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High cube containers for shipping: Meaning, features, and uses
A high cube container is a durable steel box ensuring cargo stability during transport. Learn more about its uses, features, dimensions, and more.
The introduction of containerization in the 1950s transformed global shipping by making cargo transport more efficient and scalable.1 Decades later, this innovation continues to shape maritime logistics. Among the various container types, high cube containers stand out for their extra storage capacity, making them a popular choice for shipping larger or bulkier goods. In this blog post, we will explore what high cube containers are, their features, uses, advantages, and key factors to consider when choosing them.
What are high cube containers?
A high cube container is a durable, high-quality corrugated steel box that offers cargo stability and protection during rail or sea transportation. Compared to standard shipping containers, or TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), it has an extra 12 inches or 1 foot in height, providing more storage space and accommodating high-volume cargo. Available in 20, 40, and 45-foot sizes, high cube containers maintain the same width as standard containers, making them stackable and suitable for various shipping needs. Their lightweight nature and high-volume design add to their durability, making them ideal for exporters sending large shipments over long distances.2
Uses of high cube containers
High cube containers offer a convenient solution for storing or shipping materials that need extra space. With an additional foot of height compared to standard containers, they provide more room for stacking light but bulky or oversized cargo.3
Features of high cube containers
Some features of high cube containers are as follows:
• Increased height: Provides extra vertical space for larger cargo.
• Versatility: Accommodates various cargo types, including machinery and household items.
• Durability: Made from robust, anti-corrosive materials for long-lasting protection.
• Security: Equipped with secure lock boxes to prevent unauthorized access.
• Weather resistance: Waterproof design keeps cargo dry and safe.
• Customization: Can be modified for refrigeration or additional layers.
• Standard sizes: Available in 20, 40, and 45 feet for compatibility with shipping infrastructure.
• Efficient loading: Designed for easy loading and unloading to enhance logistics.
• Transport flexibility: Suitable for sea, rail, or truck transport.4
• Increased height: Provides extra vertical space for larger cargo.
• Versatility: Accommodates various cargo types, including machinery and household items.
• Durability: Made from robust, anti-corrosive materials for long-lasting protection.
• Security: Equipped with secure lock boxes to prevent unauthorized access.
• Weather resistance: Waterproof design keeps cargo dry and safe.
• Customization: Can be modified for refrigeration or additional layers.
• Standard sizes: Available in 20, 40, and 45 feet for compatibility with shipping infrastructure.
• Efficient loading: Designed for easy loading and unloading to enhance logistics.
• Transport flexibility: Suitable for sea, rail, or truck transport.4
Benefits of high cube containers in shipping
Certain features of high cube containers provide added benefits to exporters looking to transport diverse types of cargo:
Versatile:
High cube containers are ideal for both commercial and personal use. They can be easily customized with shelves, windows, doors, air conditioners, ventilation, etc., for specific storage or transportation needs.
Useful for specialized cargo:
High cube containers are valued for transporting specialized cargo, including equipment or machinery that might not fit within the height constraints of regular containers.
Durable and weatherproof:
A high cube shipping container is weatherproof, protecting its contents from wind and water. Since a high cube container is made out of aluminium or solid steel, it also has excellent durability.
Secure:
Designed to meet the demands of sea travel, high cube containers are secure, making them ideal for packing and transporting various goods across the ocean. They typically feature securely locked double doors for added safety.
Portable:
High cube containers are compact and allow for efficient yet flexible storage in places where space could be limited.5
Dimensions of high cube container
An HC container is available in 20, 40, and 45-ft variants. While specifications might slightly vary between shipping container manufacturers, the general dimensions are as follows:
High cube containers vs standard containers
The main difference between a standard and a high cube shipping container is the height, which can be a significant difference. Listed below are some key differences between the two types of containers.
Factors to consider when choosing high cube containers
The type of container an exporter chooses depends on the cargo's weight, their budget, and the specific purpose. Some factors to consider are as follows:
Conclusion
Overall, high cube containers are ideal for storing and shipping materials that require extra cubic capacity, offering versatility for both intermodal transportation and portable storage. While they offer greater flexibility and storage capacity, their suitability depends on the specific cargo, required modifications, and shippers’ needs. For more information and support on other aspects of shipping, Indian exporters can avail the tools and services offered by e-commerce export programs like Amazon Global Selling.
Amazon Global Selling: Easy e-commerce exports and hassle-free shipping
If you are a business owner and you want to sell your products to the world, Amazon Global Selling enables you to list and sell ‘Made in India’ products on 18 Amazon global marketplaces. As an e-commerce export program, Amazon Global Selling provides support and guidance at every step of your export journey, connecting you to Amazon’s Service Provider Network for tailored compliance, payments, and logistics support.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfilment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfilment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some challenges of using high cube containers?
Shipping companies may face difficulties in storing high cube containers in standardized stacks and vessels due to the extra height, needing additional wagons or chassis for loading and unloading cargo. Some ports also have height restrictions for cargo and vessels that could affect their use.10
What is high cube vs GP container?
General purpose (GP) containers are the standard size containers with a height of 8 ft 6 inches (2.6 m), while high cube (HC) containers have a height of 9 ft 6 inches (2.9 m), providing extra height for voluminous cargo. There are more HCs than GPs in the 40 ft container market, and more GPs than HCs in the 20 ft market.11
How many CBM is a 40ft high cube container?
A 40 ft high cube container has a volume of 76.4 cubic metres (2,696.9 cu ft).
Published on September 30, 2024.
Sources:
1. https://www.marineinsight.com/maritime-history/the-history-of-containerization-in-the-shipping-industry/
2. https://www.container-xchange.com/blog/high-cube-containers/
3. https://www.container-xchange.com/blog/high-cube-containers/
4. https://www.credlix.com/blogs/what-are-high-cube-containers-in-shipping-meaning-types-and-uses
5. https://www.containeroptions.com.au/advantages-of-high-cube-shipping-containers/
6. https://www.container-xchange.com/blog/high-cube-containers/
7. https://americantrailerrentals.com/whats-the-difference-between-a-standard-and-high-cube-shipping-container/
8. https://albawheelsup.com/standard-container-vs-cube-container/
9. https://www.lotus-containers.com/en/a-complete-guide-to-53ft-intermodal-container/
10. https://www.dripcapital.com/resources/blog/high-cube-containers
11. https://seacontainerswa.com.au/what-is-a-gp-or-hc-in-shipping-container-terms/
Sources:
1. https://www.marineinsight.com/maritime-history/the-history-of-containerization-in-the-shipping-industry/
2. https://www.container-xchange.com/blog/high-cube-containers/
3. https://www.container-xchange.com/blog/high-cube-containers/
4. https://www.credlix.com/blogs/what-are-high-cube-containers-in-shipping-meaning-types-and-uses
5. https://www.containeroptions.com.au/advantages-of-high-cube-shipping-containers/
6. https://www.container-xchange.com/blog/high-cube-containers/
7. https://americantrailerrentals.com/whats-the-difference-between-a-standard-and-high-cube-shipping-container/
8. https://albawheelsup.com/standard-container-vs-cube-container/
9. https://www.lotus-containers.com/en/a-complete-guide-to-53ft-intermodal-container/
10. https://www.dripcapital.com/resources/blog/high-cube-containers
11. https://seacontainerswa.com.au/what-is-a-gp-or-hc-in-shipping-container-terms/
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*Map not to scale. The map has been used for design and representational purpose only, it does not depict the geographical boundaries of the country. These do not conform to the external boundaries of India recognized by the Survey of India.
*Map not to scale. The map has been used for design and representational purpose only, it does not depict the geographical boundaries of the country. These do not conform to the external boundaries of India recognized by the Survey of India.
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