Why Choose a 40ft Shipping Container?
A 40ft shipping container gives you 320 square feet of floor space and either 2,560 cubic feet (Standard) or 2,880 cubic feet (High Cube) of usable storage volume — double the capacity of a 20ft container for a fraction of the per-square-foot cost. Built from Corten weathering steel and engineered to ISO 668 standards, 40ft containers are designed to withstand ocean crossings, which means they're more than capable of handling whatever you put inside them on land.
Their size makes them the go-to choice for contractors, businesses, property developers, and homeowners who need serious storage capacity, a mobile office, a custom workshop, or the structural foundation for a container home. And because every 40ft container we sell comes with delivery included in the price, what you see is what you pay — no surprises at checkout.
40ft Standard vs 40ft High Cube — which is right for you?
Standard (8'6" exterior height): Fits under most overhead obstructions. Standard stacking height. Ideal for general storage, job sites, and commercial use.
High Cube (9'6" exterior height): One extra foot of interior clearance (8'10" interior vs 7'10"). Ideal for container homes, offices, workshops, walk-in storage, or anyone storing tall equipment. Priced comparably to the Standard.
40ft Shipping Container Dimensions & Specifications
Use the table below to confirm a 40ft container meets your space and weight requirements before ordering.
40ft Standard (8'6" tall)
- Exterior: 40'0" L × 8'0" W × 8'6" H
- Interior: 39'5" L × 7'8" W × 7'10" H
- Door opening: 7'8" W × 7'6" H
- Floor space: 320 sq ft | Cubic capacity: 2,560 cu ft
- Tare weight: 8,340 lbs | Max gross: 66,139 lbs
- Steel: Corten weathering steel, 14 gauge | ISO 668 Series 1
40ft High Cube (9'6" tall)
- Exterior: 40'0" L × 8'0" W × 9'6" H
- Interior: 39'4" L × 7'7" W × 8'10" H
- Door opening: 7'8" W × 8'5" H
- Floor space: 320 sq ft | Cubic capacity: 2,880 cu ft
- Tare weight: 8,750 lbs | Max gross: 68,008 lbs
- Steel: Corten weathering steel, 14 gauge | ISO 668 Series 1
40ft Shipping Container Grades — Which One Is Right for You?
Every 40ft container we sell goes through a dual inspection process before it leaves our facility. You carry out a final 5-point inspection at delivery. Here's exactly what each grade means and who it suits best:
New / One-Trip — Used once to ship goods overseas. Minimal wear, clean floors, tight seals. Includes 5-year structural and no-leak warranty. Best for: container homes, food businesses, high-end storage.
Multi-Trip — Used 2–5 times. Excellent condition, no major structural issues. Near-new quality at a lower price. Best for: commercial storage, job sites, cost-conscious buyers.
Cargo Worthy (CW) — Passes Marine Survey inspection; certifiable for international re-shipping. May show surface rust or minor dents. Includes 5-year structural, 5-year no-leak warranty, and lifetime support. Best for: import/export, marine-certified needs.
Wind & Water Tight (WWT) — Structurally sound and fully sealed against wind and rain. Not marine-certified but weatherproof on land. Most popular grade. Best for: on-site storage, residential, contractors — best value weatherproof option.
Economy Grade — Most affordable option. Visible wear, surface rust, and possible prior repairs. Structurally sound. Includes 1-year leak warranty. Best for: budget storage where appearance is not a concern.
All five grades are available in both the 40ft Standard and 40ft High Cube configurations, and all include multiple door configurations — cargo doors on both ends, side doors, or roll-up doors.
40ft Container Door Configurations
When you add a 40ft container to your cart, you'll choose the door configuration that best fits your site layout and access needs. Available options include:
- Standard cargo doors (both ends): Full-width double swing doors front and rear. Maximum access for forklifts, pallets, and large equipment.
- Side doors: Doors mounted along the long side of the container. Useful when end access is limited by your site.
- Roll-up doors: Overhead roll-up door instead of swing doors — better for tight spaces and frequent access.
- Double-door (both ends open): Cargo doors at both ends for maximum drive-through access or ventilation.
You'll also choose door orientation at checkout — simply specify whether you want the container doors facing forward or to the rear when it's unloaded at your site.
Why Buy Your 40ft Container from Container One?
Container One is the leading provider of shipping containers for sale in the United States. Here's what sets us apart from other 40ft container dealers:
- Price includes delivery — always: No extra transport fees. The price you see at checkout is the price you pay.
- 30+ years of industry experience: We've been matching buyers with the right containers since before most of our competitors existed.
- 300+ inventory locations nationwide: Faster delivery, lower transport costs, and more grade options than single-depot dealers.
- Dual 5-point inspection on every unit: Every container is inspected before it leaves our yard. You inspect again at delivery.
- 70,000+ happy customers: Trusted by homeowners, contractors, businesses, and government agencies across all 50 states.
- A+ BBB rating, 4.6 stars on BBB, 4.5 stars on Google: Independently verified ratings you can check right now.
- Flexible financing — 12 to 60 months: Own your container without paying everything upfront.
- Lifetime customer support: We don't disappear after delivery. Our team is available 24/7.
- Trusted by major organisations: Walmart, Target, USDA, Halliburton, Allstate, John Deere, and the U.S. Department of Defense have all sourced containers through Container One.
What Can You Use a 40ft Container For?
A 40ft container is one of the most versatile structures you can own. Common uses include:
- Storage — Keep tools, inventory, equipment, and seasonal goods secure on-site year-round.
- Job site offices — Set up a lockable, weatherproof site office that moves with your project.
- Container homes — 320 sq ft of structural steel gives you a solid foundation for a single-unit home or part of a multi-container build.
- Workshops & studios — With 8'10" of interior height in the High Cube, there's room for full-size equipment, benches, and ventilation.
- Retail & pop-up shops — Side doors, windows, and roll-up doors turn a 40ft container into a permanent or travelling retail space.
- Agricultural storage — Protect feed, machinery, and chemicals from the elements on farms and rural properties.
- Disaster relief & emergency storage — Pre-positioned, weatherproof, and immediately deployable for emergency supply staging.
- Pool surrounds & bar builds — High Cube containers are increasingly used as outdoor entertainment structures alongside residential pools and patios.
Frequently Asked Questions — 40ft Shipping Containers
How much does a 40ft shipping container cost?
40ft shipping container prices depend on the condition grade, size (Standard or High Cube), and your delivery location. Economy Grade 40ft containers start at the lowest price point, while new one-trip units are at the higher end. All Container One prices include delivery to your ZIP code — enter your address at the top of this page for an exact all-in quote.
What are the dimensions of a 40ft shipping container?
A 40ft Standard shipping container measures 40'0" long × 8'0" wide × 8'6" tall on the exterior, with interior dimensions of 39'5" long × 7'8" wide × 7'10" tall. The 40ft High Cube version is identical in length and width but stands 9'6" tall on the exterior, giving 8'10" of interior ceiling height. Door opening is 7'8" wide × 7'6" tall (Standard) or 8'5" tall (High Cube).
What is the interior size of a 40ft container?
The interior of a 40ft Standard container is 39'5" long × 7'8" wide × 7'10" tall, giving 2,560 cubic feet of usable volume and 320 square feet of floor space. The 40ft High Cube offers the same floor plan but with 8'10" of interior height, increasing cubic capacity to 2,880 cubic feet.
How much does a 40ft shipping container weigh?
A 40ft Standard shipping container weighs approximately 8,340 lbs (3,783 kg) empty. The 40ft High Cube is slightly heavier at around 8,750 lbs (3,969 kg). Maximum gross weight for both is approximately 66,139 lbs (30,000 kg) including cargo.
How do I know which grade of 40ft container is right for me?
If appearance matters — for a container home, food business, or high-visibility location — choose One-Trip or Multi-Trip. If you need solid weatherproof storage and cosmetics are not a priority, Wind & Water Tight is the most popular and best-value option. If you need a container that can be certified for international re-shipping, choose Cargo Worthy. If you need the lowest possible price for basic storage, Economy Grade works — but expect visible wear. Our team is available 24/7 to talk you through the right choice for your specific use case.
What is the difference between a 40ft Standard and a 40ft High Cube container?
Both are 40 feet long and 8 feet wide. The difference is height: a Standard container stands 8'6" tall on the exterior (7'10" interior clearance), while a High Cube is 9'6" tall on the exterior (8'10" interior clearance) — one full additional foot of head room. High Cube containers are the preferred choice for container homes, offices, and any build where ceiling height matters. Both are priced comparably across equivalent grades.
What should I look for when inspecting a used 40ft container at delivery?
At delivery, carry out a 5-point inspection: (1) check the roof and walls for holes or rust-through by looking for daylight from inside; (2) check that both doors open, close, and lock securely; (3) check the floor for soft spots, rot, or penetrating damage; (4) check door seals for gaps that would allow water or pests in; (5) inspect the undercarriage and corner castings for structural damage. If any issue is found, document it before signing the delivery receipt and contact Container One immediately — we guarantee every container meets its stated grade.
How long does it take to receive a 40ft container after ordering?
Most 40ft container deliveries are completed within 3–7 business days of confirmed order. Remote addresses or custom-specification containers may take up to 14 business days. Within 24 hours of placing your order, our team will call to confirm details and provide your delivery window.
Does the 40ft shipping container price include delivery?
Yes. Every price displayed on Container One includes delivery to your ZIP code. There are no additional transport or drop-off fees. Enter your ZIP code at the top of this page to see your all-in delivered price before you add anything to your cart.
Can I finance a 40ft shipping container?
Yes. Container One offers financing and rent-to-own options on 12–60 month terms. At checkout, choose the financing option and complete your application. You can also pay in full by credit card, debit card, check, or ACH.
What do I need to prepare before my 40ft container is delivered?
You'll need a level, firm surface at the drop-off point (gravel, concrete, or packed dirt), an access path at least 12 feet wide, overhead clearance for the delivery truck, and approximately 80–100 feet of straight run-up for tilt-bed delivery. If you're placing the container permanently on a residential or commercial property, check local zoning rules before ordering. Our team is happy to talk through your specific site setup before you book.
Can I customise my 40ft shipping container?
Yes. Container One offers a full range of modifications including roll-up doors, man doors, windows, vents, lock boxes, insulation, electrical fit-outs, ramps, partitions, and complete interior builds for offices or homes. Browse the Modified Containers collection for ready-built units, or contact us to discuss a custom specification. Note that modifications are priced separately from the base container.
What is a Wind & Water Tight container?
A Wind & Water Tight (WWT) container is a used container that has been retired from active shipping but is structurally sound and fully sealed against wind and rain. It will not pass a Marine Survey inspection for re-use on a ship or train, but it provides the same level of weather protection as a Cargo Worthy container for on-land storage. WWT is the most popular grade for general storage, job sites, and commercial use because it offers excellent protection at the lowest possible price for a weatherproof unit.
What is a Cargo Worthy container?
A Cargo Worthy (CW) container is a used container guaranteed to pass a Marine Survey inspection — meaning it can be legally re-certified to carry goods on ships and trains internationally. Cargo Worthy containers may show signs of use including surface rust, minor dents, or previous repairs, but they meet all structural integrity standards. They come with a 5-year structural warranty, a 5-year no-leak warranty, and lifetime customer support from Container One.
Ready to Buy a 40ft Shipping Container?
Stop searching for 40ft containers for sale near you. Container One delivers to all 50 states, with all-inclusive pricing that includes delivery to your door. Enter your ZIP code at the top of this page to see your exact delivered price in seconds — or call (330) 286-0526 to speak with a container specialist, available 24/7.
With over 70,000 happy customers, 30+ years of experience, an A+ BBB rating, and 300+ inventory locations nationwide, Container One is the most trusted name in 40ft shipping containers for sale in the United States.
