What is The Difference Between a High Cube Container and a Standard Container?
Do you need a container to transport, store, or move goods? When looking for the perfect option, you must choose between a standard container and a high cube container. The two types of containers look almost exactly alike, except for a slight difference in dimensions.
High cube containers are taller than standard ones. Below, you will find out why that difference matters and when to use each container.
What is Considered a Standard Container?
“A high cube container is one foot taller than a standard container. This extra foot easily transports bulky goods, machinery, statues, and other tall items.”
A standard container’s dimensions are 8.6 ft high by 8 ft wide and can be 40 ft, 20 ft, 10 ft, or less long. They are considered standard, as they are widely available and relatively cheap.
Most people use a 20 ft container when moving, as it can easily fit the contents of a 3-bedroom house. This container weighs 4,585 lbs and has a carrying capacity of around 62,600 lbs.
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What is a High Cube Container?
The only difference between high cubes and standard containers is the height. A high cube container is one foot taller than a standard container. This extra foot easily transports bulky goods, machinery, statues, and other tall items.
The added height, however, makes the containers a few hundred pounds heavier. A 20 ft high cube container weighs over 5,000 lbs. Yet, it has the same maximum weight capacity as a standard container.
When to Use a High Cube Container Vs a Standard Container
- •Moving Oversize Goods. A high cube container is better for transporting bulky or tall items. The internal dimensions of a container are slightly smaller than the state size. Therefore, an object that can barely stand in a standard container will fit more comfortably in a high cube.
- •Weight VS. Volume. As mentioned above, a high cube container weighs more than a standard container. When transporting heavy goods that are neither bulky nor tall, a standard container allows you to carry more weight than a high cube.
- On the other hand, if you want to store in bulk, like stacking a bunch of boxes, a high cube container could save you money. A 20 ft high cube container has 150 ft more capacity than a standard container of the same length. This extra volume is enough to fit a few hundred shoe boxes.
- •Cost Considerations. Buying or renting a standard container is cheaper than a high cube container. It also costs more to transport a high cube, as the extra weight results in a higher fuel consumption. Because freight companies price their services according to weight, you might be charged a premium for the high cube. A standard container is more cost-efficient if you do not need the extra space to move your cargo.
- •Container Builds. High cube containers are the preferred choice for container homes and other modifications. The added headroom makes for a healthier, more comfortable living space. As such, you will often find high cube containers used for mobile offices, pop-up bars and cafes.
- •Safety Concerns. Standard containers can be transported almost anywhere, as you do not have to worry about power lines and low bridges. When transporting a high cube container, you should carefully plan the route to avoid low-hanging obstacles.
- •Storage. Whether you need extra storage for business or personal use, the type of container you choose will depend on a few factors. Standard containers are the most common choice for most people as they can fit easily on a property. Agricultural businesses and farmers often prefer high cube containers to store their large machinery and tools.
A Container For Your Needs
When to use a standard or high cube container will primarily depend on your needs and budget. As you can see, no one container is better than the other. Yet, knowing the dimensions is essential, especially if you are planning to move a container.
If you want to learn more about the different container sizes, contact our specialists at Heavy Equipment Transport. We move large pieces of equipment and can help you transport your container.