Technical Specifications Dashboard
External Dimensions
12.192 × 2.438 × 2.591 m
40' × 8' × 8'6"
Internal Dimensions
12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m
39'6" × 7'8" × 7'10"
Door Opening
2.34 × 2.28 m
7'8" × 7'6"
Internal Volume
67.7 m³
2,390 ft³
Max Payload
26,700 kg
58,863 lbs
Tare Weight
3,780 kg
8,333 lbs
Max Gross Weight
30,480 kg
67,197 lbs
Standards
ISO 668 / CSC
Global intermodal compliance
ISO 668 & ISO 6346 Compliant
40ft Container Dimensions & Capacity
The 40ft standard dry container (40DC) measures 12.192 m long × 2.438 m wide × 2.591 m high externally, with internal dimensions of 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m. The door opening is 2.34 × 2.28 m, accommodating standard pallets and forklift access. With a volume of 67.7 m³ (2,390 ft³) and a payload capacity of 26,700 kg (58,863 lbs), the 40DC is the workhorse of global containerised trade. All units comply with ISO 668 and CSC structural certification standards.
Why the 40ft Standard Container Dominates Global Trade
The 40DC is the backbone of full-container-load (FCL) operations worldwide. Doubling the loading length of a 20ft unit, it provides 67.7 m³ of cargo space while maintaining the same standardised width and height. This makes it universally compatible with port infrastructure, chassis, rail wagons, and inland trucking systems across every trade lane.
For operators seeking fleet standardisation, the 40DC offers optimal weight distribution for dense and mixed cargo profiles. Its structural design supports stacking up to 9 units high, making it a critical asset for depot storage, vessel loading, and intermodal transfer operations. The 40ft container remains the most cost-efficient unit for high-volume, long-haul freight.
Common Applications
The 40ft standard container is the preferred unit for high-volume shipments across global trade lanes:
Global Availability & Depot Network
MG-Atlantic maintains 40ft container inventory at port-based depots across 87 countries. Our positioning network spans major terminals in Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East, enabling rapid container allocation within days of order confirmation. Each 40DC unit is depot-inspected and cleared for immediate release.
Our supply chain integrates container sales, SOC one-way leasing, and export documentation support into a unified service model. Whether you need to purchase 40ft containers for storage infrastructure, lease units for FCL programmes, or secure fleet-level volumes with full shipping documentation, our team manages the entire process from depot to destination.
40DC containers for sale in the USA
Wholesale containers · For dealers, resellers and fleet buyers: one quote on the full quantity, grade confirmed in writing, units released together.
Choose the Right Container Grade for Your Operation
Operational objectives require different structural conditions. Select the grade aligned with your usage model, compliance needs, and budget strategy.
All structural grades are suitable for static storage applications. Selection depends on budget tolerance and asset lifecycle expectations.
New (One-Trip)
Factory-built 40ft container with a single export delivery cycle. Pristine structural condition with full CSC validity and minimal operational wear.
Best for: Fleet expansion, FCL programmes, asset-backed positioning.
- Maximum structural integrity, zero operational exposure
- Full ISO & CSC compliance with factory warranty
- Highest secondary market value for 40ft units
- Optimal for institutional fleet standardisation programmes
Cargo Worthy (CW)
Inspected and certified for international ocean transport. Fully seaworthy 40ft container approved for active intermodal operations under current CSC standards.
Best for: FCL shipping, freight forwarding, trade lane coverage.
- Valid CSC plate, immediate intermodal compliance
- Cost-efficient FCL solution with proven operational reliability
- Ready for vessel loading without additional certification
- Balanced asset lifecycle between acquisition cost and operational exposure
IICL Standard
Refurbished 40ft container according to Institute of International Container Lessors standards. Higher cosmetic and structural grading for institutional-grade deployments.
Best for: Leasing fleets, institutional operators, premium storage.
- Strict multi-point inspection and grading protocol
- Enhanced flooring, door gaskets, and panel condition
- Optimized lifecycle performance for leasing programmes
- Meets institutional compliance for fleet-grade 40ft deployment
As-Is
Sold without structural certification. Suitable for static storage, structural conversion, or project-based usage outside intermodal operations.
Best for: Construction sites, modular builds, storage yards.
- Budget-oriented acquisition with minimal capital exposure
- Conversion-friendly, no certification overhead
- Sourced on request across the depot network
- Ideal for non-transport applications with fixed deployment
40ft Container Pricing Factors
40ft container pricing reflects FCL demand cycles, commodity markets, and regional logistics conditions. These five factors shape acquisition cost across all condition grades.
Market Pricing Drivers
- FCL trade cycles & seasonal demand shifts
- Steel index & new-build replacement value
- Regional depot surplus vs. deficit positioning
Get a location-based quote for accurate pricing.
Indicative guidance, final pricing depends on depot location, condition grade, and timing.
Market Dynamics
Peak FCL seasons (Q3–Q4) tighten availability across east-west corridors, driving pricing upward for 40ft units.
IMPACT: HIGHSteel Index Impact
New-build costs track global steel indices. Rising input prices cascade into used 40ft market valuations.
STRUCTURAL DRIVERRegional Positioning
A 40DC at a surplus port costs significantly less than the same unit at a deficit depot. Repositioning drives the gap.
MOST SENSITIVE LEVERCondition Grade
New, IICL, Cargo Worthy and As-Is represent structured pricing tiers. Certification impacts resale and insurance eligibility.
IMPACT: MEDIUM–HIGHVolume-Based Pricing
Multi-unit procurement (10+) unlocks tiered pricing and priority depot allocation for 40ft fleet operations.
SCALABLE ADVANTAGEMarket