40ft Container Specifications: Dimensions Weight and Costs are essential details every importer, exporter, and freight forwarder should understand. In the world of international shipping, the 40ft container is the most recognized and widely used size for freight transport. As one of the most reliable standard containers, it provides the perfect balance between space, capacity, and cost efficiency. Whether you are shipping machinery, furniture, or bulk goods, understanding these specifications helps you plan shipments more effectively and reduce logistics costs.
Built from durable steel structure, a 40ft container is designed to endure extreme marine environments. Reinforced corner fittings allow easy handling by cranes and forklifts during loading and unloading. These shipping containers meet all ISO international standards, allowing seamless interchange between ocean freight, rail, and truck transport systems.
With an internal volume of around 67 cubic meters, this container unit is suitable for long-term storage, modular construction, and secure cargo movement. Understanding every detail—length, width, height, tare weight, and maximum gross weight—is essential to calculate container capacity correctly and keep your shipment safe and compliant.
As ISO-standard shipping containers, 40ft units integrate with port cranes, yard trucks, and rail wagons worldwide. These standard containers streamline export workflows, reduce cargo damage, and let shippers plan predictable lead times across different trade routes.
Standard 40ft Container Dimensions & Measurements
The standard 40ft container is one of the most common standard containers used in international shipping. Its design follows ISO-certified container dimensions to ensure smooth handling, stacking, and transport across ships, trains, and trucks. Built with reinforced steel structure, it offers durability while remaining cost effective for global trade.
External Dimensions (Approximate):
Length: 40 ft (12.19 m)
Width: 8 ft (2.44 m)
Height: 8.5 ft (2.59 m)
Internal Dimensions:
Length: 39.5 ft (12.03 m)
Internal Width: 7.7 ft (2.35 m)
Internal Height: 7.9 ft (2.39 m)
Internal Volume: Approx. 67 CBM (2,360 cubic feet)
The container’s length and width are designed to fit standard pallets and Euro pallets, making the loading and handling process more efficient. These dimensions also maintain uniformity across global ports, simplifying freight planning and equipment compatibility.
Specs at a Glance (40ft Dimensions)
At a glance, the container dimensions are easy to remember:
External length 40 ft (12.19 m), width 8 ft (2.44 m), height 8.5 ft (2.59 m).
Internal length 39.5 ft (12.03 m), internal width 7.7 ft (2.35 m), internal height 7.9 ft (2.39 m).
These precise dimensions define how much you can load and how the length, width, and height affect stowage efficiency and container capacity.
Specs Summary (Quick Reference Box)
Quick specs for planners:
ISO Type: 40’ Dry GP
Door Width: 2.34 m
Door Height: 2.28 m
Internal Volume: ~67 cubic meters
Tare Weight: 3,750 kg
Payload Capacity: 27,600 kg
Gross Weight: 30,480 kg
These specs allow logistics teams to estimate capacity, plan the right loading pattern, and confirm weight distribution before final booking. By aligning pallet size, cargo height, and container dimensions, businesses can maximize usable space and minimize wasted volume during transport.
Weight and Capacity of a 40ft Container
When preparing a shipment, understanding the weight limits and container capacity of a 40ft container is critical for safety and compliance. Each unit has specific parameters—tare weight, payload, and maximum gross weight—that determine how much cargo it can safely hold during transport. Proper planning avoids overloading, ensures secure movement, and meets international standards for freight operations.
Specification | Standard 40ft Container | High Cube 40ft Container |
|---|---|---|
Tare Weight (Empty Weight) | 3,750 kg (8,268 lbs) | 3,900 kg (8,598 lbs) |
Payload Capacity | 27,600 kg (61,200 lbs) | 28,200 kg (62,170 lbs) |
Maximum Gross Weight | 30,480 kg (67,196 lbs) | 30,480 kg (67,196 lbs) |
The tare weight represents the empty weight of the container itself, including its steel structure, flooring, and corner fittings. The payload capacity shows how much cargo weight can be safely loaded inside, while the maximum gross weight combines both tare and payload for the total weight of a fully loaded box.
Most standard containers are engineered to keep the ratio between structure and capacity optimized for long-term use. The 40ft model can safely carry heavy machinery, equipment, chemicals, or bulk liquids, maintaining stability during loading and unloading. Even distribution of cargo weight helps prevent floor damage and maintains balance during freight movement across rail, truck, or ocean routes.
For safety compliance, every exporter must declare the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) before shipment. This ensures the container’s weight is within port and vessel regulations, reducing the risk of accidents. Proper load planning not only keeps the box cost efficient but also extends the service life of both the container and handling equipment used during transport.
High Cube 40ft Container: Dimensions and Advantages
The 40ft High Cube container is a taller, more spacious version of the standard 40ft unit, providing an additional foot of internal height. This high cube dry container offers roughly 10% more internal volume, making it suitable for larger or bulkier goods that require extra space but not necessarily additional weight capacity.
External Dimensions:
Length: 40 ft (12.19 m)
Width: 8 ft (2.44 m)
Height: 9.5 ft (2.89 m)
Internal Dimensions:
Length: 39.5 ft (12.03 m)
Width: 7.7 ft (2.35 m)
Height: 8.9 ft (2.69 m)
Internal Volume: Approx. 76 cubic meters (2,680 cubic feet)
Despite the extra foot of height, the high cube container maintains the same height alignment with standard units when stacked aboard ships, thanks to its reinforced corner posts and uniform construction structure. This design keeps global freight handling systems consistent while increasing usable capacity for taller or irregular-shaped cargo.
The high cube container is widely used for transporting furniture, textiles, insulation materials, and lightweight machinery. It’s also a cost-effective solution for companies that need to move more cargo with fewer boxes. For on-site applications, these taller containers serve as temporary storage or modular workspaces—especially when space optimization is essential.
40 ft High Cube – When to Use
The 40 ft high cube container is ideal when you need additional foot clearance for tall or voluminous goods. Because high cube dry containers provide extra height at nearly the same shipping rate as standard models, they allow shippers to improve capacity without major cost increases.
This taller unit works best for foam products, assembled furniture, lightweight machinery, or oversized construction materials. Many freight companies recommend choosing a high cube when the cargo volume exceeds 65 cubic meters but remains within normal weight limits. The result is greater efficiency, fewer shipments, and lower transport expenses across global trade routes.
What Can Fit Inside a 40ft Container – Cargo Capacity and Uses
The 40ft container is a general purpose container that can accommodate a wide range of cargo, from heavy machinery and industrial equipment to furniture, electronics, and bulk liquids. Because of its consistent container dimensions and durable construction, it remains the popular choice for importers, exporters, and freight forwarders engaged in international shipping.
A standard 40ft container can hold approximately 20 to 24 Euro pallets, depending on packaging style and stacking configuration. With its large internal volume, it’s suitable for both dry goods and temperature-controlled shipments when fitted with insulation or lining. Reinforced flooring and secure locking mechanisms ensure safe handling and transport, even during long shipments through sea, rail, or road routes.
These standard containers are also widely used for on-site storage, modular buildings, and construction projects because of their weather-resistant steel structure and long-term durability. Many businesses repurpose 40ft units into portable offices, workshops, or warehouses, making them a truly cost effective and flexible investment within the logistics and infrastructure sectors.
Pallet Plans for a 40ft
A 40ft container typically carries 20–24 pallets in a single-tier setup. With Euro pallets (1200 × 800 mm), a layout of 11×2 or 10×2 + 2 extra pallets is standard for FCL shipments. When transporting lighter goods, you can stack multiple layers to increase usable space, while dense cargo may require fewer pallets to stay within legal weight limits.
Proper pallet planning not only ensures efficient loading and unloading, but also improves safety during transport by keeping cargo balanced. Using slip-sheets or tight stacking patterns allows shippers to fit an additional 1–2 pallets, optimizing container capacity without exceeding maximum gross weight.
These pallet arrangements make the 40ft container one of the most suitable and versatile units for freight consolidation, maximizing every cubic meter of space while maintaining structural integrity and secure delivery across global supply chains.
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Cost of a 40ft Container – Pricing Factors and Market Overview
The cost of a 40ft container depends on various factors such as its condition, type, location, and overall demand in the international shipping market. In recent years, global supply chain disruptions and rising steel prices have affected both new containers and used containers, influencing the average container price across major ports.
As of 2025, the average cost of a new 40 foot container ranges between USD 2,000–5,000, while used containers (cargo-worthy or wind-tight) typically sell for USD 1,000–2,000. High cube containers, which provide extra capacity, are slightly more expensive due to their additional height and specialized construction.
Container Type | Condition | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
40ft Standard Container (New) | One-trip | $2,000 – $5,000 |
40ft Standard Container (Used) | Cargo-worthy | $1,000 – $2,000 |
40ft High Cube Container (New) | One-trip | $2,500 – $5,500 |
40ft High Cube Container (Used) | Wind & Watertight | $1,300 – $2,200 |
The shipping container cost also varies by region—ports like Shanghai, Qingdao, and Ningbo generally have lower prices due to higher container availability, while Europe and North America often face premium rates due to longer repositioning routes and limited supply.
For companies that don’t need permanent ownership, leasing a 40ft container is a more cost effective solution. Monthly rental prices typically range from USD 100 to 250, depending on the duration, location, and container condition. Leasing helps businesses manage cash flow and adapt quickly to market fluctuations.
Beyond freight transport, many businesses purchase standard units for storage or repurpose them for construction and modular building projects. Their solid steel frame and weatherproof design make them suitable for decades of reliable use. Whether for export shipments or permanent on-site structures, investing in a 40 foot container remains one of the most practical and cost effective choices in modern logistics and trade.
20ft vs 40ft Containers – Which to Choose for Your Shipment
When planning a shipment, importers often need to decide between a 20ft container and a 40ft container. Both are standard containers built to the same ISO construction and handling specifications, but they differ significantly in capacity, volume, and cost efficiency—factors that directly affect your logistics strategy.
Feature | 20ft Container | 40ft Container |
|---|---|---|
External Length | 20 ft (6.06 m) | 40 ft (12.19 m) |
Internal Volume | ~33 CBM | ~67 CBM |
Weight Limit (Gross) | 30,480 kg | 30,480 kg |
Best For | Dense cargo, metals, machinery | Bulky, lightweight goods |
Freight Cost | Lower total freight | More cost-effective per CBM |
Loading Ease | Simple and fast | Requires more handling space |
The 20ft container is better for smaller units or smaller volumes of dense cargo such as metals, machinery, or construction materials. It reaches its weight limit faster than its volume capacity, making it ideal for heavy freight. Because of its compact size, it is also easier to handle, reposition, and store in limited spaces.
In contrast, the 40ft container provides nearly double the volume and container capacity, offering a cost effective choice for high-volume, low-density goods such as furniture, textiles, or packaged consumer products. Its larger storage space means fewer containers are needed for the same load, helping businesses cut overall transport costs and simplify shipment scheduling.
Although smaller units like the 20ft are easier to move during loading, the 40ft container delivers superior efficiency and security for long-distance international shipping. Its standardized sizes ensure compatibility with cranes, trucks, and ports worldwide.
In general, choose a 20ft container when weight is the limiting factor, and a 40ft container when volume and space are more important. Both are durable, secure, and suitable for global trade—but the 40ft remains the better option for scaling your business and achieving cost-efficient freight logistics.
Shipping Methods and Handling – Sea, Rail, and Road Transport
The 40ft container remains one of the most versatile standard containers for multimodal transport, seamlessly connecting ocean freight, rail freight, and truck delivery networks. Its ISO-certified construction allows easy handling and interchange between ports, depots, and terminals, making it the foundation of global freight movement within today’s supply chain.
Ocean Freight (Sea Transport)
For intercontinental shipments, ocean freight is the most cost effective and widely used method. A 40ft container offers ideal storage space for large loads—machinery, construction materials, and retail goods—while maintaining excellent resistance to humidity and corrosion. These containers are easily stacked aboard massive container ships, and their secure steel structure ensures long-term reliability during months-long voyages.
Rail Freight (Cross-Border Transport)
Rail transport provides a balance between cost and transit time, particularly along corridors such as the China–Europe Railway Express. Using 40ft containers on rail freight routes reduces carbon emissions while maintaining delivery precision. The extra height of high cube containers makes them suitable for tall or bulky goods where extra space is needed without increasing weight. Their strong construction and standardized frame guarantee smooth transfers between rail wagons and trucks.
Truck Transport (Last-Mile Delivery)
Truck delivery connects sea and rail terminals with warehouses, ensuring door-to-door shipment completion. The handling process requires specialized chassis and lifting equipment, allowing drivers to move containers safely between ports and inland destinations. Proper loading balance keeps the transport stable and reduces axle wear, while strong corner fittings and locks keep cargo secure during road movement.
Across all modes, careful handling and weight verification are essential. Even distribution of cargo, correct sealing, and routine inspection of the container’s structure prevent damage and delays. Combined ocean, rail, and truck systems make the 40ft box one of the most suitable and cost efficient logistics tools in international trade.
How to Ship with a 40ft Container
To ship efficiently with a 40ft container, start by verifying your cargo weight and VGM certification. Choose a route that balances cost and time—whether by ocean freight, rail, or truck.
Work with a reliable freight forwarder to schedule pickup, ensure accurate customs paperwork, and ship before the port cut-off date.
Plan your loading pattern carefully: stack pallets evenly, avoid overhanging cartons, and seal the doors with a numbered lock before you ship. During shipment, monitor your container’s status via GPS or carrier tracking to ensure it ships on time and reaches its destination safely.
By coordinating each stage—booking, documentation, and inland transport—you can ship confidently, minimize costs, and keep your logistics operations fully aligned with international standards.
FAQs about 40ft Container Specifications
What are the standard 40ft container dimensions?
A standard 40ft container measures 12.19 m (40 ft) in length, 2.44 m (8 ft) in width, and 2.59 m (8.5 ft) in height. The internal dimensions provide roughly 67 cubic meters of usable volume, making it one of the most suitable and versatile standard containers for international shipping and freight operations.
What is the tare weight and maximum gross weight of a 40ft container?
The tare weight (empty weight) of a 40ft container is approximately 3,750 kg, while the maximum gross weight—the combined total of the container and its contents—reaches 30,480 kg. These figures ensure compliance with port and transport regulations during shipment and handling.
What is a high cube container, and how is it different from the standard one?
A high cube container offers an additional foot of internal height, providing about 76 cubic meters of internal volume. It’s ideal for tall or bulky cargo such as furniture, machinery, or foam materials. Despite its larger capacity, it shares the same construction strength and secure stacking ability as the standard model.
How much does a 40ft shipping container cost?
The cost of a 40ft container varies based on type and condition. New containers typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000, while used containers range from $1,000 to $2,000. High cube containers may cost slightly more due to their increased capacity and taller design. Leasing options start around $100–$250 per month for short-term use.
What can fit inside a 40ft container?
A 40ft container can accommodate around 20–24 Euro pallets, depending on configuration. It can handle bulk liquids, furniture, machinery, and consumer goods. Many companies repurpose these units for storage, pop-up shops, or construction projects due to their strength and longevity.
Are 40ft containers suitable for international shipping?
Yes. Both standard and high cube containers fully comply with ISO 40ft container specifications, making them ideal for ocean freight, rail, and truck transport. Their durability, steel construction, and secure design make them essential in global trade and reliable throughout long-term freight use.
Conclusion – Why 40ft Containers Remain the Global Standard
The 40ft container remains the cornerstone of international shipping and global freight logistics. Its standardized container specifications, large capacity, and durable steel construction make it one of the most suitable and cost effective solutions for businesses moving goods across continents. With perfect balance between weight, dimensions, and volume, it delivers consistent performance across all forms of transport—by ship, rail, or truck.
These shipping containers are engineered to withstand decades of use in challenging environments. Their secure structure and corrosion-resistant frame ensure long-term reliability, while the flexibility to convert them into storage, construction, or modular facilities makes them valuable beyond logistics. Whether for moving raw materials, exporting finished goods, or creating sustainable workspaces, the 40ft container adapts to almost every industry need.
From standard units to high cube containers, this size remains the global benchmark in containerized transport. It aligns with ISO international standards, ensuring easy handling, predictable scheduling, and optimized space utilization within the modern supply chain. For importers, exporters, and logistics planners alike, understanding the full specifications of a 40ft container—its dimensions, weight limits, and capacity—is key to efficient planning and smooth global trade.
In today’s competitive marketplace, the 40ft container continues to symbolize strength, efficiency, and adaptability. It’s not just a box—it’s the foundation of world commerce, connecting businesses, economies, and people through reliable, standardized freight and transport solutions.