40 Foot Shipping Container

40 ft Shipping Container Dimensions

The container measurements for the 40 ft models are globally consistent, making it easy for these moving containers to fit on shipping vessels, trucks, and trains worldwide.

40 ft Container Height

High cube containers, which are great for taller items, have an external height of 9 feet 6 inches (2.89 meters) and an internal height of 8 feet 9 inches (2.67 meters). The door opening is 8 feet 5 inches (2.57 meters).

40 ft Container Length

40 ft Container Width

Door Dimensions of a 40 ft Shipping Container

• Door shipping container width: 7 feet 8 inches (2.34 meters)
• Door shipping container height: 7 feet 5 inches (2.28 meters)

40 ft Container Weight

These can vary depending on the manufacturer and type. Check the weight restrictions for different shipping routes, as limits vary by country and transport method.

40 Feet Size Comparison

What does a 40 feet shipping container compare to? To put its massive size into perspective, it’s roughly the size of a two-car garage or a small school bus. 

Compared to a 20-foot container, a 40 ft moving container provides double the length. This extra space makes these containers ideal for families moving an entire household or businesses shipping bulk goods.

How Much Furniture Can Fit In a 40-Foot Container?

You can move large furniture pieces and packed boxes in a 40-foot shipping container. A standard 40 ft container is approximately 67.7 cubic meters (cbm) or 2,350 cubic feet. 

A 40 ft shipping container fits a 3-4 bedroom house with a living room, dining room, den, and kitchen. It fits multiple couches, beds, dining sets, appliances, and dozens of moving boxes. You can move 22 standard pallets of goods, 200 standard moving boxes or 8,000 shoe boxes.

How to Pack a Container for Moving

The volume dimensions above help you visualize what fits into the 40 ft shipping container, but it all depends on how you pack and stack items. Pallets or crates allow for easy stacking and (un)loading.

Packing a 40-foot container efficiently needs careful planning to maximize space and protect items from damage. Use these tips to pack a container for moving:

• Place heavy, sturdy items against the wall to create a stable base, using plastic wrap or blankets and straps to secure them.
• Stack lighter, fragile items on top with soft materials like foam, pillows and blankets to fill gaps.
• Cardboard boxes are best for small and light items.
• Distribute weight to prevent it from shifting during transport.

If you’re shipping outside of Canada, make sure the load meets the Canadian and destination country customs requirements. Certain items could be restricted or you might need special documentation.