HQ (High Cube)

High Cube (HQ) is a standard container type in container shipping, typically referring to the 40-foot High Cube (40HQ). Its external height is about 2.9 meters, approximately 30 cm taller than a standard 40-foot container (40GP), with an internal volume of about 76 cubic meters, roughly 8-10 cubic meters more than a standard container. Usage scenarios: suitable for light bulky cargo, i.e., goods that are large in volume but light in weight, such as furniture, plastic products, textiles, home appliances, etc., effectively utilizing space and reducing unit transportation costs. Precautions: confirm whether the shipping line provides high cube containers, as some routes or inland points may be restricted; clearly mark HQ when booking to avoid confusion with GP; due to increased height, some road and bridge height restrictions may affect trailer transportation, so verify in advance; overweight cargo should still use standard or heavy-duty containers. Differences: compared with 40GP, HQ is taller and has larger volume, but the maximum payload is usually the same (about 26-28 tons); compared with 45HQ, 40HQ is more common and more widely applicable.