The 40-foot container is currently the most spacious format in the Eurocontex range. Popular with European professionals, it offers an exceptional volume for storing and transporting large quantities of goods. In this comprehensive guide, Eurocontex explains everything you need to know about the 40-foot container: exact dimensions, load capacity, price, and main uses in Europe.
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1. Exact dimensions of the 40-foot container
The 40-foot container gets its name from its approximate length in feet. It is important to distinguish between external and internal dimensions. The internal space is what matters for your use.
External dimensions
| Measurement | Value |
| Length | 12.19 m |
| Width | 2.44 m |
| Height | 2.59 m |
Internal dimensions
| Measurement | Value |
| Length | 12.03 m |
| Width | 2.35 m |
| Height | 2.39 m |
| Usable volume | ~67 m³ |
Load capacity
| Measurement | Value |
| Empty weight | ~3,800 kg |
| Maximum load | ~26,500 kg |
| Total gross weight | ~30,480 kg |
⚠️ The 20-foot container supports a slightly higher maximum load (~28,000 kg) thanks to its more compact and rigid structure. If your project requires the transport of very heavy goods, the 20-foot container may therefore be a better choice.
2. 40-foot Standard vs. High Cube container: what's the difference?
At Eurocontex, the 40-foot container is available in two versions. Here are the essential differences to know:
The 40-foot Standard
This is the classic model with an interior height of 2.39 m. It is perfectly suited for storing standard goods and transporting European pallets.
The 40-foot High Cube
This model offers an additional 30 cm in interior height (2.69 m). Therefore, it is ideal for bulky goods and development projects. Furthermore, its usable volume increases to 76 m³, which is 9 m³ more than the standard.
| Characteristic | 40-foot Standard | 40-foot High Cube |
| Exterior height | 2.59 m | 2.89 m |
| Interior height | 2.39 m | 2.69 m |
| Usable volume | ~67 m³ | ~76 m³ |
| Main use | Storage, transport | Development, volume |
👉 Buy your 40-foot standard container
👉 Buy your 40-foot high cube container
3. New or used: which 40-foot container to choose?
The 40-foot container is available in two conditions. The choice depends primarily on your budget and your use:
New (One Trip) — The container has made only one trip from the Asian factory. It is in perfect condition, with no rust or repairs. This is the ideal option for demanding development projects.
Used — The container has been used for several years for maritime transport. However, it still meets the ISO 668 watertightness standards. This is the most economical solution for storage.
At Eurocontex, we carefully inspect each container before delivery. This guarantees optimal quality for our European customers.
4. How many pallets in a 40-foot container?
This is one of the most frequent questions about the 40-foot container. Here are the capacities depending on the type of pallet:
| Pallet type | Number on 1 level | Number on 2 levels |
| European pallet (120x80 cm) | ~20 pallets | ~40 pallets |
| American pallet (120x100 cm) | ~18 pallets | ~36 pallets |
| Industrial pallet (120x120 cm) | ~16 pallets | ~32 pallets |
⚠️ These figures are indicative. They vary depending on the height and weight of the goods. The maximum load of 26,500 kg must never be exceeded.
5. The 5 main uses of the 40-foot container in Europe
The 40-foot container is the most suitable format for large projects. Here are its five most common uses in Europe:
Use 1 — Industrial and commercial storage
Its exceptional volume of 67 m³ makes it the ideal solution for large companies. It advantageously replaces a traditional warehouse. Furthermore, its robustness guarantees maximum protection of goods against bad weather and intrusion.
Use 2 — Transport of goods in bulk
The 40-foot container can transport approximately 20 European pallets on a single level. It is therefore the preferred format for large-scale commercial exchanges within the European Union.
Use 3 — Modular development and architecture
The 40-foot High Cube container is the ideal base for creating living and working spaces. Modular offices, alternative homes, pop-up shops: its length of 12.03 m offers an interior surface area of ~28 m². It is therefore an economical and ecological alternative to traditional constructions.
Use 4 — Temporary warehouse on construction sites
Its large capacity makes it particularly suitable for large-scale construction sites. It efficiently stores materials, tools, and heavy equipment. Consequently, it secures goods against theft and bad weather on large European construction sites.
Use 5 — Agricultural and viticultural storage
More and more farms in Europe are using the 40-foot container as a storage solution. It effectively protects agricultural equipment, harvests, and inputs. However, local regulations must be checked before installation.
6. Price of a 40-foot container in Europe
The price of a 40-foot container varies depending on its condition and type. Here are our starting prices at Eurocontex:
| Type | Condition | Starting price |
| 40-foot Standard | Used | From €2,024.99 |
| 40-foot Standard | New (One Trip) | From €3,124.99 |
| 40-foot High Cube | Used | From €2,324.99 |
| 40-foot High Cube | New (One Trip) | From €3,424.99 |
The 40-foot container is the ideal solution for all projects requiring a large volume. Industrial storage, goods transport, or modular development: this format meets all professional needs in Europe. At Eurocontex, we offer 40-foot containers in standard and high cube versions, new or used, delivered throughout the European Union.
