40ft Container: What Fits Inside and How Much Space Is Available

You probably see 40ft containers in many places, like ports and highways. Around 70% of shipping containers are 20 or 40 feet long. The 40-foot container is special because it is big and strong. You can use a 40ft container to move furniture or store retail goods. It can also carry things that need to stay cold, like seafood. Most dry goods travel in these containers because they keep things safe and dry. MEOX makes 40-foot shipping containers that follow international rules. This makes them a great choice for safe and easy transport.

Key Takeaways

• A standard 40ft container has about 67 cubic meters of space. This is enough room for things from a three or four-bedroom house. It can also fit up to four cars.

• The inside of the container is about 39 feet long. It is 7 feet 8 inches wide and 7 feet 9 inches high. The doors are about 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high. This makes loading things easy.

• You can fit 20 to 22 US standard pallets inside. You can also fit 24 to 30 Euro pallets. Using layouts like pinwheel helps use the space better.

• The most weight a 40ft container can hold, including its own weight, is about 67,200 pounds. Always check the weight of your cargo so you do not overload it.

• A 40ft high cube container is one foot taller. This gives about 13% more space inside. It is good for tall things or stacking items higher.

• Packing well means taking apart big items. Stack boxes by size and weight. Use straps and load bars to keep things from moving.

• Picking between 20ft and 40ft containers depends on your cargo size, weight, budget, and space. A 40ft container has almost twice the space for about 30% more money.

• Custom 40ft containers can have doors, windows, and insulation added. They can be made into offices, shops, cafes, or storage. This lets you get what you need.

40ft Container Dimensions

Knowing the size of a 40ft shipping container helps you plan. It stops surprises when you load your things. Every measurement is important if you want to use all the space or move big items safely.

Internal Size

You should check the inside size before you load a 40ft container. The inside space tells you how much you can fit. A standard 40ft shipping container gives you a long, wide, and tall space for your stuff. Here is a table with the main inside measurements:

These inside sizes let you stack boxes or load pallets easily. You can use the whole length for long things. The width and height help you plan for stacking or double-stacking. Movers and logistics teams use these numbers to see how many pallets or boxes will fit.

External Size

The outside size of a 40ft shipping container is important for moving and storing. A standard 40ft shipping container is 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high. These sizes follow ISO rules. This means you can move the container by ship, truck, or train without problems. The same size also makes stacking safe and easy at ports or warehouses.

If you need more space, you can pick a High Cube type. It is 9 feet 6 inches tall. This extra height gives you more room for tall things or more stacking.

Door Opening

The door opening is an important part of the 40ft container size. The doors usually open to about 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet high. This lets you load big things, like machines or large crates, without trouble. If your stuff is wider or taller than the door, you may need to change your packing plan.

Tip: Always measure your biggest item before you load. Make sure it fits through the door, not just inside the container.

The door size changes how you load and unload. It also helps you know if you need special tools, like forklifts or pallet jacks, for heavy or big things. Many shipping companies use these door sizes to keep loading quick and safe.

MEOX and other top makers build containers with exact sizes. This makes sure every 40ft container meets world rules and fits into global shipping systems.

40ft Shipping Container Capacity

Volume in Cubic Meters and Feet

When you look at a 40ft shipping container, you might wonder how much space you really get inside. The total internal volume is about 67 cubic meters, which equals around 2,366 cubic feet. This loadable volume gives you a lot of room for different types of cargo. You can use this space for moving the contents of a three or four-bedroom house, or for shipping large batches of retail goods.

• Internal length: about 12.03 meters (39 ft 6 in)

• Internal width: about 2.35 meters (7 ft 9 in)

• Internal height: about 2.39 meters (7 ft 10 in)

• Total internal volume: approximately 67 cubic meters (2,366 cubic feet)

This loadable volume supports many shipping needs. You can stack boxes, load furniture, or even fit machinery. If you plan your packing well, you can use almost every inch of the container specs.

Note: Always check the technical specs for the 40ft shipping container before loading. This helps you avoid wasted space and keeps your cargo safe.

Weight Limits

You need to know the weight limits before you start loading. The tare weight is the empty weight of the 40-foot shipping container. The maximum payload capacity tells you how much cargo you can safely load. Here is a table with the main weight specs:

The tare weight for a standard 40 foot shipping container is about 8,269 pounds. The maximum payload capacity is 61,200 pounds. The maximum load for a 40-foot container, including the container itself, is 67,200 pounds. These container specs help you plan for heavy items like machinery or bulk goods. Always check your cargo weight to stay within these limits.

If you ask, “how much does a 40-foot shipping container hold?”—the answer depends on both the loadable volume and the weight of your cargo. For light but bulky goods, you will fill the space before reaching the weight limit. For heavy goods, you may reach the maximum payload capacity before the container is full.

Pallet Capacity

Many people want to know how many pallets can fit into a 40-foot container. The answer depends on the type of pallet and how you arrange them. Here is a table to help you plan:

You can fit about 20 to 22 US standard pallets or 24 to 30 Euro pallets in a 40ft shipping container. The pinwheel layout lets you use the loadable volume more efficiently. If you use a pallet-wide container, you can fit even more Euro pallets. Always place heavy items at the bottom for safety.

Tip: Use stacking, shelving, and load bars to maximize capacity and protect your goods.

The container specs and technical specs for the 40ft shipping container make it a top choice for many industries. You can move large shipments, store goods, or even build modular spaces. Real-world experience shows that careful planning and smart packing help you get the most from your 40 foot shipping container.

What Fits in a 40-Foot Container

Household Goods

A 40-foot container has lots of space. You can use it to move or store many household items. It can hold everything from a three or four-bedroom house. Here are some things you can fit inside:

• Living room sets like sofas, chairs, and coffee tables

• Dining tables and chairs

• Up to 400 mattresses or several bedroom sets

• Kitchen appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers

• Washing machines and dryers

• Boxes filled with clothes, books, and toys

• Bicycles, sports gear, and garden tools

Take apart big furniture to save space. Put lighter boxes on top of heavier ones. Wrap breakable things with bubble wrap, blankets, or towels. Pallets help you keep things neat and use the space well. You can fit about 20 to 21 standard pallets in a 40ft container. Leave a small path so you can reach your things easily.

If you want to move your whole house, a 40 foot shipping container can do the job. Many families use these containers for moving to other countries. You can pack beds, kitchenware, and still have space for more boxes.

Tip: Measure your biggest items before you load. Make sure they fit through the container door.

Pallets and Retail Stock

A 40ft container is great for shipping retail stock and goods on pallets. You can load between 20 and 24 pallets, depending on their size and how you stack them. If you use a pallet-wide container, you can fit up to 30 Euro pallets. This makes the 40ft shipping container a favorite for many businesses.

Some things shipped this way are:

• Consumer-packaged goods like food and drinks

• Electronics such as smartphones and laptops (over 2,600 boxes of iPhones can fit in one container)

• Raw materials and industrial tools

• Auto parts, tires, and even marble or granite slabs

Pallet-wide containers give you extra benefits. They make packing faster and loading easier. The strong and sealed container keeps your goods safe. You can use different pallet types, like European, Asian, North American, or Australian pallets. Each type fits a little differently, so plan your layout for the best fit.

Note: Always check your cargo’s weight. The payload capacity of a 40ft container is about 80,350 lbs. Do not overload the container.

Vehicles and Equipment

You can use a 40 foot shipping container to move vehicles and heavy equipment. The inside space can fit up to four regular cars. SUVs and normal cars fit well. If you have a bigger truck or a tall vehicle, you might need a high cube container for more height.

You can also ship motorcycles, ATVs, or small boats. Sometimes, people put vehicles in with household goods or tools. Before loading, clean the vehicle, take out personal items, and keep the gas tank less than a quarter full. Secure each vehicle with ratchet straps, wheel chocks, or steel racks. This keeps everything safe while moving.

A 40ft container works well for many types of machinery. Here is a table with common examples:

Always follow the maximum gross weight limit, which is about 30,480 kg for a standard 40ft container. Spread the weight out so the container stays balanced.

Real-World Example: Shipping Container Cafe

Many people use 40ft containers for creative ideas. The Shipping Container Cafe is a good example. Business owners turn containers into mobile cafes. They use modular designs, insulation, and eco-friendly materials. This saves money and helps the planet. You can move the cafe to new places and get more customers. The strong steel frame keeps everything safe, even with heavy kitchen equipment inside.

Callout: You can use a 40-foot shipping container for homes, pop-up shops, offices, and even urban farms. The modular design lets you customize the space for any need.

If you ask, “how much can you fit in a 40 foot shipping container?”—the answer is almost anything. You can fit cars, furniture, retail stock, and even creative business ideas. The 40ft container gives you lots of options, safety, and space for almost any project.

40ft Container Packing Tips

Efficient Loading

Packing a 40ft container well helps you use every inch of space. You should start by planning your layout. Measure your largest items and check the container’s size. Sort your things into groups: keep, donate, or discard. This step reduces clutter and saves space.

Follow these steps for efficient loading:

1. Disassemble large furniture, like beds and tables, to make them easier to fit.

2. Use medium-sized boxes for most items. Boxes of the same size stack better and fill gaps.

3. Stack boxes and furniture up to the ceiling. Use the full height of the container.

4. Place heavy items on the floor and toward the center. Lighter items go on top.

5. Arrange boxes and odd-shaped items to fill empty spaces. This prevents wasted volume.

Tip: Floor loading (placing items directly on the container floor) often gives you more usable space than using pallets.

A real example comes from a family moving overseas. They packed their 40ft container by stacking boxes to the roof and placing mattresses along the walls. This method let them fit all their household goods and still leave a walkway for easy access.

Securing Cargo

Keeping your cargo safe during transit is just as important as loading it. You need to stop items from shifting or falling. Use straps, load bars, and dunnage bags to hold everything in place.

Here are some best practices:

• Fill gaps with foam pads, wooden blocks, or dunnage bags.

• Use ratchet straps to tie down heavy or tall items, especially near the doors.

• Attach straps to the container’s D-rings for extra security.

• Stack heavy items on the bottom and lighter ones on top to avoid crushing.

• Spread the weight evenly across the floor to keep the container balanced.

Note: Always inspect your container before loading. Make sure it is clean and dry to protect your goods.

Common Mistakes

Many people make simple mistakes when packing a 40ft container. These errors can lead to damage or wasted space. You can avoid most problems by following a few key rules.

Common mistakes include:

1. Not securing cargo tightly. Loose items can move and break.

2. Poor weight distribution. Heavy items on one side can tip the container.

3. Leaving gaps between items. Empty spaces let cargo shift during transport.

4. Overloading the container. Too much weight can damage both the container and your goods.

5. Skipping a packing plan. Without a plan, you may run out of space or overload one area.

6. Ignoring safety gear. Always use gloves and proper lifting tools.

Callout: Always follow international guidelines like the CTU Code for safe shipping container storage and loading.

If you need help, many companies offer after-sales support. They can answer questions about packing, weight limits, or securing cargo. You can also use container loading software to plan your layout and avoid mistakes.

40ft High Cube vs Standard 40ft Container

Height and Volume Differences

The biggest difference between a standard 40ft container and a 40ft high cube container is the height. The high cube container is one foot taller inside. This extra height gives you more space to use. You can fit taller things or stack boxes higher. Look at the table below to see the main differences:

A 40ft high cube container gives you about 13% more space inside. This helps if you need to pack tall items or want to stack things higher. Both containers are the same length and width. You do not need special trucks or tools to move them. Only check the height if you want to stack containers or put them under a roof.

If you want to use all the space, measure your cargo first. Compare it to the inside size of the container. Many people pick high cube containers for projects that need more headroom. These are good for mobile offices or pop-up shops.

When to Choose High Cube

Pick a 40ft high cube container if you need more height for your cargo. High cube containers are best for tall machines, big equipment, or when you want to stack boxes higher. Many businesses use high cubes because they are flexible and hold more.

Here is a simple guide to help you choose:

You will see high cube containers used in shipping, building, and farming. They are also used for container homes and mobile cafes. For example, some people turn a 40ft high cube container into a cafe. The extra height gives better air flow, more storage, and a nicer space for customers.

Tip: If you want to make your container into a home or office, the extra foot of height makes it more comfortable and gives you more ways to design the space.

High cube containers are also good for storing lots of light boxes or bulk goods. You can use the extra height to fit more things without needing a bigger container. If you are not sure which container you need, most sellers can help you pick the right size and features.

40ft Container vs Other Sizes

20ft vs 40ft

When you look at shipping container sizes, you often see 20ft and 40ft options. These two are the most common standard sizes for shipping containers. Each size has its own strengths. You should know the main differences before you choose.

Here is a table to help you compare:

You get almost double the volume with a 40ft container compared to a 20ft. The 40ft option gives you more space for bulky or large shipments. You pay only about 30% more for twice the room. This makes the 40ft container very cost-effective for big loads.

A 20ft container works well for heavy, dense cargo. It is easier to move and fits in tight spaces. Many people use 20ft containers for small shipments, temporary storage, or when space is limited. The lighter tare weight also helps when you need to keep total weight down.

Tip: If your cargo is heavy but not bulky, a 20ft container may be the best choice. If you need to move a lot of goods or large items, the 40ft container is usually better.

Choosing the Right Size

You should think about several factors when picking between standard containers. Start by looking at your cargo volume and weight. If your shipment fills more than 1,000 cubic feet, a 40ft container often makes sense. For smaller loads, a 20ft container can save you money and space.

Consider these points:

• Available Space: 20ft containers fit in smaller areas. You can place them in urban lots or tight job sites. 40ft containers need more room for delivery and setup.

• Budget: 20ft containers cost less to buy or rent. 40ft containers cost more upfront but give you better value per cubic foot.

• Type of Goods: Use 40ft containers for furniture, retail stock, or modular buildings. Choose 20ft containers for dense items like metal parts or when you need easy access.

• Project Duration: For long-term storage or permanent builds, 40ft containers offer more flexibility. For short-term or mobile projects, 20ft containers are easier to move.

Shipping container sizes also affect modifications. If you plan to turn a container into an office, home, or café, the extra length and volume of a 40ft container give you more design options. Many people use 40ft high cube containers for tall equipment or creative builds.

Note: Always check the dimensions of your site and your cargo before you order. This helps you avoid delivery problems and wasted space.

If you have questions about standard shipping containers, many suppliers offer after-sales support. They can help you with setup, repairs, or modifications. You can also ask for advice on the best size for your needs.

MEOX 40ft Container Solutions

Customization Options

You can change a standard 40ft container to fit your needs. Customization helps you make the container work for your project or business. You might want more doors, windows, or better insulation. Some people add wiring, plumbing, or climate control. Others pick special paint, logos, or extra security.

You can choose:

• Extra-wide or double doors for easy loading

• Walls inside to make separate rooms

• Stronger floors for heavy equipment

• Air vents for fresh air

• Shelves or racks for storage

• Fireproofing and safety upgrades

If you want an office, you can add lights, air conditioning, and internet. For food businesses, you can put in kitchen gear, sinks, and safe surfaces. Many people ask for special colors and logos for their brand. You can also join containers to make bigger spaces, like double garages or classrooms.

MEOX has certifications like CE, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001. These show that every container is safe and high quality. You get a product that works in any country and passes checks. The company ships to over 50 countries, so you can use these containers almost anywhere.

Tip: Before you order, write down what you need. Share your ideas with the design team. This helps you get the best results for your project.

Industry Applications

You can use a custom 40ft container in many jobs. Offices, workshops, and shops all use these containers. Some people turn them into mobile cafes or food units. Others use them for chemical storage or energy equipment.

Here is a table with common uses and real examples:

You can see how different jobs use these containers for many things. Some clients use them for quick, mobile shops. Others need safe storage for chemicals or tools. Schools use joined containers for classrooms and offices.

Many clients give good feedback. They like the fast service, quick delivery, and strong build. If you have questions after you buy, you can call customer support for help with repairs or changes. This support helps you fix problems fast and keep your project going.

Note: Custom 40ft containers give you lots of options and value. You can use them for almost anything, like business, school, or storage.

You have learned the main things about the 40ft container.

• Both standard and high cube models have lots of space inside. They can hold heavy or big items for work or home.

• A 40ft shipping container is good for moving, storing, or making cool things like offices or cafes.

• If you pack well and keep your stuff safe, you use the space better.

  If you want to know the price or need special features, you can get help and support from start to finish, including design and delivery.

FAQ

How much does a 40ft container hold?

A 40ft container holds about 67 cubic meters or 2,366 cubic feet. You can fit the contents of a three-bedroom house or up to four cars. Always check both weight and volume before loading.

Can you fit a car inside a 40ft container?

Yes, you can fit up to four standard cars inside a 40ft container. Many people ship cars this way. Use wheel chocks and straps to keep vehicles secure during transport.

What is the maximum weight for a 40ft container?

The maximum gross weight is about 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs). This includes the container and your cargo. Always check your cargo weight to avoid overloading and follow local transport rules.

How many pallets fit in a 40ft container?

You can fit 20 to 22 US standard pallets or 24 to 30 Euro pallets. The exact number depends on pallet size and how you arrange them. Use a pinwheel layout for best results.

What should you do if your cargo is too tall for a standard 40ft container?

Choose a 40ft high cube container. It gives you an extra foot of height. This helps when you need to ship tall machines, stacked boxes, or want to build a container home with more headroom.

How do you prevent cargo from shifting during transport?

Use ratchet straps, dunnage bags, and load bars. Fill empty spaces with foam or blocks. Always stack heavy items on the bottom. Secure everything to the container’s D-rings for safety.

What after-sales support is available for container buyers?

You get help with installation, repairs, and modifications. Many suppliers offer technical support and advice on packing, compliance, and maintenance. You can contact customer service for quick solutions to common problems.

Can you customize a 40ft container for special uses?

Yes, you can add doors, windows, insulation, or even turn it into a mobile café. Many people request custom paint, shelving, or climate control. Share your needs with the design team for the best results.