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40ft Shipping Container
The 40ft container is the largest standard size you can buy, with twice the floor space of a 20ft and about 2,390 cubic feet of storage. Our independent platform connects you with vetted local suppliers across the US to get the right container at the right price.
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Features + specs
Spacious, tough and customizable
40ft shipping container dimensions
External: 40ft (12.19 m) long, 8ft (2.44 m) wide, 8ft 6in (2.59 m) high. Internal: about 39ft 5in x 7ft 8in x 7ft 10in (12.03 x 2.35 x 2.39 m), roughly 2,390 cubic feet (67.7 m³). Tare about 8,270 lb (3,750 kg), max gross 67,200 lb (30,480 kg).
40ft shipping container durability
- Weatherproof corten steel construction.
- Choose any grade, new one-trip, used cargo worthy or as-is, from vetted suppliers.
40ft shipping container extras
Modification partners in the network can customize your container with doors, windows, insulation, shelving and power.
Use Cases
What can a 40ft container be used for?
1. Business and moving storage
Why:
The global freight standard, a 40ft container holds the contents of a large home or a full load of inventory.
Customization:
After the move, keep it as storage or convert it into a work or living space.
2. Construction site storage
Why:
A large, secure and portable space for tools, machinery and materials.
Customization:
Add ventilation, insulation and windows to create a roomy site office.
3. Container homes and ADUs
Why:
With about 300 square feet of floor space, a 40ft container is a practical base for a modular home.
Customization:
Join several containers and add insulation, windows, plumbing and solar.
4. Farm and equipment storage
Why:
A strong, weatherproof space for machinery, feed and tools on your property.
Customization:
Add vents, shelving and a personnel door for everyday access.
5. Retail and pop-up shops
Why:
A low-cost way to create floor space for cafes, retailers and event stalls.
Customization:
Brand the container and move it between events, markets or a permanent site.
New or used
New vs used: which container is right for you?
US-Wide Supplier Network
best for business
New 40ft shipping container
One-trip containers in as-new condition.
Ideal for long-term use or prominent, high visibility locations.
Available in multiple colors and fully customizable.
Can be supplied with factory lockbox and vents.
Budget pick
Used 40ft shipping container
Choose your grade: as-is, wind and watertight (WWT) or CSC-plated cargo worthy.
Ideal for budget storage and remote or low visibility sites.
May have cosmetic wear and surface rust.
Limited colors, but cost-effective and fully customizable.
No Fees No Obligation
About 40ft shipping containers
The global transport standard, and much more
When you see a ship stacked high with boxes, most of them are 40 footers. Long enough to carry a serious load and narrow enough for road and rail, the 40ft container has been the backbone of global freight since the 1970s. In freight terms it counts as two TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units).
On land, the same strength and size make it a versatile building block for storage, workshops and living spaces that can be customized in almost any way. For full specs, current prices and where to buy, see our 40ft shipping container guide.
Why choose a 40ft container?
- Strong and protective: Corten steel with a sealed, weather-resistant construction, plus optional lockboxes and vents.
- Easy to modify: Add insulation, windows, doors, plumbing and electrical to turn it into a living or working space.
- Available across the US: Connect with vetted local suppliers nationwide and get a 40ft container delivered to your site.
- Twice the space of a 20ft: About 300 square feet of floor space on a footprint that still fits most commercial lots and rural properties.
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Blog
Want to know more about 40ft containers?
Buyer guides, sizing tips and market insights for the US.
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FAQs
40ft shipping containers: frequently asked questions
All you need to know about 40ft shipping containers.
01
It depends on condition, grade, modifications and delivery distance. New one-trip 40ft containers cost noticeably more than used units, and special types such as high cube or side opening carry a premium. See our shipping container prices page for current US ranges, then request quotes from vetted local suppliers for a delivered price.
02
About 20 standard US pallets (48 x 40 in) in a single layer, depending on orientation and how tightly you load. If the cargo weight allows double stacking, capacity roughly doubles.
03
An empty standard 40ft container weighs about 8,270 lb (3,750 kg), and the maximum gross weight is 67,200 lb (30,480 kg). On firm ground such as compacted gravel or concrete pads it needs no special foundation, while softer soil may need a slab or footings. See our guide to shipping container foundations.
04
Same length and width, but the 40ft high cube is 9ft 6in tall instead of 8ft 6in, which adds about 300 cubic feet of space. It suits tall cargo and conversions that need room for insulation and a comfortable ceiling.
05
Usually yes. A 40ft container needs a longer truck and around 100 feet of straight access, plus firm, level ground and clear overhead space. Suppliers confirm access requirements and the delivered price in their quote.
06
Yes. Storage, site offices, workshops, garages, pop-up retail and tiny homes are all common conversions. Modification partners in the network can quote the work along with the container. See 10 creative ways to use a shipping container for ideas.
07
As a container platform, we connect you with vetted local suppliers. Some only sell containers, others also offer leasing and rental. Renting can make sense for short-term use, while buying often suits longer-term or customized projects. Because pricing and availability vary by region and supplier, submit your requirements to receive options tailored to your situation.
See it full size on your property
Use your phone camera to place the container on your property at its real size. You see how much room it takes and how it sits before you buy.
Size
Grade and color
Scan with your phoneThis page opens straight on your phone.
- On your phone, tap “View full size”.
- Move the phone slowly over the ground until it picks up the surface.
- The container appears about 10 ft in front of you, doors facing you, so you see all of it straight away.
- Drag with one finger to bring it closer or move it. Twist with two fingers to turn it. You can also walk around it.
Full-size view is not available on this device. Turn the 3D model above with your finger to see it from every side.
Works on iPhone 6s or newer with iOS 12 or later and on most Android phones from 2018 on with Google Play Services for AR. On other devices you can turn the 3D model above and look at it from every side.
External size 40ft: 40 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in (12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m), length × width × height