40ft Shipping Container Dimensions — Standard & High Cube Specs

40ft Container Dimension Table

Dimensions are ISO standard and vary slightly between manufacturers and production years. Call Phil on 020 8226 0007 for exact specs on specific containers.

Standard vs High Cube — Which to Choose?

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.

What Fits in a 40ft Container?

With 67.7 cubic metres of space, a standard 40ft container holds approximately:

• The full contents of a 3–4 bedroom house
• 20 to 21 UK standard pallets (1200 x 1000mm) or 24 to 25 Euro pallets (1200 x 800mm), in one layer on the floor
• Two compact cars

A high cube adds height, not floor space, so it takes the same number of pallets per layer. The extra 30cm inside is what lets you stack taller loads or fit out a room people can stand up in.

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. If those numbers fit your project, see Phil's 40ft container prices and variants — used, new one-trip, and high cube. Only need one short-term? Phil also offers 40ft container hire.

Is a 40ft Container Right for My Site?

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.

40ft vs 20ft — A Quick Comparison

The 40ft gives you double the floor area of a 20ft. On Phil's current prices a used 40ft is £1,450 + VAT against £1,550 + VAT for a used 20ft, and a new one-trip 40ft is £2,950 + VAT against £1,850 + VAT. Per square metre, the 40ft is the better buy for large storage or conversion projects. The 20ft is easier to place in tight spaces.

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.