep weather out. More noticeable dents, rust, and fading. Good for functional storage where appearance doesn't matter.
As Is Containers
As Is containers have significant damage and no warranty. We don't recommend them for most buyers, but some DIY folks want them for major conversion projects where they're cutting and rebuilding anyway.
Delivery Requirements for High Cube Containers
|
40ft HC containers need a bit more clearance than standard containers because of their extra height. Make sure your property can accommodate these requirements.
Clearance Needed:
Ground Conditions: The container should sit on a firm, level surface. Concrete, compacted gravel, or solid ground all work. A loaded 40ft HC is extremely heavy, so soft ground will cause problems over time. Watch Out For:
If you're not sure whether your site can handle a high cube delivery, give us a call. We'll help you figure out if it works before scheduling anything. |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 40 foot HC container cost?
Pricing varies based on condition and market availability. High cubes typically cost a bit more than standard 40 foot containers because of the extra material and their popularity. Give us a call for current pricing specific to your location.
Is the extra height worth it?
It depends on your use case. For basic storage of typical items, standard 20ft or standard 40ft containers are usually fine. For conversions, tall equipment, overhead systems, or any situation where headroom matters, the 40ft high cube is absolutely worth it. The extra cost is modest compared to the benefits for the right projects.
Are high cubes harder to find than standard containers?
Not really. High cubes have become increasingly popular, and manufacturers produce plenty of them. In fact, many One Trip containers available today are high cubes. Availability is generally good.
Can I use a high cube for a container home in Minnesota?
Yes. High cubes are actually the preferred choice for container homes because of the extra ceiling height. You'll want to check local building codes and permit requirements in your area, but structurally, they work great for residential conversions.
Buy a 40 Foot HC Shipping Container Today
Ready to buy? Curious whether an HC shipping container is the right choice for your project? We're happy to talk it through with you.
Call us at (612) 324-5309 or fill out our contact form to get a free quote on a 40 foot high cube shipping container. We'll answer your questions, explain your options, and give you straightforward pricing.
Minnesota Shipping Containers Serves Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and surrounding areas.
Call us at (612) 324-5309 or fill out our contact form to get a free quote on a 40 foot high cube shipping container. We'll answer your questions, explain your options, and give you straightforward pricing.
Minnesota Shipping Containers Serves Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and surrounding areas.
