Glossary > #HC

HC – What is it?

The term “HC” (High Cube) frequently appears in discussions about shipping containers. Whether you are planning to transport goods or looking for storage solutions, understanding this concept is key. In this detailed guide, we will look at the meaning of HC, its advantages, differences compared to standard containers (GP – General Purpose) and reasons why it is so popular in logistics, storage and the construction industry.

What does HC mean in shipping containers?

HC (High Cube) is a designation for a type of shipping container that is higher than a standard container (GP). The standard container height is 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters), while High Cube containers have a height of 9 feet 6 inches (2.89 meters), which adds approximately 30 cm of vertical space. This additional height significantly increases the internal volume, which is ideal for transporting or storing larger or taller goods.

High Cube containers are available in various sizes, including 20 feet, 40 feet and 45 feet, and are highly versatile, which allows their use in many industries from logistics to alternative construction solutions.

Key differences between HC and GP containers

1. Height

  • Standard container (GP): Height 2.59 meters (8 feet 6 inches).
  • High Cube container (HC): Height 2.89 meters (9 feet 6 inches), which adds 30 cm extra.

2. Internal volume

  • Increased height in HC containers brings greater internal volume:
    • 40-foot GP container: Approximately 67.7 m³.
    • 40-foot HC container: Approximately 76.4 m³.

3. Common use

  • GP containers are suitable for standard cargo, such as boxes, pallets and other traditional goods.
  • HC containers are ideal for taller or bulkier goods, including industrial equipment, large furniture, building materials and even oversized machinery.

4. Price and availability

  • HC containers are typically more expensive than GP containers due to higher material and manufacturing costs.
  • However, they are highly sought after, especially in the 40-foot size, due to their flexibility and efficiency.

Dimensions of High Cube containers

High Cube containers are manufactured in several standard lengths: 20 feet, 40 feet and 45 feet. Below are the detailed dimensions:

20-foot HC container

  • External dimensions:
    • Length: 20 feet (6.06 meters)
    • Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)
    • Height: 9 feet 6 inches (2.89 meters)
  • Internal dimensions:
    • Length: 19 feet 4 inches (5.90 meters)
    • Width: 7 feet 8 inches (2.35 meters)
    • Height: 8 feet 10 inches (2.69 meters)
  • Volume: 37.2 m³
  • Payload capacity: Approximately 28,160 kg

40-foot HC container

  • External dimensions:
    • Length: 40 feet (12.19 meters)
    • Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)
    • Height: 9 feet 6 inches (2.89 meters)
  • Internal dimensions:
    • Length: 39 feet 5 inches (12.03 meters)
    • Width: 7 feet 8 inches (2.35 meters)
    • Height: 8 feet 10 inches (2.69 meters)
  • Volume: 76.4 m³
  • Payload capacity: Approximately 28,600 kg

45-foot HC container

  • External dimensions:
    • Length: 45 feet (13.72 meters)
    • Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)
    • Height: 9 feet 6 inches (2.89 meters)
  • Internal dimensions:
    • Length: 44 feet 6 inches (13.56 meters)
    • Width: 7 feet 8 inches (2.35 meters)
    • Height: 8 feet 10 inches (2.69 meters)
  • Volume: 86 m³
  • Payload capacity: Approximately 27,700 kg

Advantages of High Cube containers

  1. Increased storage capacity: Additional height allows for transporting or storing large or tall items that would not fit in a standard container.
  2. Versatile use: High Cube containers are widely used for transportation, storage and conversion into homes, offices or mobile storage units.
  3. Efficient space utilization: The ability to stack HC containers is ideal for maximizing space in warehouses, ports and on transport ships.
  4. Lower costs: Although HC containers are initially more expensive, their greater capacity often reduces the number of containers needed for transportation, which ultimately lowers overall shipping costs.

When to use an HC container?

The choice between GP and HC containers depends on your specific needs:

  1. Transporting tall cargo: HC containers are essential if your cargo exceeds the standard height of 2.59 meters.
  2. Bulk shipments: If you need to transport a larger volume of goods in the same space, HC containers are an ideal solution.
  3. Alternative use: For construction projects involving container conversions into homes, offices or storage units, HC containers offer more space and comfort.

Frequently asked questions

1. How do I recognize an HC container?

  • HC containers are marked with the inscription “HC” or “High Cube” on the doors.
  • They are visibly taller than standard containers, so they can be easily recognized.

2. What is the price of an HC container?

  • Prices vary depending on size, condition (new or used) and location. The price of a 40-foot HC container starts at approximately 1,800 USD.

3. Are there different variants of HC containers?

  • Yes, HC containers are available as refrigerated (reefer), open-top or with double doors, which covers diverse transportation and storage needs.

The designation “HC” in shipping containers means High Cube, which is a taller variant of standard containers, designed for transporting or storing larger or bulkier goods. Thanks to increased internal volume and versatility, they are an ideal choice for logistics, construction and alternative building projects. Explore the availability and prices of HC containers from reputable suppliers or on platforms such as Container xChange.