Shipping containers are a vital part of global trade. These tough, steel boxes transport goods across oceans, countries, and continents, making them a key element of modern commerce. Since there are so many different types and sizes of containers, it’s important to know their dimensions, especially when dealing with a 40-foot shipping container. If you’ve ever asked, “How wide is a 40-foot shipping container?” then you’re in the right place!
In this blog, we’ll go over the typical width of a 40-foot container, why that measurement matters, and how it affects shipping, storage, and logistics.
What is a 40-Foot Shipping Container?
A 40-foot shipping container is one of the most widely used types of containers for transporting goods globally. It’s 40 feet long (about 12 meters). There are two main types of 40-foot containers: the standard 40ft shipping container and the high cube 40ft container.
- Standard 40-Foot Container: This version has a height of about 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters).
- High Cube 40-Foot Container: The high cube version has the same length and width but is taller, standing at 9 feet 6 inches (2.90 meters).
While the height differs between these types, the shipping container dimension that stays the same is the width.
How Wide is a 40-Foot Shipping Container?
The main question is: How wide is a 40-foot shipping container?
A standard 40 shipping container has a width of 8 feet (2.44 meters). This is the standard size used all over the world for 40-foot shipping projects. Even for the high cube version, the width remains the same at 8 feet.
While 8 feet might seem spacious, the interior width is a bit smaller due to the thickness of the container’s walls. Inside, the width is usually around 7 feet 8 inches (2.33 meters).
Why Does the Width Matter?
The width of a 40 ft shipping container is important for several reasons. Here’s why the container width matters:
1. Efficient Shipping and Transportation
The width of a 40-foot container makes shipping easier. With a width of 8 feet, this standardized dimension allows containers to be easily loaded onto ships, trucks, and trains. This standard size helps companies move goods efficiently, saving time and money on transportation.
2. Storage Space
Knowing the width is crucial when you want to figure out how much you can store inside. With an interior width of about 7 feet 8 inches, it helps determine how many pallets or large items can fit inside. This allows for better organization and maximization of space.
3. Loading and Unloading
The 8-foot width of the container makes loading and unloading goods much easier. It ensures that equipment like forklifts can easily fit inside, allowing quick movement of goods in and out of the container.
4. International Trade and Standardization
The 8-foot width is part of a global standard used around the world, making it easier to handle shipping containers at ports. Standardization ensures smooth loading and unloading of containers, which helps facilitate international trade. This standard width means 40-foot shipping containers can easily be moved between countries.
5. Cost Efficiency
Using a standard width of 8 feet helps reduce costs for container manufacturers and shipping companies. Since the containers are the same size, they are cheaper to make, store, and transport, which leads to cost efficiency in the global shipping industry. This helps keep shipping costs predictable and affordable.
How Much Cargo Can Fit in a 40-Foot Shipping Container?
Understanding the shipping container dimensions helps you figure out how much cargo can fit inside. A 40-foot container offers a lot of space for goods, especially if you know the amount of room you have to work with.
- A standard 40-foot shipping container has a cargo capacity of around 2,385 cubic feet (67.5 cubic meters).
- A high cube 40-foot container provides more room, with a cargo capacity of about 2,700 cubic feet (76.5 cubic meters).
The number of pallets that can fit inside depends on the size and shape of the goods. A 40-foot container can typically hold about 20-22 standard American pallets or 22-24 Euro pallets. Knowing these measurements helps you plan for the maximum load and payload capacity the container can carry.
Conclusion
Knowing the width and size of a 40-foot shipping container is important for efficient shipping, storage, and logistics. With a standard width of 8 feet, these containers are built to make transportation simpler, optimize space, and help with smooth international trade. Whether you’re shipping goods or storing items, understanding the shipping container dimensions can help you make the most of the available space.
Find the Perfect 40-Foot Shipping Container for Your Needs at SuperBox
At SuperBox, we offer durable 40-foot shipping containers ideal for shipping goods or even creating office spaces and living spaces. Our containers are wind and water tight, keeping your items safe and protected. Whether you need a standard container for shipping or one modified for a special project, we have what you’re looking for.
Need a reliable solution? Call SuperBox at 1-866-696-9269 today to learn more about our containers and modifications. We’re here to help you find exactly what you need!
