40ft Shipping Containers for Sale

What Is a 40ft Shipping Container?

A 40ft shipping container, also called a 40ft sea container, is a steel unit used for cargo transport, secure storage and commercial modification projects. A conventional dry container has cargo doors at one end and can be placed at ground level for direct access.

The 40ft format provides approximately twice the interior floor area of a 20ft container. Its longer interior accommodates larger inventories, equipment and materials within one enclosure. Payload limits remain specific to the selected unit and should be evaluated separately from storage volume.

40ft Shipping Container Dimensions and Capacity

A standard-height 40ft shipping container measures 40 feet long, 8 feet wide and 8 feet 6 inches high on the exterior. A high cube has the same exterior length and width, with a height of 9 feet 6 inches.

The additional foot of height increases storage volume and door clearance while retaining the same footprint.

These figures represent current ATS dry container configurations and are intended for initial planning. Floor area and volume are calculated from the listed interior dimensions and rounded. Exact dimensions, weight and payload can vary by unit, manufacturer, condition and configuration.

View the complete shipping container size chart

Choosing Standard Height or High Cube

Standard-height and high cube containers share the same nominal 40ft by 8ft footprint. The choice depends on the height of the stored goods, loading requirements and planned interior fittings.

Standard-height 40ft container

A standard-height 40ft container provides approximately 7 feet 10 inches of interior height and a door opening approximately 7 feet 5 inches high. While shipping lines are gradually phasing out this size in favor of high cubes, standard units remain a practical option for commercial storage or for applications where transportation height restrictions make high cubes less viable, as taller units may require specialized transport equipment such as step-deck trailers.

40ft high cube container

A high cube provides approximately 8 feet 10 inches of interior height and a door opening approximately 8 feet 5 inches high. Because the global shipping industry has largely standardized on this size, 40ft high cube containers offer greater availability and are often more affordable than their standard-height counterparts. The extra clearance supports taller equipment, higher storage arrangements, and projects where insulation or interior finishes will occupy part of the available space.

The final layout, access requirements and load limits determine how much of the interior can be used.

Built for Secure Commercial Storage

The 40ft format supports businesses and institutions that need substantial storage capacity in one location:

• CORTEN steel construction: Corrugated steel panels designed for strength and long service in exposed conditions.
• Marine-grade plywood flooring: Current standard configurations use 19-ply flooring that is approximately 1.1 inches (28 mm) thick.
• Weatherproof vents: Ventilation supports airflow through the container.
• Locking-bar cargo doors: Steel locking bars and door seals provide secure access and weather protection.
• Secure lockbox: Certain configurations include a steel housing that protects the padlock from direct access.

ATS provides the exact features, dimensions, approximate weight and payload for each available product. This allows buyers to evaluate the selected unit against site, storage, security and procurement requirements.

Choosing a New or Used 40ft Container

Condition and configuration are separate considerations. A container’s height, door arrangement and included features should be reviewed alongside its condition and grade.

New one-trip 40ft container

A new, one-trip container provides a clean, uniform appearance with limited prior service. This can suit long-term storage, public-facing commercial sites and modification projects where the exterior finish is an important consideration.

Features, colours and door configurations may vary depending on the selected container.

Used 40ft container

A used container provides secure commercial storage with the established appearance of prior cargo service. Cosmetic wear may include surface rust, faded paint and minor dents.

Common Applications for 40ft Shipping Containers

The 40ft format supports businesses and institutions that need substantial storage capacity in one location:

• Construction and engineering projects:Equipment, tools, project materials and bulk consumables.
• Mining and industrial operations:Maintenance supplies, replacement parts and field equipment.
  
• Manufacturing and distribution:Finished goods, packaging, tooling and overflow inventory.
• Retail and distribution: Seasonal merchandise, fixtures and stock held during renovations.
• Transportation and automotive: Tires, parts, service equipment and fleet supplies.
  
• Agriculture: Equipment, tools and operating materials.
• Schools and Municipalities: Grounds equipment, records, athletics gear and program supplies.
• Events and Hospitality: Staging, furniture, equipment and supplies between uses.

Accessories and Modifications

A 40ft container can be configured around loading access, security, storage layout and environmental requirements. Its length provides room for shelving, separated storage areas and project-specific interior arrangements.

Options may include paint, decals, shelving, electrical service, lighting, ventilation, insulation, windows, personnel doors and roll-up doors. Available door configurations and modifications depend on the selected unit and project scope.

Security accessories include padlocks, puck lockboxes and other lockbox configurations.

View container accessories and the complete inventory of custom modifications.

Delivery and Site Placement

ATS commonly delivers 40ft containers by tilt-bed trailer for ground-level placement. Typical planning requirements for a 40ft delivery include:

• Straight-line clearance: A minimum of 110 feet for the truck, trailer and container.
• Width clearance: A minimum of 14 feet along the delivery and placement area.
• Overhead clearance: ATS’s general delivery guide shows approximately 18 feet while the trailer is raised.
• Turning space: Sufficient room at the property entrance and within the site for the delivery vehicle to reach the placement area.
• Ground conditions: A firm, dry and level surface that can support the loaded delivery vehicle and container.
• Drainage: A prepared surface that limits standing water beneath the container.
• Door orientation: The requested final door position determines how the container is loaded on the delivery trailer.

The container footprint is one part of the site plan. Delivery access, door clearance and the space needed for routine loading should also be included.

Review the container delivery guide.

40ft Shipping Container Pricing

Each 40ft container for sale is quoted for the selected unit and delivery location. The main pricing factors are:

• Container condition and grade: New one-trip, wind and watertight, cargo worthy or another available classification.
• Height and configuration: Standard height, high cube, door arrangement and other product specifications.
• Current inventory: Available at the nearest serving depot.
• Delivery requirements: Distance, site access, equipment and placement orientation.
• Accessories and modifications: Paint, doors, shelving, ventilation, electrical work and other selected options.
• Order quantity: The number of units required and the delivery schedule.

Request a quote or contact a container specialist at 1.866.846.0270 for current pricing and availability.

40ft Shipping Container FAQs