Container basics
high cube container (HC)
A high cube container is a container that is taller than standard, usually 9 feet 6 inches tall outside, compared with 8 feet 6 inches for a standard unit. It is often written HC or HQ. The extra height adds inside room.
Why it matters
High cubes are popular for storage that needs headroom, shelving or taller items. Carrier specs show a 40-foot high cube with inside height of about 8 feet 10 inches, versus about 7 feet 10 inches in a standard 20-foot dry box. The extra room also helps container offices and conversions, where floors, ceilings and insulation take space. A common mistake is to assume a high cube fits every truck and site. The unit is taller, so check overhead clearance on the route and at the drop spot, such as wires, trees and bridges. Also check if your delivery equipment can handle the added height and weight.
Read: Shipping container sizes and dimensions for rental fleets
Definition source: one-line.com
Related terms
standard container
A standard container is a regular-height dry container, usually 8 feet 6 inches tall outside, as opposed to a high cube. Carrier listings give dry 20-foot and 40-foot specifications at 8 feet 6 inches. Sellers use the word standard with some variation.
internal dimensions
Internal dimensions are the length, width and height of the usable space inside a container. They are smaller than the outside size because of wall thickness, floor and roof structure. ISO 1496 is the authoritative document for internal container dimensions.
external dimensions
External dimensions are the length, width and height of a container measured on the outside. ISO 668 classifies series 1 freight containers by external dimensions. A standard 20-foot container is about 20 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8 feet 6 inches tall outside.
overhead clearance
Overhead clearance is the free vertical space above a road or drop site. Trees, power lines, bridges and roof edges limit it. A delivery truck and container need enough clear height to travel and tilt without contact. Check it along the full route.
container modification
A container modification is a change made to a standard shipping container. It covers a single door cut-in up to a full fit-out. Common changes include doors, windows, vents, insulation, electrical work, HVAC, lining, partitions and plumbing. Sellers often group these changes into packages.
40 ft container
A 40 ft container is a long ISO shipping container, 40 feet long and 8 feet wide. Standard height is 8 feet 6 inches. A high cube version is about 9 feet 6 inches tall. It holds roughly twice the length of a 20 ft box.
For the industry
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