40-foot Container - Dimensions, Measurements and Weight

The standard 40-foot shipping container is one of the most commonly-used containers for the international transportation of ocean freight goods, along with the 20-foot container.

40-foot Container Dimensions

The 40-foot container’s dimensions are usually measured using the imperial system (feet) and specifies both the exterior dimensions and the interior (usable) dimensions.

The dimensions of a 40-foot container are:

• Exterior Dimensions (in feet): 40’ long x 8’ wide x 8’ 6” high
• Exterior Dimensions (in meters): 12.19m long x 2.44m wide x 2.59m high
• Interior Dimensions (in feet): 39’ 6” long x 7’ 9” wide x 7’ 10” high
• Internal Dimensions (in meters): 12.025m long x 2.352m wide x 2.393m high

Usable Capacity: 67.7m3

With a usable capacity of 67.7 cubic meters, a 40-foot shipping container can accommodate a wide range of goods, from household items to commercial cargo. Learn how to optimize your shipment.

How many pallets can fit into a 40-foot shipping container?

In terms of Euro pallet types (European pallets), whose dimensions are 1.2m x 0.8m, the base of the 40-foot container can hold up to 25 Euro pallet stacks as long as the load is not hanging over the sides. Generally, the optimal way of fitting pallets inside the container is with one row along the length and another row along the width. More information.

For the standard American pallet type with dimensions 40” x 48” (1.016m x 1.219m), the base of a standard 40-foot container can hold 21 pallets as long as the load is not hanging over the sides. More information.

What’s the maximum load for a 40-foot container?

A 40-foot container’s empty weight is 3,750kg and can be loaded to a maximum overall weight of 29 tons (26,300kg). But the amount of cargo you can load would depend in large on possible restrictions and/or limitations of the shipping line, the nature of the cargo and specific details of the shipment. Use our cubic meter calculator and discover the exact volume of your cargo.

Try our platform now to get the best prices for your FCL or LCL shipping needs.

What are the common cargo types for 40-foot containers?

40 ft container dimensions are more versatile and can fit more cargo than a standard 20-foot container. These containers usually ship the following types of goods:

• Dry goods, such as clothing and electronics
• Perishables, including food products. These typically use refrigerated 40-foot containers.
• Bulk goods, such as building materials, chemicals, and grains
• Large equipment, machinery, and spare parts
• Furniture

Factors Affecting Shipping Costs for a 40-foot Container

How much it would cost to ship cargo using a 40 ft container would depend on several factors. These include the following:

• The distance between the origin and the destination
• The weight and volume of the goods
• The type of 40-foot container utilized
• Port fees
• Fuel prices

For instance, it would cost more to ship if any of the following cases are present:

• Longer routes
• Heavier or full-capacity loads
• Specialized containers, i.e. high-cube or refrigerated
• Higher charges at loading and unloading ports
• Higher fuel costs

How do seasonal fluctuations affect shipping costs for a 40-foot container?

Changes in demand and environmental conditions can affect the cost of shipping via a 40-foot container during different seasons.

Peak seasons, such as holidays or harvest periods, experience demand spikes, increasing shipping rates. As shipping rates reduce during these periods, shipping during quieter months with low demand will be more cost-effective.

Adverse weather can also affect shipping costs. Certain seasons with less-than-ideal weather for ocean freight vessel voyages can increase port delays and, consequently, the shipper's costs.

What are the advantages of using a 40-foot container for long-distance shipping?

A 40-foot container is ideal for shippers transporting high volumes of goods over long distances. It can accommodate bulkier loads or combined shipments more quickly because of the high capacity offered by 40-ft container dimensions. It also helps achieve cost efficiency, with a lower cost per cubic meter than smaller containers.

When it comes to 40-foot container specifications, they are more durable and flexible. They are designed to withstand harsh conditions and longer journeys thanks to 40-foot container weight values and are compatible with various modes of transport, including trucks, trains, and ships.

What types of packaging are best suited for a 40-foot container?

To maximize the space in a 40-foot container and ensure the safety of your cargo, the following packaging options are recommended:

• Pallets: Can be stacked and loaded more efficiently inside the container
• Cartons or boxes: Perfect for small to medium-sized cargo
• Crates: Provides protection for fragile goods
• Drums or barrels: For powder of liquids
• Shrink-wrap: Used for securing stacked goods

How do different shipping methods (FCL vs LCL) impact the cost of using a 40-foot container?

40-foot containers are used in both FCL and LCL. In FCL, a shipper has exclusive use of the 40-foot shipping container, allowing them to rent it to transport larger and more voluminous cargo. Since the rate covers the entire container, this can be more cost-effective as long as the space inside the container is maximized.

In LCL, however, the space inside a 40-foot shipping container is shared between shippers transporting smaller cargo. Although each shipper only pays for the space their goods occupy in the container, LCL has a higher cost per unit volume because of handling and consolidation fees.