High Cube vs Standard Shipping Containers Australia: Which One Is Right for Your Storage Needs?
- Naomi Gilchrist

- Jul 1
- 4 min read
If you're researching shipping containers in Australia, one of the most common questions you'll come across is whether to choose a High Cube shipping container or a Standard shipping container.
While both options offer secure and durable storage solutions, there are some important differences that can impact how well a container suits your needs.
Whether you're looking for a 20ft High Cube container Australia, a 40ft High Cube container Australia, or simply comparing your options before purchasing, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
What Is a Standard Shipping Container in Australia?
A standard shipping container is the most common type of container used across Australia for storage, transport, and business applications.
Standard container dimensions typically include:
20ft Standard Shipping Container Australia
Length: 6.06m
Width: 2.44m
Height: 2.59m
40ft Standard Shipping Container Australia
Length: 12.19m
Width: 2.44m
Height: 2.59m
Standard containers are widely used throughout Australia because they provide secure, weather-resistant storage and are suitable for most applications.
What Is a High Cube Shipping Container Australia?
A High Cube shipping container Australia is almost identical to a standard shipping container, with one major difference:
It is approximately 300mm taller.
20ft High Cube Container Australia
Length: 6.06m
Width: 2.44m
Height: 2.89m
40ft High Cube Container Australia
Length: 12.19m
Width: 2.44m
Height: 2.89m
That additional height provides more internal storage capacity and greater flexibility for a wide range of uses.
As a result, High Cube containers have become increasingly popular across Australia.
High Cube Container Australia: Key Benefits
1. More Internal Storage Space
One of the biggest advantages of a High Cube container Australia is the additional internal volume.
Although the footprint remains the same, the extra height allows you to store more goods vertically and maximise available space.
This is particularly useful for:
Farming equipment
Business inventory
Building materials
Workshop storage
Machinery parts
2. Better Shelving and Organisation
Many Australian businesses and property owners install shelving systems inside their shipping containers.
The additional height of a High Cube shipping container Australia allows for:
Taller shelving units
Improved organisation
Easier access to stored items
Better use of vertical space
3. Ideal for Container Conversions
A 20ft High Cube container Australia or 40ft High Cube container Australia is often the preferred choice for conversion projects.
Popular conversion projects include:
Tiny homes
Container homes
Site offices
Workshops
Studios
Storage sheds
The extra ceiling height creates a more comfortable and practical interior environment.
4. Easier Access for Large Equipment
Many customers throughout Australia use High Cube containers to store:
Ride-on mowers
Agricultural equipment
Workshop machinery
Large tools
Commercial products
The extra height can make loading and unloading much easier.
Standard Shipping Container Australia: Benefits
While High Cube containers offer many advantages, standard containers are still an excellent choice for many applications.
Lower Purchase Cost
In many cases, a standard container may be slightly more affordable than a High Cube container.
Suitable for General Storage
If you're storing:
Household goods
Furniture
Tools
General business stock
A standard container may provide all the space you need.
Greater Availability
Depending on market conditions, standard shipping containers can sometimes be easier to source throughout Australia.
20ft High Cube Container Australia: Best Uses
The 20ft High Cube container Australia is one of the most popular options available.
Its compact footprint combined with increased internal height makes it ideal for:
Farm storage
Residential storage
Small business inventory
Workshop conversions
Tiny home projects
Many Australian customers choose a 20ft High Cube container because it offers excellent storage capacity while remaining easy to position on-site.
40ft High Cube Container Australia: Best Uses
For customers requiring maximum storage capacity, a 40ft High Cube container Australia is often the preferred option.
Popular uses include:
Agricultural storage
Machinery storage
Commercial inventory
Bulk product storage
Large-scale conversion projects
The additional length and height create significant storage capacity while maintaining the durability shipping containers are known for.
High Cube Shipping Container Australia for Farming
Across rural Australia, High Cube containers are increasingly being used on farms.
Common applications include:
Seed storage
Chemical storage
Fertiliser storage
Machinery parts storage
Workshop setups
The additional height allows farmers to maximise storage efficiency while protecting valuable equipment from the elements.
Which Container Is Right for You?
Choose a Standard Shipping Container Australia If:
You need general storage
Budget is your primary concern
Additional height is not required
You're storing smaller items
Choose a High Cube Shipping Container Australia If:
You want maximum storage capacity
You plan to install shelving
You need extra headroom
You're considering a container conversion
You store bulky equipment or machinery
Final Thoughts
When comparing a High Cube container Australia to a standard shipping container, the right choice ultimately depends on how you intend to use it.
For many customers, the additional height offered by a 20ft High Cube container Australia or 40ft High Cube container Australia provides valuable flexibility and long-term benefits.
Whether you're looking for storage, farming solutions, business applications, or a future conversion project, High Cube containers continue to be one of the most versatile and practical options available in Australia.
Looking for High Cube Shipping Containers in Australia?
Storage Solutions WA supplies quality shipping containers for customers across Albany, the Great Southern, and Western Australia.
Contact our friendly team today for expert advice and a free quote on High Cube and Standard shipping containers. 🚢📦




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