Buying a 40ft high cube gives you the same length as an ordinary 40ft container, but with 30 centimetres of extra internal height. For some uses that makes barely any difference; for others it is precisely the space that tips the balance.
A 40ft high cube container is a variant of the ordinary 40ft shipping container with 30 centimetres of extra internal height: 2.90 metres instead of 2.59 metres. The external dimensions remain virtually the same as a standard 40ft container, but the higher roof means more volume fits into the same footprint.
The designation "high cube" or "HC" refers to this extra height, known in the container world as a 9'6" container because the external height is 9 feet and 6 inches instead of the usual 8 feet and 6 inches. Anyone looking to buy a tall shipping container with maximum loading volume over the same length ends up with the high cube.
Buitenmaten (l × b); High Cube-varianten zijn 30 cm hoger. View stock →
The extra 30 centimetres is most valuable when volume or standing height is the limiting factor. Think of double-stacked pallets that just won't fit in a standard container, or a shipping container as an office or workshop, where an insulated ceiling and pipework would otherwise eat into the standing height.
For a container home, too, most clients opt for high cube: after insulating and finishing the floor and ceiling, a comfortable standing height still remains. For simple outdoor storage without any finishing, the difference often matters less, and a standard 40ft container may be enough.
A new 40ft high cube is one-trip: the container has made exactly one sea voyage and is in virtually as-new condition, with no dents or rust patches. A used 40ft high cube is cargo-worthy or A-grade: guaranteed wind and watertight, CSC-certified and inspected at the depot before delivery.
For storage without high demands on appearance, used usually offers the best value for money. Anyone fitting out a showroom, office or container home where looks matter more often chooses new. Read up too on what to look out for when buying a shipping container, such as the CSC plate and inspection report.
| Size | Price from | Stock |
|---|---|---|
| 40ft | €2.000 | 198 |
The price of a 40ft high cube depends on the condition (new or used), any modifications such as extra doors, insulation or a RAL colour, and the transport costs to the delivery location. For a complete overview of price factors by size, see 40ft container price.
With new containers, global freight rates and steel prices also come into play: according to gCaptain (July 2026), spot rates on the main shipping routes edged up slightly over recent weeks during the peak season. Over time that feeds through into the new-build price of containers, while second-hand prices at European depots are driven mainly by local supply and demand.
Container transport costs also count towards the total; these depend on the distance to the depot and how accessible the location is.
Curious what a new or used 40ft high cube costs including transport? Request a quote and receive a concrete price by email within one hour on working days.
At HEROX, 40ft high cube containers, new and used, are in stock at our European depots. After a quote request stating the desired type and delivery location, you receive a concrete price within one hour on working days, and the container is usually placed within 3 to 7 working days using a crane truck or sideloader.
Make sure the ground is level and firm and accessible for a lorry, and keep the coating and ventilation in good order with periodic maintenance; see shipping container maintenance for tips on keeping the container in top condition for years to come.
Extra height 40ft HC container — 2.70m internal height for maximum volume.
Spacious 40ft standard container with double doors, perfect for larger storage needs.
Torn between new and used, or between buying and hiring? Leave your name and phone number or email address and receive a tailored quote or hire proposal within one hour on working days.
The difference is in the height: a standard 40ft container is 2.59 metres high on the inside, a 40ft high cube 2.90 metres, or 30 centimetres more. Length and width stay the same, but the extra volume of around 9 cubic metres comes in handy when double-stacking pallets or when converting the unit with insulation and a ceiling, where standing height would otherwise be lost.
A 40ft high cube offers around 76 cubic metres of loading volume, against roughly 67 cubic metres for a standard 40ft container. That comes from the 30 centimetres of extra internal height over the same length and width of about 12 by 2.44 metres. For large-volume storage or a spacious workspace that is a noticeable difference.
That depends on your budget and use. New (one-trip) has made exactly one sea voyage and is in virtually as-new condition, ideal when appearance matters. Used is cargo-worthy or A-grade, guaranteed wind and watertight and CSC-certified, and usually offers the best value for money for storage without high demands on looks.
Yes, a 40ft high cube is also available to hire, with a monthly rate that depends on condition and term. Hiring is particularly attractive for temporary needs, such as a renovation or seasonal storage. For long-term or frequent use, buying is usually more cost-effective. For a concrete hire proposal, HEROX gets in touch within one hour on working days.
That designation refers to the external height of 9 feet and 6 inches, against 8 feet and 6 inches for a standard container. That is the common English-language sizing used in the container world. In metric terms it works out at about 2.90 metres external height, 30 centimetres more than a standard container.
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