Shipping containers
40ft container: dimensions and capacity.
The 40ft container (40′ Dry Van) is the most widely used closed shipping container for general cargo: it measures 12.19 m long outside and about 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m inside, with 67–68 m³. It takes about 26,500 to 28,800 kg of cargo, depending on its maximum gross mass.
Dimensions and weights
Typical values: every manufacturer and every unit varies. The plate or technical sheet of your own equipment takes precedence.
| Exterior (L × W × H) | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m (ISO 668) |
|---|---|
| Interior (L × W × H) | approx. 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m |
| Door (W × H) | approx. 2.34 × 2.28 m |
| Capacity | approx. 67–68 m³ |
| Tare | approx. 3,650–4,000 kg; varies by manufacturer |
| Payload | approx. 26,500–28,800 kg, depending on the maximum gross mass |
| Maximum gross mass | usually 30,480 or 32,500 kg (shipping line specifications; Hapag-Lloyd, p. 4); each unit's value is on its CSC plate (CTU Code, 6.2.2) |
How many pallets fit?
In a single tier. Calculated with the shipping lines' interior dimensions (Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk) and the pallet dimensions of EN 13698-1 and ISO 6780, as in the pallets per container calculator; the real figure depends on the clearance, the door and the load:
| Pallet | Dimensions | On the floor |
|---|---|---|
| EUR pallet (EUR/EPAL) | 1,200 × 800 mm | 23–25 |
| Industrial pallet | 1,200 × 1,000 mm | 20–21 |
Pallets: calculated with the shipping lines' interior dimensions and the pallet dimensions of EN 13698-1 and ISO 6780; the real figure depends on clearance, the door and the cargo. Validate your load with its dimensions.
What it is used for
It is the standard closed container for general dry cargo. It doubles the volume of the 20ft container with a similar payload, so it suits goods that are bulky rather than heavy.
Related rules and equipment
Validate your load in this equipment: Validate a container load.
Rules that apply:
Other equipment:
Sources
- Hapag-Lloyd: Container Specification (includes the ISO 668 external dimensions table)
- ONE: Container Information (dry, reefer, open top and flat rack)
- Evergreen Line: Container Information
- Maersk: equipment specifications (dry)
- CTU Code (IMO/ILO/UNECE), 6.2.2: each container's maximum gross mass is on its CSC plate
Last reviewed: