If a standard 40-foot container doesn’t quite have the vertical room you need, the 40ft high-cube storage container for sale from Great Lakes Kwik Space is the unit you’re looking for. It’s the same footprint as a standard 40-foot box with one significant difference: an extra foot of height. That extra foot doesn’t sound like much on paper, but once you’re stacking pallets, running shelving to the ceiling, or trying to fit oversized equipment through the doors, it changes what the container can hold.
Great Lakes Kwik Space has been supplying Chicagoland businesses, contractors, and homeowners with new and used shipping containers since 1990. Our 40-ft high-cube units are built from corrosion-resistant steel, arrive wind- and watertight, and are ready for immediate use as storage, a jobsite office shell, or long-term inventory space. Whether you’re outfitting a warehouse, expanding storage at a distribution facility, or just need somewhere secure to keep equipment between projects, our team can help you find the right container and get it delivered fast.
“Repeat customer, great service and quality product. Have used for years and will for years to come.” — Tim M.
A high-cube container shares the same length and width as a standard shipping container, but it stands 9.5 feet tall instead of the usual 8.5. That single extra foot adds up fast across the full 40-foot length, giving you significantly more cubic capacity without needing any additional ground space. For businesses working with limited yard or lot space, that often makes the difference between renting more square footage and simply adding vertically instead.
These containers are built to the same ISO shipping standards as any ocean-going cargo box, which means they’re engineered to be stacked, craned, and hauled without compromising structural integrity. Once they’re off the road and on your site, that same strength translates directly into a secure, weatherproof storage structure that can sit outdoors indefinitely with minimal maintenance.
“I ordered 2 one trip 40’ high cubes. They were busy but they managed to get the first one out quickly and the 2nd one a little over a week later. I was happy with everything from the price, service, container, and tow company delivered them. Definitely recommend” — Andrew V.
| Size: | 40-Foot High-Cube Storage Container |
|---|---|
| Construction: | Steel or Aluminum |
| External Dimensions: |
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| Internal Dimensions: |
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| Door Openings: |
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| Cubic Capacity: | 2,621 cf |
| Weight: | 9,005 lbs |
When a warehouse runs out of racking space during a busy season, a high-cube container parked in the yard can absorb the overflow without requiring a lease expansion. The added height means you can install taller shelving inside than you could in a standard container, so you’re not sacrificing capacity just because the unit sits outside the building.
Seasonal retailers and online sellers often need somewhere to stage inventory ahead of a peak sales period. A 40ft high-cube container gives you enough floor space and headroom to organize stock by SKU, build out simple shelving, and keep everything dry and secure until it’s ready to ship or move onto shelves.
Contractors use high-cube containers to store tools, materials, and equipment that would otherwise need to be trucked back and forth every day. The extra height is particularly useful for storing tall equipment like scaffolding sections, ladders, or upright material racks that wouldn’t fit as easily in a standard-height box.
Manufacturers use HC containers to hold raw materials, packaging, or finished goods close to the production floor without permanently expanding the building footprint. Because the containers are steel and weathertight, they hold up well even when placed directly against an exterior wall or loading dock.
“My company was installing a large industrial machine in the Aurora, IL area. We needed additional short term storage space while we were working. Bob and his team were incredibly helpful and got us the containers we needed right away.” — Steve A.
Businesses that need to retain paper records, files, or archived equipment for compliance reasons often turn to high-cube containers. The added vertical space allows for floor-to-ceiling shelving units, maximizing how many boxes or file cabinets fit in a single container.
Farms and rural properties use 40-ft high-cube containers to store seasonal equipment, feed, or supplies. The taller interior accommodates equipment that needs to be parked upright, and the steel shell keeps rodents and moisture away from anything stored inside.
New (one-trip) containers have typically made a single voyage carrying cargo before being sold for storage use. They show minimal wear, have no dents or rust, and come with the longest usable lifespan of any option. If you want a container that looks close to factory-new and plan to keep it for many years, a one-trip unit is usually worth the higher price tag.
Used and refurbished containers have completed multiple shipping cycles and show more visible wear (scuffs, surface rust, or minor dents), but remain fully functional for storage purposes. Refurbished units go through inspection and repair before resale, so structural issues like holes or compromised doors are addressed before the container reaches you. These are a strong option if your budget is tighter or the container’s cosmetic condition isn’t a priority.
As-is and WWT (wind and watertight) containers sit at the lower end of the price range. As-is units are sold without guaranteed weatherproofing and are best suited for basic outdoor storage of items that can tolerate some exposure. WWT containers, on the other hand, are inspected specifically to confirm they keep out wind and water, making them a reasonable budget option when cosmetic condition isn’t a top priority.
“I purchased a 40′ used container from Rob and from start to finish it was a 5 star transaction. Rob was always very honest and upfront about everything and took the time to explain everything I needed. It is hard to find companies that are honest and great service like Kwik space was. I would 100% recommend them for anyone looking at purchasing a shipping container. Even the drivers they use are friendly and very skilled with delivery.” — K W
Great Lakes Kwik Space carries all four categories so you can match the container’s condition to your budget and how long you plan to use it.
| Feature: | 40ft High-Cube | 40ft Standard | 20ft High-Cube |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Height | 9′-6″ | 8′-6″ | 9′-6″ |
| Cubic Capacity | ~2,694 cu. ft. | ~2,350 cu. ft. | ~1,165 cu. ft.* |
| Best For |
Maximum storage volume, tall shelving, bulk inventory
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Standard-height storage where floor space matters most
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Tight lots needing extra height without the 40-ft footprint
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| Door Access |
Double doors, one end
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Double doors, one end
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Double doors, one end
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| Typical Buyer | Warehouses, distributors, large contractors | General storage, moving, basic jobsite use | Small businesses, homeowners, tight urban sites |
If floor space is genuinely your limiting factor and you don’t need the extra vertical room, a standard 40-ft container will save you a bit on price. But if you’re trying to squeeze more storage out of the same footprint, the high-cube is almost always the better long-term value because you’re paying a modest premium for a meaningful jump in usable volume.
Great Lakes Kwik Space sells 40-ft high-cube containers to a wide mix of Chicagoland customers, including:
If your circumstances involve running out of vertical space rather than floor space, a high-cube container will likely solve the problem more efficiently than adding a second standard unit.
Great Lakes Kwik Space stands behind the containers we sell. New and refurbished units are inspected before delivery, and our team will walk you through exactly what condition your container is in before you commit to a purchase. Because container condition and pricing vary by unit and availability, we handle warranty terms on a container-by-container basis rather than a single blanket policy, so ask your sales rep for the specifics on the unit you’re considering.
We also work with customers to make ownership more accessible through flexible payment arrangements. Whether you’re a business looking to spread out a capital expense or an individual purchasing your first container, give our team a call, and we’ll walk through the options available for your purchase.
Great Lakes Kwik Space has been Chicagoland’s independently owned portable storage company since 1990. A few things that set us apart:
All our containers are constructed with the strongest available materials and inspected before they leave our lot, whether you’re buying new, refurbished, or as-is.
We offer competitive rates on every container category, from one-trip units to budget-friendly as-is boxes, so you can find an option that fits your project instead of stretching your budget to fit the container.
Most containers are delivered within 24 hours of your order being confirmed, with our team handling placement on your site.
“Awesome service, very good communication. Delivery went smooth and right on time. Would definitely use them again and recommend them to anyone looking to buy a storage container.” — Mike A.
As a Veteran-Owned Business affiliated with the Marine Corps League and an NPSA member, we bring the same discipline and follow-through to every delivery, whether it’s a single container or a multi-unit order.
We’ve been serving contractors, businesses, and homeowners throughout the region since 1990, and our team can help you figure out which container size and condition actually fit your situation.
Running out of vertical space is an easy problem to fix once you know the right container exists. A 40’ high-cube storage container for sale gives you the same trusted footprint as a standard 40-footer, plus the extra height that makes room for taller shelving, bulkier equipment, or simply more inventory per square foot of yard space. Whether you’re buying new, refurbished, WWT, or as-is, Great Lakes Kwik Space has a unit that fits your budget and timeline.
Our team can walk you through current inventory, help you decide between high-cube and standard sizing, and get a container delivered to your site, often within 24 hours. There’s no obligation to request pricing, so if you’re even considering extra storage space, now’s a good time to find out what it would cost.
Call 866.524.6603 or request your free quote online to get started on a 40-ft high-cube storage container for sale in Chicagoland.
A high-cube container stands 9′-6″ tall on the exterior, compared to 8′-6″ for a standard 40-ft container. That extra foot translates to roughly 350 additional cubic feet of usable interior space, which adds up quickly if you’re using vertical shelving or storing tall equipment.
New (one-trip) containers have made a single cargo voyage and show minimal wear. Refurbished containers have been inspected and repaired to correct any structural issues, though they may show cosmetic wear from prior use. As-is containers are sold in their current condition without guaranteed weatherproofing, making them the most budget-friendly option for buyers who don’t need a fully sealed unit.
Permit requirements vary by municipality and by how long the container will stay in place. Some Chicagoland municipalities require a permit for long-term container placement, while others don’t regulate short-term use. We recommend checking with your local building or zoning department, and our team is happy to answer questions based on what we’ve seen with other customers in your area.
Most orders are delivered within 24 hours of confirmation, inventory permitting. Delivery timing can shift slightly based on container availability, site accessibility, and current order volume, so it’s worth calling ahead if you’re working against a tight deadline.
Like a standard shipping or storage container, high-cube storage containers provide ground-level access to your stored items in a secure, weatherproof, and durable container. They are perfect if you need extra room for storing inventory, supplies, equipment, or for other commercial and industrial needs.
Call us at 1.866.524.6603 or get an online KWIK quote now.
All of our containers feature:
Rob was always very honest and upfront about everything and took the time to explain everything I needed.
“highly recommended. They provided us with a great storage container with ontime services.”
“Bought a used container, its perfect, no leaks and in good condition.”
“Good service and prompt delivery. A great option for temporary storage at a decent price.”
