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When it comes to transporting oversized, heavy, or irregular cargo, the High Cube Open Top Container is often the top contender. But how do you know if it’s the right solution for your needs? In this in-depth article, we at Global Beaver Container explore what a high cube open top container is, why it’s beneficial, considerations before selecting one, and how to optimize its use. Whether you're a logistics manager, project cargo specialist, heavy equipment shipper, or procurement executive, you’ll gain clarity on whether this container type fits your application.
What Exactly Is a High Cube Open Top Container?
Definition and Essential Characteristics
A High Cube Open Top Container is a shipping container that combines two features:
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High Cube (HC) — an extra foot (or approximately 30 cm) of internal height over a standard container
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Open Top — instead of a rigid steel roof, it has a removable cover (tarpaulin or steel lid) to allow top access to the interior
In practice, a 40′ high cube open top container has internal dimensions approximately 12,032 mm × 2,352 mm × 2,653 mm (length × width × height) and external height around 2,896 mm. The roof aperture generally runs almost the full length of the container (commonly ~11,552 mm in length and ~2,192 mm in width) to facilitate loading.
Because of its removable cover and elevated height, the high cube open top container enables top loading and handling of cargo that exceeds the height or access limits of standard enclosed containers.
Why “High Cube” Matters
The “High Cube” dimension is a critical differentiator. While a standard container typically has an internal height of ~2,348 mm (8′ 6″), a high cube provides ~2,650 mm (8′ 8″ to 8′ 10″). This extra vertical space is essential when your freight includes tall machinery, long rods, pipes, or any cargo that would otherwise be blocked by a standard roof height. Many container lines and leasing operators distinguish high-cube open top units for this very reason.
Why Choose a High Cube Open Top Container?
Accommodation of Oversized and Irregular Loads
One of the main advantages of a high cube open top container is its ability to handle oversized, tall, or irregularly shaped cargo. Items that cannot be loaded through the container doors—due to height, shape, or orientation—can often be dropped in from above using cranes or forklifts. Typical cargoes include:
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Heavy machinery and construction equipment
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Industrial parts and turbines
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Long steel coils, pipes, logs or lumber
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Large sculptures or modular building sections
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Crane booms, drilling rigs, wind turbine blades
Traditional dry containers may hamper access or allow only side/front loading, but the open top permits vertical insertion of cargo that would otherwise be impossible to accommodate.
Flexibility of Loading and Unloading
Because the roof is removable—typically using roof bows (removable internal support arches) and a tarpaulin cover—the container allows top loading/unloading operations. Many open top containers also feature a removable door header rail, which swings open to ease loading above door level.
This flexibility is especially valuable in project cargo or heavy equipment shipments where maneuvering within standard door apertures isn’t feasible.
Enhanced Capacity and Utilization
The extra vertical room from the high cube design increases usable volume. For tall items, that can mean fewer containers or better packing efficiency. In many cases, a high cube open top container may serve as the most efficient single unit that meets both volume and access requirements.
Additionally, many shipping lines and leasing companies stack high cube open top units similarly to standard ones, enabling standard intermodal operations (sea, rail, road) without special handling—so long as weight, lashing, and structural limits are honored.
Durability and Protection
Although the roof is removable, high cube open top containers are typically built from Corten steel (weathering steel) and reinforced in critical areas to maintain structural integrity. The tarpaulin cover, when installed, offers protection from wind, rain, and external elements.
Compliance with ISO, CSC, TIR, UIC, and similar standards ensures that these containers meet safety and stacking requirements for international transport.
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