A 40ft shipping container is 12.192 metres long × 2.438m wide × 2.591m high externally. Internally: 12.032m × 2.352m × 2.393m — 67.7 cubic metres of space. The 40ft high cube adds an extra foot of height: 2.896m external, 2.698m internal.
| Specification | 40ft Standard | 40ft High Cube |
|---|---|---|
| External length | 12.192 m (40') | 12.192 m (40') |
| External width | 2.438 m (8') | 2.438 m (8') |
| External height | 2.591 m (8'6") | 2.896 m (9'6") |
| Internal length | 12.032 m (39'6") | 12.032 m (39'6") |
| Internal width | 2.352 m (7'9") | 2.352 m (7'9") |
| Internal height | 2.393 m (7'10") | 2.698 m (8'10") |
| Door opening width | 2.340 m (7'8") | 2.340 m (7'8") |
| Door opening height | 2.280 m (7'6") | 2.585 m (8'6") |
| Tare weight (empty) | approx. 3,750 kg | approx. 3,900 kg |
| Max payload | approx. 27,000 kg | approx. 28,000 kg |
| Internal volume | 67.7 m³ | 76.4 m³ |
Dimensions are ISO standard and vary slightly between manufacturers and production years. Call Phil on 020 8226 0007 for exact specs on specific containers.
The standard 40ft is the right choice for storage, transport, and most site applications. It's more widely available as used stock and therefore costs less. The extra headroom of the high cube (an extra 31cm externally, 30.5cm internally) is rarely critical for pure storage.
The high cube comes into its own for conversions. If you're fitting out a container office, classroom, welfare unit, or workshop, that extra headroom means a more comfortable, usable space — and it's easier to run services (ducting, cabling, insulation) through the ceiling void. Phil generally recommends new one-trip high cube for any habitable conversion.
With 67.7 cubic metres of space, a standard 40ft container holds approximately:
For conversion, the 12m × 2.35m footprint gives you enough room for a double-bay office, a four-person welfare unit, a training room, or a small retail kiosk.
The main consideration for a 40ft is access. The container is 12.2 metres long, so it needs roughly 12.5 metres of clear run-in for the HIAB lorry to place it safely. The crane arm also needs clear overhead space — typically 3–4 metres to the side of where you want the container.
Phil always talks through access requirements before dispatch. If you're not sure whether your site works, call him and describe it — he'll tell you whether a 40ft is straightforward or if a 20ft might suit you better. See the 40ft containers for sale page for stock and pricing.
The 40ft gives you double the floor area of a 20ft for roughly 50–70% more cost — which makes it better value per square metre for large storage or conversion projects. The 20ft is easier to place in tight spaces and has lower delivery cost.
See the full 20ft dimensions guide to compare specs directly. If you're unsure which size suits your project, call Phil on 020 8226 0007 — he'll give you a straight answer.