40-foot Container - Dimensions, Measurements and Weight | iContainers (2024)

40-foot Container - Dimensions, Measurements and Weight | iContainers (1)

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


Dimensions of the 40-foot container

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

How many pallets can fit into a 40-foot 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.

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40-foot Container - Dimensions, Measurements and Weight | iContainers (2024)

FAQs

40-foot Container - Dimensions, Measurements and Weight | iContainers? ›

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.

What is the actual size of a 40-foot container? ›

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.

What is the area of a 40-foot container? ›

40-foot container dimensions

It has 285 sq ft (26.47m2) of floor space and 2,120 cubic ft (60m3) of volume. Depending on the type of pallet you use, it can hold 22 standard pallets or 27 Euro pallets without stacking.

How many bedrooms can fit in a 40ft container? ›

A 40-foot shipping container will likely be able to hold the contents and belongings of a 3 to 4-bedroom family home. Irregularly shaped items or certain types of furniture may take up more space than equally sized boxes.

What are the dimensions of a 40 fr container? ›

Due to the lower tare weight than with multi-sided containers, a flat rack can hold more weight. The 40' flat rack container has an inside length of 11.66 metres and an inside width of 2.37 metres. The height is 2.28 metres.

How much does a 40ft container weight? ›

How Much Does a 40 ft. Standard Shipping Container Weigh? A 40 ft. shipping container has a tare weight of approximately 8,159 lbs and has a maximum payload capacity of about 59,039 lbs.

How to move a 40ft shipping container? ›

A crane is the best option for moving a 40ft shipping container, along with a container that is full of cargo. It's built to withstand heavier weights than the average forklift. As with the forklift, if you're not certified, you will want to hire a certified professional to operate the crane safely.

What is the square footage of a 40ft container? ›

The typical high cube 40 foot shipping container has a floor area of about 300 square feet, and a volume of almost 3000 square feet.

How many cars fit in a 40ft container? ›

A conventional 40-foot shipping container may hold three or four cars, depending on their size. It is crucial to remember that, while a container may have enough space to hold a specific number of vehicles, doing so may not be practical or cost-effective because the extra space would still have to be paid for.

How many car tires fit in a 40ft container? ›

How many tires fit into a container or lorry? Into a 40 ft. container fit approximately 1500 tires.

Do you need planning permission for a 40ft container? ›

Yes – in the majority of cases, shipping container planning permission won't be required. But there are many circ*mstances in which it will be – and before you go ahead with the project, you'll need to apply to your local authority in the same way you would with a traditional building.

What size shipping container for a 3 bedroom house? ›

20 foot shipping containers are the most popular size for moving because it usually holds everything from a 2-3 bedroom home. Most people find that a 20 foot shipping container is the perfect size for them.

What is the internal dimension of a 40 ft container? ›

40 ft container dimensions

Internal dimensions (in feet): 39.6ft length, 7.9ft width, and 7.10ft height. Internal dimensions (in meters): 12.025m length, 2.352m width, and 2.393m height. Payload capacity: 27,600 kg / 61,200 lbs. Cubic capacity: 67.7m3 / 2,389 cu ft.

How many cartons can fit in a 40ft container? ›

Let's start with the Maersk 40HQ calculation, the result is 598 cartons.

How much can you fit in a 40 ft container? ›

A 40ft container (40ft in length) can generally squeeze about 54-58cbm worth of goods inside. Again, this is dependent on the nature of the goods and the size of the cartons. You can often load over 20,000kg without incurring a 'heavy weight surcharge'.

How many cars can fit in a 40 ft container? ›

Typically, a 40-foot shipping container can hold 2-4 cars depending on their sizes, it could be a combination of a sedan and a pickup truck, or 2-3 SUVs, or 3-4 small sedan cars. Specialized equipment, such as ratchet straps and load bars, is typically used to secure the vehicles in place.

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