Choosing between a 20ft and 40ft container is the most common question we get. The answer depends on what you're storing, how much space you have, and your budget. Let's break it down.

The Quick Comparison

Feature	20ft Standard	40ft High Cube
Length	20 feet	40 feet
Width	8 feet	8 feet
Height	8'6"	9'6" (extra foot!)
Volume	1,172 cu ft	2,694 cu ft
Fits	1 car / small workshop	2+ cars / full workshop
Price	$2,600	$3,900
Delivery	$1,000	$1,000

When to Choose 20ft

✅ You have limited space on your property
✅ You're storing seasonal items, tools, or a single vehicle
✅ Budget is a priority — the 20ft is $1,300 cheaper
✅ You need a small workshop or home office
✅ You're in a residential area with HOA restrictions on size

When to Choose 40ft High Cube

✅ You need maximum storage space
✅ You're building a workshop and need room to stand and move
✅ You're storing multiple vehicles, large equipment, or furniture
✅ The extra height matters (9'6" vs 8'6" — that foot makes a real difference)
✅ You're using it for a business (pop-up shop, job site, farm storage)

The Math

The 40ft High Cube gives you 2.3x more space for only 50% more money. Per cubic foot, the 40ft is actually a better deal:

📦 20ft: $2,600 ÷ 1,172 cu ft = $2.22 per cubic foot
📦 40ft HC: $3,900 ÷ 2,694 cu ft = $1.45 per cubic foot

If space isn't an issue, the 40ft High Cube is almost always the better value. That's why it's our #1 seller.

What About Standard Height vs High Cube?

A standard 40ft container is 8'6" tall. A High Cube is 9'6" — one extra foot. Sounds small, but it makes a huge difference when you're working inside. You can stand comfortably, hang shelves higher, and store taller items. For only a small price premium, always go High Cube.

Still Not Sure?

Call us at (954) 480-7021 and tell us what you're planning. We'll recommend the right size based on your specific project. No pressure, no sales pitch — just honest advice.

20ft vs 40ft: Which Shipping Container Do You Need?