Container Dimensions

40ft Shipping Container Dimensions

The 40ft shipping container is the industry standard for large-scale logistics and secure site storage. Shipping Containers of Birmingham supplies these high-capacity units to businesses requiring maximum volume. With double the length of a standard 20ft unit, the 40ft container offers exceptional value per square foot.

We supply containers for both purchase and hire. Whether you need to transport goods internationally or require a permanent warehouse solution on your premises, the 40ft general-purpose container delivers robust protection against the elements and theft.

Dimensions and Capacity

Understanding the dimensions is critical for site planning. A 40ft container provides approximately 2,360 cubic feet of internal space. It can hold 25 Euro pallets, making it efficient for palletised cargo.

Description	Imperial	Metric
Maximum payload	63,640 lb	28,870 kg
External Dimensions	40' x 8' x 8'6"	12.192 x 2.438 x 2.591 m
Internal Volume	2,366 cubic feet	67 m³
Door opening width	7' 8 1/8"	2.340 m
Door opening height	7' 5 1/2"	2.274 m
Internal length	39' 5 11/16"	12.032 m
Internal width	7' 8 1/2"	2.350 m
Internal height (to load line)	7' 10 7/32"	2.393 m
Gross Weight	71,650 lb	32,500 kg
Tare Weight	8,010 lb	3,630 kg

Construction and Features

Shipping Containers of Birmingham sources containers built to strict ISO standards. They are manufactured from Corten steel (weathering steel), which resists corrosion even in harsh environments.

Wind and Watertight: Rubber door gaskets seal the unit completely, preventing water ingress and protecting sensitive cargo.
Flooring: The floor consists of 27mm marine-grade plywood, capable of supporting forklifts and heavy static loads.
Security: We fit high-security lock boxes to our units. These steel shrouds protect the padlock from bolt croppers and angle grinders.
Ventilation: Passive vents allow air circulation to reduce condensation buildup.

Delivery Requirements

Delivering a 40ft container requires specific site conditions. Unlike smaller units, we transport 40ft containers on an articulated HIAB vehicle. This truck is approximately 60ft long and functions like a standard HGV.

Turning Circle: The vehicle requires a large turning radius to enter and exit your site.
Ground Conditions: The truck needs hard-standing ground (concrete or tarmac). We cannot drive on grass, soil, or loose gravel as the vehicle may sink.
Overhead Clearance: The crane arm requires significant height to lift the container. You must ensure the area is free from power lines and low-hanging trees.

If your site has restricted access, a 20ft shipping container might be a more viable option.

Condition Grades

We supply 40ft containers in two main grades:

New (One-Trip): These have completed one journey from the factory. They are cosmetically excellent, with few dents and clean paint. Ideal for visible locations or conversion projects.
Used: These are retired shipping lines units. They will show rust and dents, but are structurally sound and guaranteed to be wind and watertight. These are the most cost-effective choices for industrial storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 40ft container cost?

Prices vary based on the global steel market and container availability. Used units are cheaper than new one-trip containers. Delivery costs depend on your location relative to our Midlands depot. Use our quote form for a current price.

Do I need planning permission?

Shipping containers are often classed as temporary structures. On industrial estates, permission is rarely needed. However, if you plan to keep a 40ft container permanently in a residential area, you should check with your local planning authority.

Can you move the container when it is full?

No. Our delivery trucks cannot lift a loaded 40ft container. The weight would exceed the crane's safe working load, and the container's floor might bow. You must empty the unit before we can move it.

What is the difference between a 40ft and a 40ft High Cube?

A standard 40ft container is 8ft 6in high. A High Cube container is 9ft 6in high. The extra height is useful for tall machinery or for increasing air volume to control condensation.

Container Pricing

We aim to offer the best container at the best price, with local depot delivery. We aim to have a transparent approach to the condition of containers and delivery prices.

The prices fluctuate; influenced by the cost of steel, petrol and labour, all fees, including delivery, are subject to change. If your recent quote has expired, please feel free to ask for another one; we're here to help.

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