When people think of large-scale storage or transport solutions, 40 foot container dimensions often come to mind. These containers are a staple in global shipping and various industries due to their versatility and capacity.
Here’s a quick overview of the 40 foot container dimensions to save you time:
- Exterior Dimensions: 40 ft. L x 8 ft. W x 8 ft. 6 in. (Standard Height) or 9 ft. 6 in. (High Cube)
- Interior Dimensions: 39 ft. 6 in. L x 7 ft. 8.5 in. W x 7 ft. 10 in. H (Standard) or 8 ft. 9 in. H (High Cube)
- Door Dimensions: 7 ft. 8.5 in. W x 7 ft. 5.75 in. H (Standard) or 8 ft. 5.75 in. H (High Cube)
These containers are indispensable across multiple sectors. Businesses use them for safe storage, transport, and even constructing modular office spaces. Their secure build and generous capacity make them ideal for safeguarding goods against the elements and theft.
I’m Steve Hyndman, Vice President of Aztec Container, with 30 years of experience in the container industry. Whether for storage, offices, or moving goods, I’ve seen how crucial understanding 40 foot container dimensions can be to choose the right solution for your needs.
40 foot container dimensions terms explained:
– 40 foot shipping container
– 40 ft storage container
– ship container
Standard 40 Foot Container Dimensions
External Dimensions
Standard 40-foot containers have external dimensions that are universally recognized. These dimensions include:
- Length: 40 feet (12.19 meters)
- Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)
- Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters)
These dimensions make the 40-foot container suitable for a wide range of uses, from shipping goods across the ocean to being repurposed into office spaces.
Internal Dimensions
The internal dimensions of a 40-foot container are slightly smaller due to the thickness of the container walls. Here are the specifics:
- Length: 39 feet 6 inches (12.03 meters)
- Width: 7 feet 8.5 inches (2.35 meters)
- Height: 7 feet 10 inches (2.39 meters)
These internal measurements provide a spacious area for storing goods, making the 40-foot container a popular choice for both storage and transportation.
Door Dimensions
The door dimensions are crucial for loading and unloading cargo. For a standard 40-foot container, the door dimensions are:
- Width: 7 feet 8.5 inches (2.34 meters)
- Height: 7 feet 5.75 inches (2.28 meters)
These generous door dimensions allow for easy access, accommodating a wide variety of cargo sizes.
Volume and Weight
Understanding the volume and weight capacities of a 40-foot container is essential for efficient planning and logistics.
- Volume: Approximately 2,390 cubic feet (67.7 cubic meters)
- Tare Weight: 8,268 pounds (3,750 kilograms)
- Max Payload: 58,420 pounds (26,500 kilograms)
The tare weight refers to the weight of the empty container, while the max payload is the maximum weight of the cargo the container can safely carry. This balance ensures that goods are transported securely without exceeding weight limits.
These dimensions and capacities make the 40-foot container a versatile and reliable option for various applications, from shipping commercial goods to creating modular structures.
40 Foot High Cube Container Dimensions
External Dimensions
The 40-foot high cube container is similar to a standard 40-foot container but with an extra foot in height. The external dimensions are:
- Length: 40 feet (12.19 meters)
- Width: 8 feet (2.44 meters)
- Height: 9 feet 6 inches (2.89 meters)
This additional height makes high cube containers ideal for transporting and storing larger or bulkier items that wouldn’t fit in a standard container.
Internal Dimensions
The internal dimensions of a 40-foot high cube container offer extra vertical space, which can be crucial for certain types of cargo. Here are the specifics:
- Length: 39 feet 6 inches (12.03 meters)
- Width: 7 feet 8.5 inches (2.35 meters)
- Height: 8 feet 10 inches (2.69 meters)
These internal measurements provide a more spacious area, making high cube containers a preferred choice for items that require more headroom.
Door Dimensions
The door dimensions of a 40-foot high cube container are slightly different from those of a standard container due to the increased height. The door dimensions are:
- Width: 7 feet 8.5 inches (2.34 meters)
- Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters)
These larger door dimensions facilitate easier loading and unloading of taller items.
Volume and Weight
Understanding the volume and weight capacities of a 40-foot high cube container is essential for efficient planning and logistics.
- Volume: Approximately 2,700 cubic feet (76.5 cubic meters)
- Tare Weight: 8,864 pounds (4,020 kilograms)
- Max Payload: 58,450 pounds (26,460 kilograms)
The additional volume and slightly heavier tare weight make high cube containers perfect for transporting voluminous and lightweight cargo.
These dimensions and capacities make the 40-foot high cube container a versatile and reliable option for various applications, from shipping commercial goods to creating modular structures.
Uses and Benefits of 40 Foot Containers
Storage and Transportation
A 40-foot container is a versatile solution for both storage and transportation. Its spacious interior can hold a variety of items, making it ideal for:
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Personal Items: Perfect for moving households, a 40-foot container can typically fit a two to three-bedroom apartment. It provides a secure and weather-resistant space to keep your belongings safe during transit.
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Commercial Goods: Businesses often use these containers to transport goods. Retailers, for example, use them to move large quantities of products efficiently. A standard 40-foot container can hold up to 25 Euro pallets or 21 American pallets.
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Vehicles: The dimensions allow for the storage and transportation of standard passenger vehicles. You can fit up to two cars in a single container, making it a cost-effective option for car dealerships or individuals relocating vehicles.
Construction and Modular Structures
Shipping containers are not just for storage; they can also be transformed into various modular structures for construction purposes. Their durability and portability make them a popular choice for:
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Temporary Offices: Construction sites often need temporary office spaces. A 40-foot container can be quickly converted into a functional office, complete with insulation, electrical fittings, and air conditioning.
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Living Quarters: The growing trend of container homes showcases the adaptability of these containers. They can be modified into comfortable living spaces, offering an affordable and eco-friendly housing solution.
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Storage Units: On construction sites, these containers serve as secure storage for tools, materials, and equipment. Their robust design ensures that everything inside is protected from theft and harsh weather conditions.
Office Containers
Office containers are a smart, flexible solution for businesses needing additional office space. Here’s why they are beneficial:
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Customization: You can modify a 40-foot container to fit your specific needs. Add windows for natural light, install air conditioning for comfort, and set up electrical outlets for convenience. This flexibility makes it easy to create a workspace that suits your business.
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Features: Office containers come with various features like reinforced doors, secure lockboxes, and heavy-duty flooring. These elements ensure that your office is both safe and durable.
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Benefits: Using a container office is cost-effective. Traditional office spaces can be expensive to rent or build, but a container office requires less time and money to set up. Plus, they are portable, allowing you to relocate as needed without hassle.
By understanding the uses and benefits of 40-foot containers, you can see why they are a popular choice across different industries. Whether for storage, transportation, construction, or office space, these containers offer a practical and efficient solution.
Frequently Asked Questions about 40 Foot Container Dimensions
What are the dimensions of a 40-foot container?
The external dimensions of a standard 40-foot container are:
- Length: 40 feet (12.192 meters)
- Width: 8 feet (2.438 meters)
- Height: 8 feet 6 inches (2.591 meters)
The internal dimensions are slightly smaller due to the thickness of the container walls:
- Length: 39 feet 6 inches (12.024 meters)
- Width: 7 feet 9 inches (2.352 meters)
- Height: 7 feet 10 inches (2.393 meters)
These dimensions are crucial for planning storage and transportation needs.
How much space is in a 40-foot shipping container?
The floor space inside a 40-foot container is about 304 square feet (28.3 square meters).
The volume is approximately 67.7 cubic meters (2,389 cubic feet). This makes it suitable for a wide range of uses, from storing personal items to transporting commercial goods.
In terms of pallet capacity:
- Euro pallets (1.2m x 0.8m): The base can hold up to 25 Euro pallet stacks.
- American pallets (1.016m x 1.219m): The base can hold up to 21 American pallets.
These capacities are ideal for businesses that need to move large quantities of products efficiently.
How much does a 40-foot container weigh?
The tare weight (empty weight) of a standard 40-foot container is approximately 3,750 kg (8,268 lbs).
The maximum payload (weight of the cargo) it can carry is around 26,300 kg (58,000 lbs).
Therefore, the maximum gross weight (container plus cargo) is 30,480 kg (67,196 lbs).
Understanding these weights helps in planning your logistics and ensuring you stay within legal and safe limits.
By knowing these 40 foot container dimensions, you can better plan for your storage, transportation, and modification needs. Whether you’re moving household items, commercial goods, or creating a modular structure, these containers offer a versatile and efficient solution.
Conclusion
Understanding 40 foot container dimensions is essential for planning your storage, transportation, and construction needs. These containers provide a versatile and efficient solution for a variety of uses, including storing personal items, transporting commercial goods, and creating modular structures like temporary offices or living quarters.
At Aztec Container, we specialize in selling and renting steel ISO shipping containers custom to your specific needs. Our containers are customizable, durable, and available at competitive prices with fast delivery nationwide.
Whether you need a standard 40-foot container for shipping or a high cube container for extra storage space, we have the right solution for you. Our team is ready to assist you in selecting the perfect container and customizing it to meet your requirements.
For more information, visit our 40-foot containers service page. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you find the best container solution for your needs.
By choosing Aztec Container, you’re opting for quality, reliability, and exceptional customer service. Reach out to us today to get started on your container project!