40 Foot Shipping Container Dimensions, Sizing, Volume & Capacity
Benefits and Common Uses of 40 ft Steel Shipping Containers
- Twice the size of a 20 foot container
- Medium sized container fits in most vacant locations while still a substantial size
- Great way to store or move personal items
- Ground level containers makes it easy to climb in-and-out safely
- Lock up construction tools, materials, and vehicles to keep them safe and secure
- Keep your materials out of the weather elements
- Portable and relocatable to adapt to your site easily affordable
- Popular with the retail, restaurant, and construction Industries
- New home building movement
*Not all container sizes and conditions are available for rent, please check our inventory or contact us to inquire about any options you do not see on our online store.
How Big Are 40 Foot Shipping Containers?
A 40’ metal shipping container is the largest of the most common size storage unit containers. So just how large is a 40 foot shipping container? Industry standards suggest that a two-three bedroom apartment or 2 standard passenger vehicles can typically t in a 40’ shipping container. But to give you the precise dimensions of a 40 foot container, check out the tables below:
40’ Shipping Container Dimensions
| Exterior Dimensions of 40 ft. Containers | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Container | Height | Height (Metric) |
Width | Width (Metric) |
Length | Length (Metric) |
| Exterior Dimensions of 40 ft. Containers | ||||||
| Standard 40’ Shipping Container |
Height
8ft. 6in.
|
Height (Metric)
2.59m
|
Width
8ft.
|
Width (Metric)
2.44m
|
Length
40 ft.
|
Length (Metric)
12.19m
|
| High Cube 40’ Shipping Container |
Height
9ft. 6in.
|
Height (Metric)
2.89m
|
Width
8ft.
|
Width (Metric)
2.44m
|
Length
40ft.
|
Length (Metric)
12.19m
|
| Internal 40 Foot Container Dimensions | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Container | Height | Height (Metric) |
Width | Width (Metric) |
Length | Length (Metric) |
| Internal 40 Foot Container Dimensions | ||||||
| Standard 40’ Shipping Container |
Height
7ft. 10in.
|
Height (Metric)
2.38m.
|
Width
7ft. 8.5in.
|
Width (Metric)
2.35m.
|
Length
39ft. 6in.
|
Length (Metric)
12.02m.
|
| High Cube 40’ Shipping Container |
Height
8ft. 9in.
|
Height (Metric)
2.69m.
|
Width
7ft. 8.5in.
|
Width (Metric)
2.35m.
|
Length
39ft. 6in.
|
Length (Metric)
12.02m
|
| Volume of 40 ft. Containers | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Container | Volume | Volume (Metric) |
||||
| Volume of 40 ft. Containers | ||||||
| Standard 40’ Shipping Container |
Volume
2,350 cubic ft.
|
Volume (Metric)
33 cubic meters
|
||||
| High Cube 40’ Shipping Container |
Volume
2,694 cubic ft.
|
Volume (Metric)
76.3 cubic meters
|
||||
| Weight of 40 ft. Containers | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Container | Tare Weight (lbs) |
Tare Weight (kg) |
Max Cargo Weight (lbs) |
Max Cargo Weight (kg) |
||
| Weight of 40 ft. Containers | ||||||
| Standard 40’ Shipping Container |
Tare Weight (lbs)
8333.5 lbs
|
Tare Weight (kg)
3,780 kgs
|
Max Cargo Weight (lbs)
58,863.4 lbs
|
Max Cargo Weight (kg)
26,700 kgs
|
||
| High Cube 40’ Shipping Container |
Tare Weight (lbs)
8862.6 lbs
|
Tare Weight (kg)
4,020 kgs
|
Max Cargo Weight (lbs)
58,334.3 lbs
|
Max Cargo Weight (kg)
26,460 kgs
|
||
How Much Does a 40’ Shipping Container Cost?
Rental options as well as purchase
The sections below will help further illustrate how to determine the amount of money you’ll spend on a 40 foot shipping container. Check out our guide to buying a shipping container for more great information to help you in the purchasing and preparation process.
Ask yourself the following questions when estimating the price:
- Will you be renting or buying a shipping container?
- Will you be shopping for a new or used condition container?
- Will you be buying a specialty container with unique height requirements or door layouts?
- How far will the container need to ship to get to your destination?
What Types of 40 Foot Shipping Containers Can I purchase?
Between used, & new + purchase and rentals
One Trip
Shopping for a NEW container means you simply get the best in quality. Your 40 foot container will show up at your home or job site in pristine condition.
Cargo Worthy
These are the highest quality USED containers that you’ll find when buying or renting units. Cargo Worthy containers have been inspected and deemed worthy of holding and protecting cargo for transport. Often contain minor imperfections such as surface rust, dings, or dents.
Wind and Water Tight
These USED containers are best equipped to handle static storage of your items. Containers have been inspected to ensure they don’t allow wind and water events to damage your belongings.
As Is
As-is 40 foot containers are best suited for customers that are unconcerned with significant defects or are handi-enough to fix them, themselves. Often the most affordable, yet customers need to be prepared for holes in the plywood flooring or inoperable doors.
What is the Height of a 40 Foot Shipping Container?
As laid out above in the dimensions tables, shipping containers come in standard and high cube heights. Standard shipping containers are 8 feet 6 inches tall. High Cube containers give customers another foot of space and stand 9 feet 6 inches tall. The added volume and weight make high cube containers cost slightly more than their standard counterparts.
Door Styles of a 40 Foot Shipping Container
40 foot shipping containers come with a variety of door layouts. Open side containers have side doors allowing you to access your materials via the long side of the container. Double door shipping containers give you the ability to enter from either face of the container via sets of cargo doors. Doors on both ends allow you to easily pull items in and all the way through the other side as needed.