The 40ft container is by far the most popular size: big enough for a complete warehouse, small enough to place with a single crane truck. Anyone looking to buy or hire a 40ft container faces choices around new or used, dimensions and the right application. This guide sets out all the facts.
At roughly 12 metres, a 40ft container is the longest commonly used standard size alongside the 45ft. The external dimensions are approximately 12.19 metres long, 2.44 metres wide and 2.59 metres high. Because of the wall thickness the internal dimensions of a 40ft container are slightly lower, but there is still plenty of loading width and height for pallets, machinery or racking.
If you are unsure between this size and something more compact, take a look at the used or new 20ft shipping container as a comparison: half the length, but often more than enough for smaller needs.
Buitenmaten (l × b); High Cube-varianten zijn 30 cm hoger. View stock →
Beyond the external dimensions, the weight and capacity of a 40ft container determine whether the size suits your intended use. The loading volume of a standard 40ft dc container (dry cargo) is around 67 cubic metres, well over double that of a 20ft container. That makes the size popular for large-scale storage, a complete warehouse or a house move in one go.
The tare weight of an empty 40ft container is around 3,800 kilos. The maximum payload that can be loaded on top of that varies by version but is typically between 26,000 and 28,000 kilos, more than enough for pallets, machinery or building materials. For businesses that structurally need extra storage, the 40ft storage container is also a widely used choice as a warehouse container for e-commerce and logistics.
When buying a 40ft container, the first choice is usually new or used. A new, one-trip 40ft shipping container has made exactly one sea voyage and is virtually as-new: crisp in colour and without signs of use. A used 40ft shipping container is cargo-worthy or A-grade, guaranteed wind and watertight, CSC-certified and inspected at the depot before delivery.
For storage without a representative function, such as tools, stock or materials, a second-hand 40ft container often offers the best value for money. If the container will be on show, for example as an office or at the entrance of a business park, then new is usually the more logical choice. If you are unsure what to look out for when buying, read buying a shipping container: what to check regarding warranty, certification and inspection.
The price of a 40ft container depends on the condition, any modifications such as insulation or extra doors, and the transport costs to the delivery location. More on how those costs are built up can be found in container transport costs: what determines the price of delivery and the current shipping container prices for 20ft and 40ft in 2026. The transport market plays a role too: according to Transport-Online (July 2026), haulage firms are investing heavily in new fleets, such as the order of up to 350 MAN trucks by Quehenberger Logistics and Geis Group, a sign that demand for road transport in Europe remains high and that capacity for container haulage stays a point of attention.
Curious what a 40ft container would cost for your situation, including transport? Request a no-obligation quote and receive a price by email within one hour on working days.
Paying in full upfront for a shipping container is not without risk if a seller offers no alternative. At HEROX you can choose to pay after delivery or spread the cost through financing, alongside a 5 percent discount for advance payment by bank transfer. Read more about buying a shipping container safely without a middleman.
Hiring a 40ft container is a good alternative if the need is temporary. The hire price of a 40ft container depends on the type, the condition and the term; the longer the hire period, the more favourable the price per month usually works out. More on how that is built up can be found in hiring a shipping container: monthly rate, term and flexible options. You will receive a tailored hire proposal by email within one hour on working days after providing your name and contact details.
Thanks to its large volume, the 40ft is the go-to size for large-scale storage on the building site, as a temporary warehouse or for a house move in a single run. See also how this size is used as a site container on the building site.
Extra height 40ft HC container — 2.70m internal height for maximum volume.
Spacious 40ft standard container with double doors, perfect for larger storage needs.
Get in touch for personal advice on the right 40ft container for your situation, or request a quote straight away.
The price depends on the condition and any modifications. A used 40ft container starts from {{price:40ft:used}}, a new (one-trip) 40ft container from {{price:40ft:new}}. Transport costs are charged separately on top, depending on distance and how accessible the location is. For an exact figure including transport, HEROX sends a quote by email within one hour on working days.
A 40ft container is roughly 12 metres long, 2.44 metres wide and 2.59 metres high on the outside. The internal dimensions are slightly lower due to the wall thickness, with a loading volume of around 67 cubic metres. A High Cube version is 30 centimetres taller for extra loading volume, which is particularly useful for light but bulky cargo.
That depends on your budget and application. New (one-trip) has made exactly one sea voyage and is virtually as-new, ideal when appearance matters. Used is cargo-worthy or A-grade, guaranteed wind and watertight and CSC-certified, and usually offers the best value for money for storage without a representative function.
Yes, a 40ft container is also available to hire, with a monthly rate that depends on condition, type and term. Hiring is especially attractive for temporary needs, such as a renovation, event or seasonal storage. For a tailored hire proposal, HEROX takes your name and contact details on working days and sends a proposal by email within one hour.
Delivery is by crane truck or sideloader, typically within 3 to 7 working days from one of the European depots. The container is placed exactly where you want it, provided the ground is reasonably level and firm and the location is accessible for a lorry. If you are unsure about accessibility, a quick word beforehand saves delays.
View live stock with prices, or get a tailored quote within one business hour.
