Containers are already known as the famous onsite storage solutions. They are needed anywhere secure, weather-resistant, and flexible storage is required directly at the point of use. Below are the most common locations and use cases. This includes construction sites, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, retail sites, etc.
Many container types are converted into the onsite storage solutions, but the most common ones are the standard container and the high cube container. To know which one to use, find out the differences in this article!
Contents
Standard Container

Typical Dimensions
A standard (dry) shipping container commonly used for onsite storage solutions comes in two main sizes. These are the typical dimensions you can expect:
- Length: 20’ or 40’
- Width: 8’
- Height: 8.6’
Key Features
The standard container or dry container is the most commonly used container type. The container type can make it easier to transport goods, and it can be placed in tight or regulated areas. It also often offers a lower cost than High Cube containers.
Best for
Standard dry containers are the best onsite storage solutions for:
- General storage (tools, materials, boxed goods)
- Sites with height restrictions
- Situations where cost efficiency is a priority
- Short- to medium-term onsite storage solutions
Pros
Using a standard (dry) shipping container for onsite storage offers several practical and cost-effective advantages, especially for construction sites, industrial facilities, and temporary storage needs.
It is suitable for tools, materials, spare parts, and equipment. Moreover, it has adequate internal height for most storage needs and can fit under more height restrictions.
Cons
While standard (dry) containers are a popular choice for onsite storage, they do have some limitations that may affect certain applications. Their internal height is about 7.10. This is not ideal for tall equipment or machinery and will restrict the use of high shelving or vertical racking systems.
High Cube Container

Typical Dimensions
A High Cube shipping container is commonly used for onsite storage when extra vertical space is needed. It has 1’ extra height than a standard container, while length and width remain the same.
- Length: 20’ or 40’
- Width: 8’
- Height: 9.6’
Key Features
A high cube container has 1’ extra vertical space, which will give you better airflow and stacking flexibility inside. This is ideal for tall equipment or racked storage.
Best For
The high cube containers are the best onsite storage solutions for:
- Construction sites with large or tall equipment
- Warehousing or archive storage with shelving
- Long-term onsite storage where space efficiency matters
- Businesses needing maximum volume per container
Pros
Using a High Cube shipping container for onsite storage solutions offers several advantages, especially when space efficiency, height clearance, and flexibility are important. Its extra height provides 10-12% more cubic volume, allowing storage of more goods without increasing the footprint.
This is suitable for tall machinery, equipment, and oversized pallets, as a higher door opening makes loading easier and reduces the risk of damage during handling.
Cons
While High Cube containers offer extra space and flexibility, they also come with some drawbacks that may affect certain onsite storage situations. They are more expensive to purchase or rent than standard containers, and they are not always necessary.
This is because the extra height may go unused for general storage and can be inefficient if storing small tools, boxes, or low-profile materials.
Recommended Units

20′ Dry Shipping Container
The 20’ Dry Shipping Container is our most popular and common type of shipping container for sale. This container is suitable for both storage and freight, especially for dry cargo that doesn’t require temperature control.
It is manufactured according to ISO specifications, which makes it suitable for the intermodal transport of freight. It is also equipped with a variety of features that guarantee the safe transport of your cargo. The container measures L 20’ x W 8’ x H 8’6”, providing ample space to achieve efficiency in cargo storage and transportation.
40′ Dry Shipping Container (General Purpose)
Our 40’ Dry Container brings you a strong and durable storage and transport solution to suit various requirements. Measuring L 40’ x W 8’ x H 8’6”, this container is designed to securely hold a substantial amount of goods, equipment, or materials.
The 40′ GP container is popular among businesses since it can carry more cargo to improve efficiency and fit the requirements for intermodal freight transport. Some of the dry goods that this container can carry include industrial equipment, raw materials, apparel, vehicles, and more.
20′ High Cube Shipping Container
The 20ft high cube container is similar to a standard 20ft container, but is slightly taller with an additional 1 foot to its height. The additional height offers more space for higher cargo or equipment that doesn’t fit in a standard container.
It can accommodate up to 62,460 lbs with a volume of 37,4 m³. This container also has additional features like extra air vents, forklift pockets, lashing rings, locking bars, corner castings, and easy open doors. It is highly practical to deliver a range of goods, such as industrial equipment, raw materials, apparel, and vehicles.
40′ High Cube Shipping Container
Our 40’ High Cube Shipping Container is an excellent choice for individuals and businesses who require a sturdy, reliable, and spacious storage and transport solution. This container measures 40’ x 8’ x 9’6”, providing additional height and ample space for a wide range of goods and equipment.
Whether you need to store or transport consumer goods, household items, construction materials, or machinery, this container will offer the space you require. Moreover, this 40’ container comes with several standard shipping container features, including corner castings and forklift pockets that make it easy to move around your property or loading dock.
45′ High Cube Shipping Container
The 45’ High Cube Container is one of our largest shipping containers, offering ample space for various storage and transportation needs. With external dimensions measuring 45’ in length, 8’ in width, and 9’6” in height, you can carry cargo more efficiently in one run.
Tradecorp’s 45ft high cube container is perfect for bulk shipping, allowing you to save costs by transporting large quantities of products efficiently. It is also well-suited for storing and transporting dry goods, thanks to its robust mainframe, walls, doors, and base that provide optimal cargo protection.
Conclusion
As an affordable provider of onsite container storage solutions, Tradecorp understands the diverse needs of the market and offers a wide range of container options to meet these demands.
We provide modification and custom shipping container services by adding windows, doors, walls, and roof insulation. Our experienced staff is ready to assist you in arranging the shipping of your container to your requested location. Fill out our quote form to buy