Floor area
12.19 m × 2.44 m
Rounded external dimensions. Allow extra space for door opening, access and delivery.
Purchase · New & used
40ft containers for sale: standard and High Cube
Compare 40-foot shipping containers by height, condition and usable space. Check the standard and High Cube models, then request the full cost including VAT, delivery and offloading to your postcode.
- External length
- 12.19 m
- Internal floor area
- ≈ 28.3 m²
- Internal volume
- ≈ 68 m³
- Tare weight (example)
- ≈ 3.75 t
- Independent supplier matching service · The supplier directory does not sell containers.
Pricing tailored to your project in the UK
The delivered total depends on the size, condition, depot, transport, offloading and any conversion work. Our shop lists base-container sale prices where available; those prices do not include a completed conversion or site installation. Request an itemised quotation showing applicable VAT and every required charge.
Dimensions and weights of a 40ft container
Check the external footprint, the internal space, the door opening and the weights. The table distinguishes between standard and High Cube, based on an example model for each size.
| Reference | Standard (DRY) | High Cube |
|---|---|---|
| External length | 12.192 m | 12.192 m |
| External width | 2.438 m | 2.438 m |
| External height | 2.591 m | 2.896 m |
| Internal length | 12.032 m | 12.032 m |
| Internal width | 2.352 m | 2.350 m |
| Internal height | 2.395 m | 2.700 m |
| Door opening width | 2.340 m | 2.340 m |
| Door opening height | 2.292 m | 2.597 m |
| Stated internal volume | 67.7 m³ | 76.3 m³ |
| Calculated internal floor area | Approximately 28.3 m² | Approximately 28.3 m² |
| Tare weight | 3,750 kg | 3,900 kg |
| Maximum payload | 28,750 kg | 28,600 kg |
| Maximum gross mass | 32,500 kg | 32,500 kg |
The maximum gross mass published for the examples in the table is 32,500 kg for both formats. ISO 668 allows up to 36 000 kg for this series of containers: this is a ceiling, not the capacity of a given 40ft container. The CSC plate of the unit offered prevails.
- Tare weight
- The weight of the empty container. It matters for delivery and lifting.
- Maximum payload
- What can be loaded inside: maximum gross weight minus the unit’s tare weight.
- Maximum gross mass
- The container and its load combined. The permitted value for the unit is shown on its CSC plate.
Inside
≈ 28.3 m² floor area
67.7 m³ in standard and 76.3 m³ in High Cube. Storage and aisles reduce the space that can actually be used.
At the door opening
≈ 2.34 m wide
Height: 2.29 m for standard and 2.60 m for High Cube, on the models shown.
How many pallets fit in a 40ft container?
A suitable loading plan allows up to 23 Euro pallets (800 × 1,200 mm) on the floor in a 40ft container. Floor capacities, single layer, with no cargo overhanging the pallets and no timber dunnage. Stacking pallets two high doubles these numbers when height and load allow. Overhang, weight and securing may reduce this number: have your configuration checked.
Model examples and floor-area calculationIdentify the standard and High Cube examples, then check the usable space for your project.ExpandCollapse
The interior, doors, volume and weights describe Hapag-Lloyd 40ft standard and High Cube examples. The High Cube internal width is 2.350 m, from the same model specification as its volume and weights. The external dimensions use the Textainer standard and High Cube formats. Confirm the actual unit's specification before purchase.
Internal floor area: 12.032 m × 2.352 m = 28.2993 m², rounded to 28.3 m². This geometric area does not deduct aisles, racking or fittings. Internal dimensions, volumes and weights vary by manufacturer.
Standard 40ft or High Cube?
Both have the same external length and width. The High Cube adds 30.5 cm in height: choose it if your load uses this extra space.
Standard height
40ft DRY · 67.7 m³
2.59 m high externally and 2.40 m internally. To be considered when the height of your goods and the door opening are sufficient.
Get a quote for a standard 40ft containerMore headroom
40ft High Cube · 76.3 m³
2.90 m high externally and 2.70 m internally. Useful for tall equipment or shelving, subject to confirming loading and delivery.
Request a quote for a 40ft High CubeApproximate figures based on the models in the dimensions table. The door opening is lower than the internal ceiling. All about High Cube.
One 40ft or two 20ft containers?
The decision depends on how you will use the space. Compare the two configurations including delivery and installation.
One large space
The 40ft provides 12.03 m of continuous internal length. This is useful for long items or organising a single storage space. However, you must allow for access to goods stored at the far end.
To check: available length and delivery manoeuvres.
Two independent spaces
Two 20ft containers allow you to separate uses or storage locations. Each unit has its own doors; the quote must include transport and delivery of both containers.
Compare with the 20ft sizeA larger volume does not mean a doubled payload: on the models shown, it is 28,750 kg for a 40ft, compared with 28 130 kg for each 20ft. For heavy equipment, have their weight, distribution and the limits of the proposed container checked.
Which 40ft shipping container should you buy?
Same length, different height, condition or format: compare models before requesting a price. The references come from the example listings in our guides.
Scroll to see all formats.
Scale
1.75 m
length 2.99 m · height 2.59 m
length 6.06 m · height 2.59 m
40ft standardthis page
length 12.19 m · height 2.59 m
length 12.19 m · height 2.90 m
40ft High Cube
length 12.19 m · height 2.90 m · 76.3 m³
Same footprint as the standard, with more height for tall equipment, shelving or a conversion.
See the guide40ft new / one-trip
length 12.19 m · height 2.59 m · 67.7 m³
One journey from manufacture. Ask for confirmation of colour, actual condition and included equipment.
See the guide40ft used
length 12.19 m · height 2.59 m · 67.7 m³
Consider for storage if signs of wear are acceptable. Ask for photos of the floor, doors and seals.
See the guideOpen Side (20ft model)
length 6.06 m · opening ≈ 5.90 m · 30 m³
A large side that opens to access equipment without moving everything. The reference model is a 20ft.
See the guideConverted container
Insulation, partitions and services to be quoted
Office, workshop or reception: a 40ft length allows several zones to be separated. Conversion works are compared separately.
See the guideRefrigerated, for hire
Refrigeration unit · electrical connection
For keeping products cold: compare the temperature range, power supply and planned maintenance.
See the guide10ft
length 2.99 m · height 2.59 m
The compact size, when site space or lorry access is very limited.
See the guide20ft
length 6.06 m · height 2.59 m · 33.2 m³
A shorter size to consider if space or delivery access is a concern.
See the guideCompare the dimensions, condition and specification before requesting a delivered price. See all shipping containers.
New, one-trip or used: which should you choose?
Condition is chosen separately from format. Start from your use and the acceptable level of wear.
To prioritise budget
A used 40ft container
Ask for recent photos of the container on offer: floor, doors, seals and repairs. Ask for details of its watertightness and what has been inspected. To find out what condition to ask for, see condition classes for used containers.
Prioritising condition
A one-trip 40ft container
It has already been transported since manufacture and may have handling marks. Ask for details of colour, condition and included equipment.
What to do with a 40ft container?
The contents to store and the access frequency inform the useful features. These cases are project examples, not supplier installations.
CASE 1
Storing business stock
Palletised goods, spare parts or archives can be kept close to the workplace. Over this length, a storage layout with an aisle avoids moving everything to reach the back. First check that a long lorry can access the site.
Equipment to consider
Shelving or racks, lighting, pallet truck ramp and location labels.
CASE 2
Storing agricultural or grounds maintenance equipment
Machines, tools and supplies stay dry and secure, close to the plots. Measure the width and height of machines with their attachments: the door opening is the deciding factor. Provide a stable surface in front of the entrance.
Equipment to consider
Reinforced ramp, wall brackets, ventilation and secure closure appropriate to the value of the equipment.
CASE 3
Centralising logistics for a long-running site
A single large container can hold the equipment, consumables and tools for several teams. Choose the location with the site manager: it must remain accessible until the end of the works. Depending on the duration, compare purchase and hire.
Equipment to consider
Racking, partition between teams, self-contained lighting and reinforced locking.
CASE 4
A large space for a conversion project
Office, workshop or reception area: the length allows separate zones to be created. A high cube provides extra starting height; insulation and the ceiling still reduce the finished space. Get the work quoted separately and ask your local planning authority before installation. Check building regulations separately where required.
Preparing a converted containerEquipment to consider
Insulation, partitions, door and window cut-outs, electrics, ventilation and floor covering.
Delivering a 40ft container: what to prepare
The container is 12.19 m long. The lorry configuration, its manoeuvres and its unloading method must be assessed before confirming the order.
Access from the road
Photograph the entrance, bends and gate. Flag any slopes, narrow passages and overhead obstacles.
The lorry stopping point
Indicate where it can park and manoeuvre. The supplier must confirm access with the planned vehicle and lifting method.
The exact positioning point
Specify the distance between the lorry and the placement point. Have side unloading or crane delivery confirmed.
The date and departure depot
Provide your postcode and date flexibility. Ask for the actual collection location, which may differ from the seller's head office.
Preparing the site
The site and supports must be suitable for the loaded container. Agree the support positions and any ground preparation with the supplier or a competent professional, according to the site and use. Leave space in front of the doors to open and load them.
Planning permission: check your project
External footprint of a 40ft: approximately 29.7 m². This is a dimensional estimate, not a permission threshold.
Establish the site's lawful use and the proposed container use before delivery. Show its siting, height, duration, foundations or connections, access and effects on neighbours. Storage, an incidental garden room and an independent home are different proposals. Planning and technical building approval are separate; the applicable rules come from the UK nation where the site is located. Size, mobility and a shipping certificate alone do not establish an exemption.
- England: planning
Identify both the building work and any material change of use. Class E incidental garden-building rights do not authorise a new self-contained home. A dwelling needs a separate building-regulations design covering structure, fire, energy, ventilation and access.
Building regulations - Wales: planning
Apply Welsh planning and building guidance. Incidental outbuilding allowances do not automatically permit a separate dwelling. For a new home, address Welsh fire-suppression provisions and investigate whether the drainage proposal needs separate SuDS approval.
Building regulations - Scotland: planning
Planning and the building warrant are separate. A new home needs a warrant before construction, a design under the Scottish Domestic Technical Handbook, and acceptance of its completion certificate before occupation unless temporary occupation is authorised.
Building warrants - Northern Ireland: planning
A separate garden residence requires a planning application. Use district council building control and Northern Ireland's Technical Booklets for a dwelling: D for structure, E for fire, F1 for energy, K for ventilation and R for access.
Building regulations
Compare the cost of your delivered 40ft container.
Format, condition, postcode and access: prepare a single enquiry to compare the container, transport and unloading. Free and without obligation.
How does the comparison work?
Step 1
Specify your container
Container type, condition, purchase or hire and quantity.
Step 2
Submit one request
Your requirements and postcode, entered only once.
Step 3
Compare the delivered price
Container, transport and offloading, on the same basis.
Free and with no obligation. The supplier directory does not sell containers. Your request goes through our comparison service: the companies listed in the directory are not necessarily the recipients of your request. Professionals may pay for the introduction service (How the service works).
Prepare my requestCompanies in the directory for a 40ft container
This selection reproduces the information published by the companies in the directory. Directory order, not a ranking; it does not guarantee stock or receipt of your request.
No listing yet describes all these criteria for this mode. You can consult the directory or specify your project in the form; the absence of a corresponding listing does not describe market stock.
Browse the directory with these criteriaFrequently asked questions about the 40ft container
What are the dimensions of a 40ft container?
A 40ft (40-foot) container counts as 2 TEU, the twenty-foot equivalent unit: its length of 12.192 m, approximately 12 m, corresponds to 40 feet. Externally, the standard 40ft measures 2.438 m wide and 2.591 m high. Internally, the example model offers 12.032 m × 2.352 m × 2.395 m, i.e. approximately 28.3 m² of floor area and 67.7 m³. The High Cube keeps the same length and width, with 2.896 m external height.
How much does an empty 40ft container weigh?
The standard 40ft given as an example has a tare weight of 3,750 kg. It accepts a payload of 28,750 kg, for a maximum gross mass of 32,500 kg. The High Cube from the same listing has a tare weight of 3,900 kg. These values vary by manufacturer: the CSC plate of the unit offered is authoritative.
What is the difference between a standard and a High Cube 40ft container?
The High Cube is 30.5 cm higher externally, for the same length and width. The models shown give 67.7 m³ for the standard and 76.3 m³ for the High Cube. This gain is in volume: the payload does not increase (28,750 kg compared with 28,600 kg on these examples). Also check the door opening height.
What is the door opening size of a 40ft container?
On the models shown, the door opening is 2.340 m wide. Its height is 2.292 m for the standard and 2.597 m for the High Cube, i.e. less than the internal height. Measure your tallest load, including packaging and supports, and ask for confirmation of the opening on the unit offered.
How many Euro pallets fit in a 40ft container?
Up to 23 Euro pallets (800 × 1,200 mm) on the floor, in a single layer with a suitable loading plan. Overhang, securing, weight and layout may reduce this number: get your loading plan checked.
Does the price include transport and unloading?
Check the terms attached to each price: delivery may be excluded or unspecified, and offloading must be agreed. Ask for the container, transport, lifting, placement and any other charges to be itemised, with a VAT-inclusive total for your postcode. This guide does not establish a UK delivery tariff.
Can a 40ft container be delivered to a private site?
Yes, if the lorry can access, manoeuvre and unload safely. Send photos of the access and location to the supplier before ordering. The ground must be level and load-bearing: have the supports and securing checked. Before installation, including temporary use, also check with the local planning authority.
Is a 40ft better than two 20ft containers?
A 40ft offers a continuous space, useful for long items. Two 20ft containers allow two uses or two locations. On the models shown, the payload is 28,750 kg for a 40ft and 28 130 kg for each 20ft. Compare access, storage organisation and the delivered cost of the two solutions, including offloading.
Useful guides
- Transport and offloadingVehicle, lifting and delivery cost to your address.
- Compare hire and purchase over the same periodAdding return transport to the hire charges.
- Request a hire quote for a 40ft containerDuration, postcode and access, in a single request.
- Buying used containers properlyPhotos, condition points and information to request.
Updated on · Dimensions and weights describe the model examples identified above; confirm the unit offered. Shop prices are shown separately from any external supplier examples.
Prepare a more useful quote request
Check these details before comparing equipment, delivery and services.