What is a High Cube Shipping Container?

Chances are, if you’re in the market for a container, you’ve come across the term “high cube.” But what exactly is a high cube shipping container? In a nutshell, high cube containers are one foot taller than standard shipping containers. However,even this seemingly minor difference in height can bring about many benefits.. In this blog, we’ll give you a brief yet thorough description of high cube containers and explain why they’re so popular.

Table of Contents:

What is a High Cube Shipping Container
Types of HC Shipping Containers
High Cube Container Dimensions
Uses of HC Containers
Advantages of HC containers
Comparing the costs of high cube shipping containers and standard shipping containers.
Conclusion

1. What is a High Cube Shipping Container?

High Cube Shipping Container (HC) – also known as a tall boy container – is a type of intermodal freight container made of aluminum or steel with an internal volume slightly bigger than that of a standard shipping container meant for storage and transport of goods via sea, rail, or highway. High cube containers are 9 feet 6 inches tall – one foot taller than a standard container with a slightly taller door opening. The width and length of the High Cube are identical to a regular shipping container measuring 8 feet and 8 feet 6 inches respectively. The extra foot in height provides additional square footage for storage and the taller door height allows for loading larger cargo.

2. Types of High Cube (HC) Shipping Containers

In addition to coming in standard Dry Van shipping containers, High Cubes are also available in specialty containers as well. Here are some of the most popular types of high cube containers:

Dry Van High Cube Container – Dry Van High Cube Container is a standard 20-foot or 40-foot intermodal container that has been modified to meet the requirements of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Refrigerated High Cube Container – A Refrigerated High Cube Container is a type of HC container that is used to transport perishable goods. These containers are also sometimes referred to as reefer high cube containers.
Open Top High Cube Container – An Open Top High Cube Container is a type of HC container that has an open top and removable tarpaulin cover. These containers are typically used for oversized or irregularly shaped cargo.
Flat Rack High Cube Container – A Flat Rack High Cube Container is a type of HC container that has a flat rack instead of walls. These containers are typically used for very bulky or heavy cargo.

If you’re not sure what size or container to use or even if it’s a particular variety, this article will help you choose the appropriate shipping container for your needs. Click here

3. High Cube Container Dimensions

As we mentioned earlier, high cube containers are one foot taller than standard shipping containers. The extra height provides a taller door opening. The width and length are the same as a standard container. Here are the dimensions of high cube containers:

40' Dry Van High Cube:

45' Dry Van High Cube:

20' Open/Hard Top High Cube

40' Open/Hard Top High Cube

40'Flat Rack High Cube

4. Uses of High Cube Containers

High cube containers are versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. Here are some of the most common uses for high cube containers:

Storage – High cube containers can be used for storage. They are often used as on-site storage for construction projects or as temporary storage for businesses undergoing renovations. The extra square footage provides additional space.
Shipping – High cube containers are commonly used for shipping. They are often used to ship oversized or difficult-to-pack items such as furniture, appliances, and artwork.
Tiny Homes or Workspaces– High Cubes are ideal for converting them into tiny homes, offices or workshops. The extra height offers extra head space necessary for any dwelling. Converting a container into a dwelling may require ceiling lights or insulation that can often take up head space. With the High Cube, there is still ample space even with these types of modifications.

5. Advantages of High Cube Containers

There are many advantages to using high cube containers. Here are some of the most notable advantages:

More Efficient Use of Space – Since high cube containers are taller than regular shipping containers they offer more square footage for extra storage.Increased Capacity – One of the biggest advantages of high cube containers is that they have increased capacity. They can hold up to 30% more cargo than a standard shipping container.
Cost Savings – High cube containers offer cost savings on transportation. The cost to ship items in a High Cube is the same as a Dry Van container. So, your per item shipping cost is less with a fully loaded High Cube compared to a fully loaded Dry VanVersatility – High cube containers are versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes such as storage, shipping, and housing.
Improved Safety – High cube containers are also safer than standard shipping containers. They are less likely to tip over because of their increased height.

6. Comparing the costs of high cube shipping containers and standard shipping containers

High cube containers are a great option for those who need extra space and height and larger door space. They offer many advantages over standard shipping containers, but they come at a slightly higher cost. If you are looking for the most cost-effective option, then a used high cube container is the way to go. However, if you need a new container, then the price difference is significant.

in 2022 a used high cube container costs around $2000 while a new one is at least double the cost of a used one.. There are other important factors that affect the price such as delivery costs and the state where the container will originate. It is important to consider all of these factors when making your decision.

7. Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a standard shipping container or a high cube container, we can help you find the perfect container for your needs. We have a large selection of both new and used containers available for purchase or rent. Contact us today at (888) 405-8772 or send us an inquiry at info@OnSiteStorage.com to learn more about high-cube containers and get a quote for your next project.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How high is a high cube shipping container?

A high-cube shipping container is 9 feet 6 inches (2.89 meters) tall. This is one foot taller than standard shipping containers, which have a maximum height of 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters). The additional height of high-cube containers allows for increased cubic capacity and provides more space for storage or shipping materials.

What are the dimensions of a high cube shipping container?

The dimensions of a 40-foot-high cube container are approximately 12.025 meters in length, 2.352 meters in width, and 2.585 meters in height.

What does high cube container mean?

A high cube container is a type of shipping container that has an extra foot of height compared to standard containers. While standard containers are typically 8 feet 6 inches tall, high cube containers are 9 feet 6 inches tall. This additional height offers more vertical space and greater capacity for transporting larger or taller cargo items.