Containers & Trailers·4 min read·Verified 2026-10-06

40ft Shipping Container Dimensions & Loading Capacity

A complete guide to 40-foot standard dry ocean containers, detailing interior measurements, volumetric capacity, pallet counts, and loading strategies.

40ft Container Interior Dimensions

* Internal Length: 12,032 mm (39 ft 5.7 in) * Internal Width: 2,350 mm (7 ft 8.5 in) * Internal Height: 2,393 mm (7 ft 10 in) * Door Opening: 2,340 mm (W) × 2,274 mm (H) * Nominal Volume: 67.7 CBM (2,390 cu ft) * Approximate Maximum Payload: 28,800 kg (63,490 lb)

Practical Volume & Pallet Capacity

A 40ft container realistically accommodates 55 to 60 CBM of packed cartons. For palletized shipments, a 40ft container holds 20–21 standard North American GMA pallets (48×40 in) or 24–25 Euro pallets (1200×800 mm) on a single floor layer.
Authoritative Basis

Standards & References

Ocean container lines (reference: Maersk dry container specifications)Verified: 2026-10-06

Dry container reference specifications — 20 ft, 40 ft and 40 ft high cube ↗

Internal dimensions, door openings and approximate payloads were taken as representative planning figures. Carriers publish slightly different values per equipment type and manufacturer.

Interactive Calculators

Calculate This Topic

Containers & TrailersContainer Loading Calculator →Plan 3D box packing into 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft High Cube containers with payload and volume utilization.Containers & TrailersPallets Per Container Calculator →Calculate how many standard Euro or GMA pallets fit on the floor of 20ft and 40ft containers.
Further Reading

Related Guides

Containers & Trailers5 min read
Shipping Container Dimensions →A reference comparison of standard dry shipping containers (20ft, 40ft, 40ft HC), including internal dimensions, cubic capacities, door clear openings, and payloads.
Containers & Trailers4 min read
40ft High Cube Container Dimensions →An overview of 40-foot High Cube containers, explaining the 30 cm vertical height extension, cubic capacity gains, and ideal cargo applications.