40ft High Cube Pre-Owned Steel Container
From $2,450 / unit
The most popular choice for residential conversions in the Tampa Bay area —
The 40ft High Cube Cargo Worthy container is our single best-selling unit — and the container that St. Petersburg builders request more than any other for residential conversion work. Offering roughly 304 sq ft of usable floor area and a 9'6" exterior height, it delivers the square footage and vertical clearance required for a code-friendly habitable space.
The go-to unit for compact residences, accessory dwellings, and backyard cottages across St. Petersburg. Built from Corten steel, it stands up to Florida’s heat and humidity for decades. The Cargo Worthy certification confirms that every structural element — walls, roof, floor, and corner castings — has been formally inspected and approved. Light cosmetic wear is standard and becomes invisible behind finished walls.
For conversion economics, the 40ft HC CW consistently offers the strongest return on investment in our lineup. You get the full dimensions of the largest standard container, the extra ceiling height that makes residential builds viable, and CSC-certified structural integrity — all at a price point that leaves meaningful budget for a quality interior fit-out. It is the reason this unit outsells every other size and grade combination we carry.
Technical Details
~304 sq ft
of usable floor space
9'6" Tall
added headroom for habitable interiors
8,775 lbs
tare weight
Modification Advantages for Building Projects
The 40ft High Cube ranks among the most versatile containers for conversion work. Here is what makes it a preferred starting point for builders and property owners:
- Roughly 304 sq ft of habitable floor area — room for a complete one-bedroom layout including kitchen, bathroom, and lounge
- 8'10" raw interior ceiling — once insulated and framed, you retain about 8' of finished headroom, satisfying typical residential code requirements
- Weathering steel (Corten) shell — self-protecting steel that forms a rust-resistant patina, engineered to endure 25-50+ years along Florida's Gulf Coast
- Works with conventional framing — inner measurements support standard 2x4 stud walls paired with closed-cell foam, so any licensed contractor can handle the job
- Full-width rear doors — keep them for a statement entrance, swap them for floor-to-ceiling glazing, or seal and reframe for additional wall area
- 28mm marine plywood subfloor — delivers a flat, sturdy base ready to accept any final flooring finish
- Modular and stackable — arrange units side-by-side or on two levels to form multi-room or two-story configurations
Did You Know?
Converting a 40ft High Cube typically runs 40-60% below the cost of conventional stick-frame construction for equivalent square footage. Across St. Petersburg, property owners are turning to container-based ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) to earn rental income or provide housing for family.
Florida has become increasingly ADU-friendly, with new legislation making it easier to add a container-based dwelling to your property.
Understanding the Cargo Worthy Classification
Cargo Worthy (CW) is the most frequently selected grade for container modification work. A CW-rated unit has undergone inspection and received certification confirming it remains structurally adequate for transoceanic freight transport — meaning it far exceeds the demands of a fixed-position structure.
Expect typical service marks such as light surface oxidation, small dings, and general cosmetic patina. The load-bearing framework — floor, wall panels, roof deck, and corner fittings — stays fully intact. Each CW unit ships with a current CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) plate, confirming it cleared a formal structural review.
For renovation builds, Cargo Worthy frequently offers the strongest return on investment: surface blemishes become a non-issue once the exterior is painted or clad and the interior is framed and insulated. The result is a certified, structurally reliable building envelope at a considerably lower price than a One-Trip unit.
Cargo Worthy Grade Includes:
- Valid CSC certification
- Structurally sound walls & roof
- Intact floor (no holes)
- Working cargo doors
- Wind & water tight
- Corner castings intact
Certified for international shipping (ISO/CSC). Passed structural inspection. Working cosmetic wear — minor dents and surface patina. The best balance of quality and value for conversion projects.
Common Build Applications
St. Petersburg owners use the 40ft High Cube for these projects
Compact Dwelling
Complete one-bedroom layout with cooking, bathing, and living zones
Accessory Unit / In-Law Suite
Yard-based living quarters for relatives or rental revenue
Private Home Office
Generous remote-work environment with ample room for desks and equipment
Maker Studio
Steel-enclosed space for carpentry, crafts, or hands-on hobbies
Short-Term Rental
Eye-catching getaway unit with contemporary, photo-ready design
Delivery Information
St. Petersburg & Tampa Bay Delivery
- Typical delivery: 3-7 business days from order confirmation
- Method: Tilt-bed truck — container slides directly onto your prepared site
- Site requirements: Flat, level surface with clearance for an 18-wheel truck to maneuver
- Service area: St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Largo, Gulfport, Treasure Island, Pinellas …
- Delivery cost: Varies by distance — included in your free quote
- Scheduling: We coordinate a delivery window that works for you
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Other Units Worth Considering
Frequently paired alternatives for similar builds
20ft Standard
From $1,450
~150 sq ft. Most conversion projects, homes, offices, workshops.
20ft High Cube
From $1,750
~150 sq ft, 9'6" tall. Most conversion projects, homes, offices, workshops.
40ft Standard
From $2,100
~304 sq ft. Most conversion projects, homes, offices, workshops.
40ft High Cube
From $3,800
~304 sq ft, 9'6" tall. Premium builds, living spaces, showroom quality.