Dimensions, capacity, and when to use a 40ft unit
What is a 40 Foot Container?
A 40 foot container is an ISO-standard steel container offering roughly double the length of a 20ft unit. It’s widely used for international sea freight and inland transport when cargo is lighter but more voluminous. 40ft containers integrate smoothly with port handling, road haulage, and warehouse operations.
Dimensions and Capacity
| Spec | 40ft Standard |
|---|---|
| External (L × W × H) | 12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m |
| Internal (L × W × H) | 12.03 m × 2.35 m × 2.39 m |
| Internal Volume | ~67–68 m³ |
| Typical Max Payload | Up to ~28,000 kg (route dependent) |
| Typical Pallet Count | ~23–24 Euro pallets or ~20–21 UK pallets |
What Fits Inside
The 40ft size is ideal for lighter, bulky goods such as furniture, consumer products, and large packaged items. With efficient loading, you can fit up to 23–24 Euro pallets or around 20–21 UK pallets.
When to Choose a 40ft
- Your cargo is light but occupies more space (volumetric rather than weight constrained).
- You want to consolidate multiple pallets into a single FCL movement.
- You’re shipping long goods that benefit from the extra length.
How Clintopia Helps
We move 40ft containers end-to-end. For deep sea movements, visit our Sea Freight service. For UK port collection and delivery to or from your site, visit Container Haulage. We handle timings, route planning, and coordination to keep your supply chain moving.
For complete door-to-door coordination, see our Freight Forwarding service.
Related terms
Need to talk to a logistics expert?
Call us40 Foot Container — FAQs
Can't find the answer to your question? You can always request a callback from our team of experts!