Tall item: check the door
Internal height alone is not enough. Measure the packaged item and the clearance needed to handle it.
High cube shipping container: dimensions, prices and usable height
A 40ft High Cube is 2.896 m high (2.697 m inside), about 30 cm taller than a standard 40ft, giving around 76 m³ on the same floor area. Use the extra height for tall items or a conversion; a 45ft High Cube also adds length. Compare internal height, door clearance, condition and delivered cost before choosing.
Key specifications
- External length
- 12.192 m
- External width
- 2.438 m
- External height
- 2.896 m
- Internal height
- 2.697 m
Indicative dimensions: standard 40ft vs 40ft and 45ft High Cube
| Specification | 40ft standard | 40ft HC | 45ft HC |
|---|---|---|---|
| External length | 12.192 m | 12.192 m | 13.716 m |
| External width | 2.438 m | 2.438 m | 2.438 m |
| External height | 2.591 m | 2.896 m | 2.896 m |
| Internal height | 2.390 m | 2.697 m | 2.697 m |
| Internal volume | 67 m³ | 76 m³ | 86 m³ |
| Internal floor area | 28.3 m² | 28.3 m² | 31.9 m² |
| Internal length | 12.032 m | 12.032 m | 13.556 m |
| Internal width | 2.352 m | 2.352 m | 2.352 m |
| Door opening (ONE example, W × H) | 2.340 × 2.280 m | 2.340 × 2.585 m | 2.340 × 2.585 m |
Indicative High Cube prices by condition
Used grades are defined by each seller, so compare units of the same size and equipment.
| Size and condition | Price excl. delivery |
|---|---|
| 40ft HC new | £2,259 – £4,883 |
| 40ft HC one-trip | £2,109 – £4,253 |
| 40ft HC used, Grade A | £1,607 – £3,308 |
| 40ft HC used, Grade B | £1,305 – £2,756 |
| 40ft HC used, Grade C | £1,054 – £2,284 |
| 45ft HC used, condition to be specified | £2,109 – £5,119 |
Transport and unloading: allow £420 – £1,155, to be confirmed depending on depot, distance and access. Ask for VAT, options and services to be itemised in the quote.
When is the extra height useful?
- Conversion project — Calculate the height after the floor, ceiling and equipment are installed before choosing.
- Office or shop — Define the use, ventilation and applicable rules; choosing HC alone does not make the project compliant.
- Site cabins — Compare a converted unit and its equipment with the bare container.
- Tall goods — Measure goods with their packaging and check clearance through the doors.
- Standard (Dry) alternative — If a standard container is high enough, compare mainly condition and delivered cost.
Bare height alone is not enough to decide
Add up the floor, ceiling and suspended equipment to calculate the clearance actually available.
Assumption: 100 mm floor + 100 mm ceiling.
Same indicative floor area: 28.3 m² for both 40ft containers.
This calculation is not an insulation specification. Actual layers, ventilation and the project’s rules need to be assessed separately.
Diagram calculated from the indicative heights in the table. Dimensions vary by unit; confirm those of the container offered.
Door dimensions: ONE specificationsChoose the size to suit your goods
40ft HC: more height
HC adds vertical volume without adding floor area. Also check room to work or move around.
45ft: more length
Check whether the extra length suits your storage, then request prices for access, transport and unloading.
Checks before booking
Ask for a unit data sheet, photos and an itemised delivered quote.
- Confirm the model’s door opening, dimensions and permitted loads.
- Check the roof, floor, seals and corrosion for the condition you want.
- Have the height of the loaded vehicle, access and unloading equipment confirmed.
- Separate the container, any work, transport, taxes and equipment in the budget.
Available RAL colours
High cube containers: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a standard 40ft and a 40ft High Cube?+
Height. A High Cube is 2.896 m high outside and about 2.697 m inside, against 2.591 m and 2.390 m for a standard Dry. Length and width are identical (12.192 × 2.438 m) and the floor area stays close to 28.3 m². Check the dimensions of the unit offered.
How much height remains after a conversion?+
It depends on your design. The example shown deducts 100 mm for the floor and 100 mm for the ceiling: 2,390 − 200 = 2,190 mm in a Dry, and 2,697 − 200 = 2,497 mm in a HC. This assumption is neither a recommended insulation specification nor a statement of residential compliance.
When should I choose a 45ft High Cube?+
For goods or a layout that require more length. Indicative figures are 13.716 m externally, 13.556 m internally and around 86 m³. Check width, doors, condition and site access. Compare delivered quotes rather than applying a fixed premium over 40 ft.
How much does a High Cube cost?+
For a 40ft, indicative prices excluding delivery are £2,259 – £4,883 new, £2,109 – £4,253 one-trip, £1,607 – £3,308 used Grade A, £1,305 – £2,756 Grade B and £1,054 – £2,284 Grade C. For a used 45ft: £2,109 – £5,119, condition to be specified. Add transport and unloading of around £420 – £1,155, to be confirmed in the quote with VAT and options.
What should I check before a High Cube is delivered?+
Send the haulier photos of the access route and site. Ask them to check the loaded vehicle's height, the route, bends, obstacles and where the container will be placed. Also check that there will be enough room to open the doors and reach your goods.
Also worth seeing
Standard 40ft container
For storage and transportation.
Converted container
Tiny house, office, retail, pool.
Tiny house container
Compact living: budget and key steps.
High cube container hire
Temporary need? Compare monthly high cube hire rates from £75/month.
45ft container
The longest high cube: 13.7 m, 86 m³.
Need a high cube container?
Specify size, condition, required height and address. You may receive up to 5 quotes depending on available sellers.