Thinking about purchasing a shipping container for the first time? You’ll have to choose between a general-purpose (GP) shipping container and a high cube (HC) shipping container. But how do these two commonplace options differ?

HC shipping containers feature an extra foot of overhead space, making them highly suitable for jobs requiring maximum capacity or extensive modification. Here, we’ve highlighted the main reasons for using an HC shipping container.

Storing Extra Tall Equipment

With HC shipping containers rising to 2.92 metres (9 ft 6 in), this extra height could save you from a massive storage problem. If you’re shipping smaller items, perhaps the difference isn’t a game-changer. But if you’re transporting a large vehicle or bulky mechanical equipment, having the additional space will make your life much simpler. If you’re unsure how much capacity you'll need, opting for the bigger choice is probably a smart decision.

You Need Maximum Capacity

There’s no need to purchase two shipping containers if the extra capacity of an HC shipping container stops you from needing to go through the hassle. Whether you’re shipping goods around the globe or looking to put household items into long-term storage, streamlining your approach with a solution that offers superior capacity is the best way to move forward.

Creating a Liveable Space

If you're planning to use your shipping container as a living or working space, there’s every reason to choose the biggest size possible. With an HC shipping container, you give yourself the most freedom for renovations in the future. For example, you might decide to add an extra living area, create separate meeting rooms or extend your kitchen. Although an HC container might not seem necessary today, you could end up thanking yourself in the years ahead.

Space for Plumbing and Wiring

It’s hard to imagine living or working in a shipping container without some form of plumbing or electrical wiring. However, the infrastructure for these often needs to run beneath the container’s flooring. By choosing an HC shipping container with the most headroom, you won’t lose valuable vertical space when installing these essential systems.

Find Your Shipping Container Today

Ready to buy or hire a top-notch shipping container for your home, business or storage needs? Chat with the friendly team at Southwest Containers to receive expert advice on our massive range. We offer our customers extensive industry knowledge to ensure they choose the best shipping container solution for their needs.