How to Self Pack a Shipping Container
What Are GP and HC In Shipping Container Terms?
General Purpose (GP) and High Cube (HC) shipping containers are the two main dry standard shipping containers on the market today.
GP dry containers are the old-standard size that are 259.08cm high on the outside and have an internal height of 238.44cm.
HC dry containers are 289.56cm high on the outside with an internal height of 269.24cm internal height. That’s just 30cm of extra height but it significantly increases the volume relative to the GP container space.
In another article we have set out the exact external and internal dimensions of the different shipping containers that we at Gateway Container Sales can supply.
6m and 12m containers
On the used shipping container market you will tend to find that there are a lot of six metre (20ft) GP containers and relatively few six metre HC shipping containers. This is down to the preference of the shipping lines that tend to prefer GP sizes for the smaller containers.
Shipping lines also prefer the HC versions of the 12 metre (40ft) shipping containers, as there is little price difference between a 40ft GP and 40ft HC, so where it comes to buying a used 40ft shipping container from us at Gateway Container Sales you will tend to find that HC sized containers are quite common. There is a bit more of a price difference when it comes to HC, six-metre containers as compared to the GP shipping containers.
Architecture and other uses
Architecture is one of the draws for using standardised shipping containers. Where you are looking to convert a container for an architectural use – perhaps a home office or as part of a larger construction – a used GP, 20ft unit or a HC, 40ft unit has good availability on the market so you could buy used at a lower cost and it will suit your needs. However, some architects will demand new shipping containers for use in construction as it will ensure that they fit together perfectly.
For transport of goods then it is really down to what you will need the container for. Have some products that are lightweight and bulky? Consider a HC shipping container. For a high density yet low volume consignment then consider using a GP version.
Get in contact with Gateway Container Sales today!
Companies and individuals who wish to use shipping containers for specific, long-term purposes, and have defined size requirements, can order a new GP or HC shipping container from us according to your needs. Call us at Gateway Container Sales today!
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