As much as our business involves selling and fabricating shipping containers, it’s important to advise our clients on container dimensions and carrying capacity.
Understanding container dimensions, particularly for a 40-foot container will help you calculate how many boxes can fit inside if you want to use it either for storage or transit.
This guide breaks down the dimensions and capacity of a 40-foot container to help you estimate your container load accurately.
Dimensions of a 40-Foot Shipping Container
A standard 40-foot shipping container is one of the most commonly used container sizes in international shipping. Its internal dimensions are approximately:
- Length: 12.03 meters (39.5 feet)
- Width: 2.35 meters (7.7 feet)
- Height: 2.39 meters (7.9 feet)
The container capacity of a 40-foot container is around 67 cubic meters (CBM), while the high cube version provides an extra foot in height, bringing the capacity up to approximately 76 CBM.
These dimensions allow for efficient stacking and loading, making it easier to calculate the number of boxes or pallets that can fit.
Summary Table of 40-Foot Container Dimensions
| Container Type | Length | Width | Height | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40ft Standard | 12.03m | 2.35m | 2.39m | 67 cbm |
| 40ft High Cube | 12.03m | 2.35m | 2.69m | 76 cbm |
So, How Many Boxes Can Fit in a 40-Foot Container?
To determine the number of boxes that can fit into a 40ft container, start by calculating the box volume, factoring in the cubic meter (CBM) capacity of the container. A commonly used box size in shipping is 0.03 cbm (e.g., 40x40x40 cm). Using this size:
- Standard 40ft Container Capacity (67 cbm): Approximately 2,233 boxes
- High Cube 40ft Container Capacity (76 cbm): Approximately 2,533 boxes
These are rough estimates, as stacking efficiency and box shape impact the actual number that will fit. It’s important to leave space for packing materials and securing cargo for transport. For bulkier items, fewer boxes will fit due to reduced stacking.
And How Many Pallets Fit in a 40-Foot Container?
Standard shipping pallets, typically 120×100 cm or 48×40 inches, are commonly used to organize and transport cargo. In a standard 40-foot container, you can generally fit:
- 10 Standard Pallets (120×100 cm)
- 20 Euro Pallets (80×120 cm)
High cube containers allow for additional vertical space, making them suitable for high-stacking pallets. To maximize space, it’s important to consider pallet stacking guidelines and the specific shipping container dimensions.
Quick Calculator for Box Count in 40-Foot Containers
To get an exact box count, use this formula:
- Calculate the container volume in CBM.
- Divide by the volume of a single box (or pallet).
This provides a rough count that can vary based on specific cargo needs. Use a cargo calculator tool for complex loads or varied box sizes.
In Summary…
Estimating how many boxes fit into a 40-foot shipping container depends on container dimensions, box size, and packing efficiency. Here’s a quick summary to guide you:
- A 40-foot standard container can fit approximately 2,233 small boxes or 10-20 pallets, depending on size.
- High cube containers offer extra vertical space, fitting more boxes or pallets with higher stacking.
For specific container sizes and custom freight needs, reach out to a shipping container expert such as our team at Containers By Litu to ensure you’re making the most of your cargo space.