Container Availability
40ft Standard Dry Container
Quick answer: A 40ft standard dry container measures 12,192 mm externally and offers about 67 m³ of load space with a maximum payload of roughly 26,500 kg, depending on the unit. It roughly doubles a 20ft unit’s cubic capacity at a lower cost per cubic metre for volume cargo and long-term storage.
The 40ft standard dry container is the workhorse of volume cargo and long-term storage. It roughly doubles the cubic capacity of a 20ft unit at a lower cost per cubic metre, but delivery access and site space need checking before you commit. Figures below are nominal; the offered unit is confirmed against your enquiry.
Typical specifications
Bottom line: Choose a 40ft standard when volume matters most: about 67 m³ of capacity at a lower cost per cubic metre than smaller units, subject to delivery access and site space.
Key figures: A standard 40ft container is 12,192 mm long, 2,438 mm wide and 2,591 mm high externally. Internal load space is about 67 m³ — roughly double a 20ft unit. Maximum payload is roughly 26,500 kg; the exact figure varies by unit and is confirmed before quotation.
| Measure | Nominal value |
|---|---|
| External length | 12,192 mm |
| External width | 2,438 mm |
| External height | 2,591 mm |
| Internal length | ≈ 12,032 mm |
| Internal width | ≈ 2,352 mm |
| Internal height | ≈ 2,393 mm |
| Door opening | ≈ 2,340 × 2,280 mm |
| Cubic capacity | ≈ 67 m³ |
| Maximum payload | ≈ 26,500 kg (varies by unit) |
Nominal ISO figures for planning only. The offered unit’s actual specification, tare and payload are confirmed against your enquiry, with photographs and documents where required.
Common uses
- Volume cargo where the load is bulky rather than heavy
- Long-term on-site storage for equipment, stock and materials
- Conversion bases for larger site offices, workshops and multi-room cabins
Condition options
40ft units are widely offered in used and cargo-worthy grades, with new (one-trip) units available against location and quantity. A wind & watertight grade is often sufficient for static storage; a loaded movement needs the documentation that matches the carrier requirement. See the Quality & Conditions guide.
Related guidance
- Container condition grades explained
- Request a buying quotation
- Need more height? See the 40ft high cube
- Check delivery access requirements
Inspection checklist before you buy
Photographs help, but check these points on the actual unit (in person or through an independent inspection) before you commit:
- Doors open, close and lock freely, with intact rubber seals
- Floor is solid with no soft, rotten or delaminated boards
- Roof and walls have no holes; check for light from inside with the doors shut
- Corner posts and castings are straight and undamaged
- Previous repairs are sound, and any odour or contamination is disclosed
- For cargo use: a valid CSC plate and the inspection documents the movement requires
The cargo-worthy vs wind & watertight guide and the CSC plate guide explain which documents matter for which use.
Buy or lease?
Buying suits long-term storage or a conversion you will keep. Leasing suits a fixed project or a short peak in demand, without resale risk at the end. The leasing vs buying guide compares the two, and you can request either option through the enquiry form.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose one 40ft or two 20ft containers?
A 40ft usually costs less per cubic metre and suits one large volume. Two 20ft units give flexibility: they can sit at different sites, be moved separately and fit tighter access. Compare the delivery access at your site before deciding.
What access does a 40ft delivery need?
Approach roads, turning space and overhead clearance at both ends of the route. State the delivery address and site constraints in your enquiry so the transport scope is quoted correctly.
How heavy is an empty 40ft container?
An empty 40ft standard dry container typically weighs about 3,700 to 3,800 kg. Confirm the tare on the door markings and the CSC plate of the offered unit before arranging a lift.
How much space does a 40ft container need on site?
The footprint is about 12.2 m by 2.4 m, plus clear space in front of the doors to open them and room for the delivery vehicle to position and unload. Check this before booking delivery.