20ft High Cube Containers Felixstowe

20ft high cube container dimensions

A published one-trip 20ft high cube specification gives external dimensions of 6.06m (approximately 19ft 11in) long, 2.44m (8ft) wide and 2.90m (approximately 9ft 6in) high. Internally, the same specification gives 5.84m (about 19ft 2in) of length, 2.35m (about 7ft 9in) of width and 2.70m (about 8ft 10in) of height.

Dimensions vary between manufacturers and individual designs, so use these figures for initial planning rather than as a guaranteed specification. If machinery, racking or another item will be a close fit, confirm the measurements of the actual container offered.

The door aperture deserves particular attention. A tall item may fit comfortably once inside yet still be too high or wide to pass through the cargo doors. Allow practical handling clearance rather than planning around an exact theoretical fit.

Why choose a 20ft high cube container?

The main advantage is extra height. A high cube can make better use of vertical storage space and provide clearance for taller machinery or equipment without increasing the nominal container length.

That extra height is only valuable if your storage layout can use it. If most goods will remain at floor level, a 20ft standard shipping container may meet the requirement without the additional height. Measure the tallest items and consider how they will be loaded before deciding.

Think about access inside as well. Racking and shelving can use vertical space efficiently, but they reduce aisle width and working room. Frequently used goods should remain easy to reach rather than being packed behind larger items.

Buying a 20ft high cube container

Purchase can suit a long-term storage requirement where you want to retain the container and control how it is used. It may also give more freedom over future modifications, although any changes still need to suit the container structure, proposed use and site.

Check the condition being offered. One-trip generally describes a container that has completed a limited initial shipping journey. It does not mean the unit has never been transported or handled. Used containers can vary considerably in age, repairs, appearance and previous service.

Wind and watertight, cargo-worthy and IICL also describe different aspects of condition or inspection. They should not be treated as interchangeable grades or guarantees. If appearance matters, say so. If the container will be used for transport rather than static storage, confirm its current certification and suitability for the intended movement.

For storage, check the roof, side walls, doors, seals, floor and locking arrangements. Door operation should also be checked with the container properly supported and level.

Hiring a 20ft high cube container

Hire can suit temporary storage, construction work, a short-term project or a requirement where the future need is uncertain. It avoids keeping the container once the hire ends, but that means collection access needs to be considered from the start.

Confirm the hire period, permitted use, responsibility for damage, required condition and collection arrangements before committing. Modifications may be restricted on hired equipment, so discuss shelving, lining, electrics or other changes beforehand.

Keep the route to the container clear during the hire. New fencing, parked plant, stored materials or later building work can prevent the collection vehicle from reaching a position that was accessible when the container arrived.

Plan the storage layout before delivery

A high cube gives more volume, but good organisation determines whether that volume is useful. Measure bulky items, decide which goods need frequent access and allow enough room to move safely inside the container.

For taller equipment, check both overall height and the door aperture. For shelving, allow for the shelving structure itself as well as the goods stored on it. Lining and insulation can also reduce finished internal dimensions, which matters where clearances are already tight.

Condensation should be considered where contents are sensitive to moisture. Temperature changes and moisture inside a steel container can lead to condensation. Ventilation, lining or insulation may help in suitable circumstances, but the right approach depends on what is being stored. The guide to shipping container weather resistance explains related water-ingress considerations.

Prepare the Felixstowe site for HIAB delivery

The 20ft footprint is only the space occupied after placement. Delivery requires room for the vehicle, lifting operation and safe working area. HIAB delivery uses a vehicle-mounted crane, so the vehicle needs a suitable standing position from which the container can be lifted to the proposed drop point.

Check and report:

• the narrowest gate and access width;
• turning and manoeuvring space;
• ground conditions for the delivery vehicle;
• overhead cables, branches and structures;
• the distance from the vehicle position to the drop point;
• which way the cargo doors should face;
• space to open and use the doors; and
• future access for collection or relocation.

The additional height also matters on the approach. Low branches, entrances, bridges or other overhead restrictions need to be identified before delivery is arranged.

The container itself should sit on firm, reasonably level support. Uneven settlement can allow the structure to twist, which may make the cargo doors stiff or difficult to close. Suitable drainage also helps prevent water collecting around the base. See the guide to proper shipping container placement for more detail on preparing the position.

Using a 20ft high cube for shipping

A high cube container may be suitable for transport as well as storage, but the high cube description alone does not confirm that a particular unit can be used for export. CSC status, structural condition, gross weight limits, cargo suitability and carrier acceptance need to be checked for the individual container and movement.

If the container will be used internationally, confirm current CSC status, VGM requirements, documentation and shipping-line acceptance. Customs, insurance, Incoterms 2020 and tax responsibilities should also be checked with the relevant freight forwarder, customs agent, carrier, insurer or professional adviser.

The Shippers Own Containers guide covers related CSC, VGM and documentation points for customers considering their own container for shipping.

Planning considerations in Felixstowe

Planning and other site requirements can depend on the intended use, how long the container will remain, the status and location of the site, neighbouring property, listed status, conservation areas, any change of use and associated works or modifications.

There is no single planning answer for every high cube installation. Check the current requirements with the relevant local council for the particular Felixstowe site and proposed use before assuming permission is either required or unnecessary.

Compare the 20ft high cube with other sizes

If extra height is not needed, compare the high cube with the standard 20ft option. If the main requirement is more floor area rather than more headroom, a 40ft shipping container may be a more useful comparison.

You can review the wider container equipment range before deciding. When you request a container quote, include what you intend to store, whether you want to buy or hire, the delivery location, any access restrictions and the dimensions of particularly tall or bulky items. That provides a better basis for discussing the right container and placement.