What Are High Cube Containers in Shipping? Meaning, Types and Uses

High Cube Containers in Shipping Meaning, Types & Uses

As global trade is on the surge, high cube containers have contributed a lot to optimizing shipping operations and enhancing logistical efficiency. Any big or small business utilizes the best of high cube shipping containers to accommodate larger or bulkier shipments without the need to use multiple small containers. This additional space can also simplify loading and unloading processes, offering improved access to your perishable shipment.

What is High Cube Container?

High Cube Container Meaning: A high cube container is a specialized metal box container to ship your perishable goods from one port to another. The shippers prefer the high cube container as they can withstand rigorous weather conditions during the sea voyage.

The size of a high cube container is taller as compared to the standard-size containers available on the market. The high cube container has the capacity to load bulk or large quantities of perishable goods and can accommodate taller cargo owing to its additional one foot in height. These sturdy containers come in 20, 40, and 45-foot variants.

The features of high cube containers are as follows:

  • Tall Dimension: As the high cube containers are taller in height, they can accommodate vertical space for large cargo.
  • Durability: Made with robust, anti-corrosive materials, these containers can protect your perishable goods for a long time.
  • Waterproof: The cube containers are waterproof, which protects the cargo from harsh climates.
  • Standard Sizes: These high cube containers are available in standard lengths of 20, 40, and 45 feet to align with the shipping infrastructure.
  • Ease of Loading and Unloading: These containers are designed to ease the process of loading and uploading from end-to-end ports.
  • Mode of Transport: These durable containers ensure flexibility to ship the perishable cargo by sea or land routes.

What are the dimensions of the high cube containers?

The high cube container is available on the market in about 20, 40, and 45-foot variants. In terms of maritime shipping, the high cube container is about 40 foot and is mainly used to ship perishable foods, such as vegetables, fruits, sea food , frozen food , meat , poultry, and dairy products .

40 Ft High Cube Container

The 40-foot-high cube container has an internal length of 12.03 m (39.47 ft). The internal width of these containers is about 2.35 m (7.71 ft), and the internal height of the high cube container is 2.7 m (8.86 ft). The total weight stands at 3,900 kg/8,598 lbs, with a payload capacity of 28,600 kg/62,974.8 lbs and a cubic capacity of about 76.4 m3/2,696.9 cu ft.

Despite the added height, the 40-foot-high cube container size is affordable as compared to standard-size containers. The 40-foot-high cube container dimensions come with an exterior height of 9'6" that provides a larger loading volume by accommodating taller perishable cargo, utilizing space usage, and ensuring cost-efficient transport and storage. With a maximum door height of 8’5”, they can accommodate up to 26,300 kg.

Under the ISO certifications, this high cube container signifies temporary or permanent storage that has access to ground level. A high cube container has a shelf life of 10 to 12 years and can be upgraded for further use. They are equipped with a safe lock feature to prevent unauthorized access. A high cube  container can be customized into reefer containers or multiple pallet designs to meet the specific perishable cargo needs. The reefer containers can maintain a consistent temperature to preserve the quality and freshness of the perishable goods during transit. These containers are well ventilated to circulate sufficient air and prevent moisture and food contamination. Each 40-foot HC container consists of up to 21 standard pallets compared to 20 pallets in standard containers.

The specifications of the 40-foot high cube container are listed below:

  • Can withstand harsh weather conditions
  • The best mode of transportation
  • Container floors are made of wood
  • 30 cm taller than standard containers
  • Thorough inspection before delivery and has a valid CSC date, ensuring international standard quality and food safety

Applications

  • International transport and shipping
  • Logistics challenges with large quantities or bulky loads
  • Storage of goods with varied dimensions
  • Storage facilities and warehouses

Apart from the 40-foot-high cube container dimensions, the 20-foot and 45-foot-high cube containers are used in various modes of transportation.

20 Ft High-Cube Container

The internal length of a 20-foot-high cube container is about 5.90 m/19.36 ft, and the internal width is 2.35 m/7.72 ft. The internal height is about 2.69 m/8.85 ft. The tare weight extends to 2,315 kg/5,103.701 lbs, with a payload capacity of 28,160 kg/62,082.17 lbs and a cubic capacity of 37.2 m3/1,316.5 ft.

  45-foot high-cube container

These 9’6” high containers load heavy cargo that can fit in one container. The 45-foot-high cube container has an internal length of 13.55 m (44.46 ft). It has an internal width of 2.35 m (7.71 ft) and an internal height of 2.7 m (8.86 ft). The total weight stands at 4,800 kg/10,552 lbs, with a payload capacity of 27,700 kg/61,067 lbs and a cubic capacity of about 86 m3/3,037 cu ft.

If you want to book 40-foot high cube containers to export any kinds of perishable goods from one port to another, you can choose Citrus Freight, the high-ranking container booking platform.

These are the reasons to book the 40-foot-high cube container size at Citrus Freight:

  • Choose the right container. You can select the required size of the high cube container depending on the weight of your perishable goods.
  • Book the container. You need to install the freight app and book a high cube container as per your choice.
  • Competitive rates: You can avail numerous options to compare and book a high cube container at an affordable price.
  • Payment options. Once you have booked the high-cube container, you can make the payment online or can use your credit card.
Conclusion

In maritime shipping, high cube containers play a significant role in optimizing perishable cargo capacity and accommodating large or bulk quantities of exported goods. The added height helps to make the best use of the available space on vessels. The containers improve load and unloading management, which benefits international trade globally.

The reefer logistics expert at Citrus can guide you in purchasing the accurate specification of a high cube container to simplify the export venture to transport perishable goods to any corner of the world.