---
title: "High cube (h/c)"
description: "Identical to the GP  but with 9’6” sides and not the standard 8’6”. 40’ only"
url: "https://oceancargo.co.uk/shipping-terms/high-cube-h-c"
date: "2026-04-30T05:57:00+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

![Ocean Cargo](https://oceancargo.co.uk/images/GenPics/OCs-Customs-Brokerage.webp)

 # High Cube (HC) Shipping Containers: Your Guide to Maximising Cargo Volume

## What is a High Cube (HC) Shipping Container?

In the world of global freight, optimising space and efficiency is paramount. When standard containers fall short on vertical capacity, the High Cube (HC) shipping container emerges as the go-to solution. At Ocean Cargo, we frequently recommend HC containers to clients looking to maximise their cargo volume without incurring the cost of additional units.

A High Cube (HC) container is essentially an extended version of a standard General Purpose (GP) container, specifically designed to offer an additional foot of internal height. While standard containers typically stand at 8 feet 6 inches (8'6") tall, High Cube containers boast an impressive 9 feet 6 inches (9'6") in height. This seemingly small difference translates into a significant increase in cubic capacity, making them ideal for lighter, bulkier goods or cargo that requires extra vertical clearance.

It's important to note that High Cube containers are predominantly available in the 40-foot length. While 20-foot HC containers do exist, they are far less common in the general shipping market. For most commercial applications requiring increased height, the 40-foot High Cube is the industry standard.

Ocean Cargo leverages its extensive network and expertise to provide seamless [sea freight services](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/sea-freight/) for all container types, including High Cubes, ensuring your cargo reaches its destination efficiently and securely.

## Key Characteristics and Dimensions of 40' High Cube Containers

Understanding the precise dimensions of a 40' High Cube container is crucial for effective load planning and cost estimation. Here’s a breakdown of its typical specifications:

- **External Length:** 40 feet (12.19 meters)
- **External Width:** 8 feet (2.44 meters)
- **External Height:** 9 feet 6 inches (2.90 meters)
- **Internal Length:** Approximately 39 feet 5 inches (12.03 meters)
- **Internal Width:** Approximately 7 feet 8 inches (2.35 meters)
- **Internal Height:** Approximately 8 feet 10 inches (2.69 meters)
- **Cubic Capacity:** Around 2,694 cubic feet (76.3 cubic meters) – significantly more than a standard 40' GP container.
- **Tare Weight (Empty):** Approximately 8,750 lbs (3,970 kg)
- **Maximum Payload:** Approximately 58,650 lbs (26,600 kg) – though this can vary based on the container's specific [construction](https://oceancargo.co.uk/industries/construction-infrastructure-logistics "construction") and the shipping line's limits.

The additional internal height of nearly a foot allows for the stacking of more layers of goods, accommodating taller items, or simply providing more breathing room for cargo that might otherwise be crushed in a standard container. This makes them particularly advantageous for industries dealing with furniture, machinery, textiles, and other voluminous products.

## When to Choose a High Cube Container

Deciding whether a High Cube container is the right choice for your shipment involves evaluating your cargo's specific characteristics and your logistical objectives. Ocean Cargo's experts can provide tailored advice, but here are common scenarios where HC containers excel:

1. **Voluminous, Lighter Goods:** If your cargo takes up a lot of space but isn't excessively heavy, an HC container allows you to fill the container to its volumetric capacity before hitting its weight limit. Examples include packaged consumer goods, plastics, insulation materials, or certain types of machinery.
2. **Taller Items:** Any cargo exceeding 7 feet 10 inches (2.39 meters) in height will typically require an HC container. This includes certain types of industrial equipment, large furniture pieces, or exhibition stands.
3. **Maximising Space Utilisation:** For businesses looking to reduce per-unit shipping costs by fitting more product into a single container, the HC offers a cost-effective solution compared to shipping two standard containers.
4. **Project Cargo:** While not exclusively for project cargo, HC containers can be useful for components that are just slightly too tall for a standard container, avoiding the need for more complex and expensive open-top or flat rack solutions. Ocean Cargo specialises in [project cargo logistics](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/project-cargo/), ensuring even the most challenging shipments are handled with precision.
5. **Storage Solutions:** Beyond shipping, HC containers are also popular for on-site storage, offering more internal space for businesses or individuals needing extra room for taller items.

Conversely, if your cargo is extremely dense and heavy, you might reach the container's weight limit long before filling its volume, in which case a standard 20-foot or 40-foot GP container might be more appropriate. Our team can help you perform a detailed cargo assessment to determine the most economical and efficient container type for your needs.

## Advantages of Using High Cube Containers with Ocean Cargo

Partnering with Ocean Cargo for your High Cube container shipments brings a multitude of benefits, ensuring a smooth and cost-effective logistics experience:

- **Increased Capacity, Reduced Costs:** By accommodating more cargo in a single unit, HC containers can significantly lower your per-unit shipping costs and reduce the number of containers required, leading to savings on freight, handling, and documentation.
- **Versatility:** Suitable for a wide range of industries and cargo types, from retail goods to industrial components.
- **Global Reach:** Ocean Cargo offers extensive [sea freight services](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/sea-freight/) to and from major ports worldwide, ensuring your HC containers can reach virtually any destination. For example, our dedicated [sea freight services to Canada](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/canada/sea-freight-canada) are highly efficient.
- **Expert Load Planning:** Our logistics specialists provide expert advice on optimising container loading, ensuring maximum space utilisation and cargo safety within the HC dimensions.
- **Customs Compliance:** Navigating international customs regulations can be complex. Ocean Cargo provides comprehensive [customs compliance services](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/customs-compliance/), ensuring all necessary documentation for your HC shipments is accurate and submitted on time, preventing delays. This includes specialised [customs brokerage for the USA](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/usa/customs-brokerage-usa).
- **Reliable Communication:** We keep you informed at every stage of your shipment, providing real-time updates and proactive communication to give you peace of mind.
- **Specialised Handling:** For unique or oversized cargo that might just fit into an HC, our team has the experience to manage the loading and securing process with precision. We have extensive experience shipping [excavators and diggers to the UAE](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/uae/excavators-diggers-uae), often utilising the extra height of HC containers.

With over 25 years of experience, Ocean Cargo is your trusted partner for navigating the complexities of global logistics, providing tailored solutions that meet your specific shipping requirements.

#### Are High Cube containers more expensive than standard containers?

Generally, the base freight rate for a 40' High Cube container is only marginally higher than a standard 40' General Purpose container, if at all. The primary advantage is the increased cubic capacity, which can lead to significant cost savings per unit of cargo by allowing you to ship more in a single container. Any slight increase in the container lease cost is often offset by the ability to consolidate more goods.

#### Can I ship a High Cube container via road or rail?

Yes, High Cube containers are designed for intermodal transport and can be moved by road (on specialised chassis), rail, and sea. However, it's crucial to ensure that the road and rail [infrastructure](https://oceancargo.co.uk/industries/construction-infrastructure-logistics "infrastructure") in the origin and destination countries can accommodate the extra height, especially when passing under bridges or through tunnels. Ocean Cargo's [road freight services](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/road-freight/) are equipped to handle HC containers efficiently.

#### What types of cargo are best suited for High Cube containers?

High Cube containers are ideal for voluminous but relatively light cargo. This includes items like furniture, textiles, electronics, packaged consumer goods, certain types of machinery, and any cargo that benefits from additional vertical stacking space. They are particularly useful when the cargo's height would prevent it from fitting into a standard container.

#### Do High Cube containers have different weight limits?

While High Cube containers offer increased volume, their maximum gross weight (container + cargo) is generally similar to that of a standard 40' GP container. The structural integrity of the container and the lifting equipment at ports dictate the weight limits. It's important to focus on the payload capacity, which is the maximum weight of the cargo itself. Always consult with Ocean Cargo to confirm the specific weight limits for your chosen route and carrier.

### Ready to simplify your global logistics?

Get advice and a quote for your next shipment. Contact the Ocean Cargo team to start shipping.

[Freight Quote](https://oceancargo.co.uk/contact-us)

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