Freight glossaryContainersInternational Shipping
40-ft Container
Definition
A 40-ft container is a standard shipping container about 40 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8 feet 6 inches tall, equal to two TEU.
What it means
On one major carrier's published specifications, a 40-ft standard dry container measures 12,032 x 2,350 x 2,393 mm inside, holds about 67 m³ (2,366 cu ft), weighs 3,700 kg empty and can carry up to 28,800 kg.[1] The outside is 40 ft by 8 ft by 8 ft 6 in.; the 40-ft high cube is a foot taller.
Its payload is only a little higher than a 20-ft container's, so the 40 is the box for freight that fills space before it reaches the weight limit. On U.S. roads, the truck carrying it also has to stay within gross and axle limits, which can be lower than what the container is rated for; see how much weight a 40-ft container can carry.
Related
Related terms
- Shipping ContainerA shipping container is a standardized steel box, most often 20 or 40 feet long and 8 feet wide, built to...Glossary
- 40-ft High Cube ContainerA 40-ft high cube container is a 40-ft shipping container that is 9 feet 6 inches tall, one foot taller than...Glossary
- 20-ft ContainerA 20-ft container is a standard shipping container about 20 feet long and 8 feet wide, equal to one TEU, and...Glossary
- TEUA TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) is the standard unit for counting containers: one 20-ft container is 1...Glossary
- Bridge FormulaThe federal bridge formula limits the weight on any group of two or more consecutive axles based on how many...Glossary
Related questions
- How Much Weight Can a 40-ft Container Carry?On one major carrier's published specs, a 40-ft standard dry container is rated for a maximum payload of...Answer
- How Many Cartons Fit in a 40-ft Container?It depends on the carton size, which way up the cartons may go, how high they can be stacked and what they...Answer
- Why Is Heavy Cargo Shipped in 20-ft Containers?Because a 20-ft container carries nearly as much weight as a 40-ft one in half the space. On one carrier's...Answer
Related tools
Related guides
Sources
- Maersk, “Our fleet: equipment specifications, dry containers (PDF),” Carrier equipment specification. Accessed September 30, 2026.
General operational information, not legal, customs or regulatory advice. Rules and rates change; confirm current requirements with the agency, carrier or contract that governs your shipment.