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40ft Standard ISO Shipping Container: Technical & Commercial Guide
1. Product Overview
The 40ft Standard Shipping Container (ISO 1AA or 22G1) is the global benchmark for high-volume intermodal logistics and large-scale onsite storage. Standing at a standard height of 8' 6" (2.59m), it provides a massive internal volume of approximately 2,386 to 2,389 cubic feet.
While a 20ft container is often favored for heavy, dense materials (like cement or steel), the 40ft standard is the ideal solution for lighter, voluminous cargo, palletized inventory, or structural modifications where a larger footprint is required. It offers roughly double the storage capacity of a 20ft unit for a significantly lower price-per-square-foot.
2. Technical Specifications Table
|
Category |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
External Length |
12,192 mm |
40' 0" |
|
External Width |
2,438 mm |
8' 0" |
|
External Height |
2,591 mm |
8' 6" |
|
Internal Length (Usable) |
12,032 mm |
39' 5.7" |
|
Internal Width (Usable) |
2,352 mm |
7' 8.6" |
|
Internal Height (Usable) |
2,393 mm |
7' 10.2" |
|
Door Aperture Width |
2,340 mm |
7' 8.1" |
|
Door Aperture Height |
2,280 mm |
7' 5.8" |
|
Cubic Capacity |
67.6 - 67.7 m³ |
2,386 - 2,389 ft³ |
|
Tare Weight (Empty) |
~3,700 - 3,800 kg |
~8,150 - 8,400 lbs |
|
Max Gross Weight (MGW) |
30,480 - 32,500 kg |
67,200 - 71,650 lbs |
Note: All specifications are based on ISO 668 ratings. Exact tare weights may vary slightly by manufacturer and flooring material.
3. Condition Grading & Selection
Choosing the correct grade depends on the intended application, budget, and desired longevity.
3.1 New / "One-Trip" Containers
These units are manufactured in Asia and shipped with a single cargo load to North America or Europe to offset transport costs.
3.2 Cargo Worthy (CW)
Retired from shipping line service (typically 10-15 years old), these units are inspected to ensure they meet structural criteria for international transport.
3.3 Wind and Water Tight (WWT)
The most budget-friendly used option, WWT containers are retired from shipping and sold exclusively for static storage.
4. Engineering & Material Features
5. Logistics & Delivery Clearance
The delivery of a 40ft container requires significantly more space than a 20ft unit due to the length of the specialized tilt-bed truck.