External footprint
12.192 m × 2.438 m
Rounded external length and width. Allow extra space for door opening, access and delivery.
Purchase · New & used
40ft containers for sale: standard and High Cube
Compare 40-foot shipping containers by height, condition and usable space. Check the standard and High Cube models, then request the full cost including GST, delivery and unloading to your postcode.
- External length
- 12.192 m
- Internal floor area
- ≈ 28.3 m²
- Internal volume
- ≈ 68 m³
- Tare weight (example)
- ≈ 3,750 kg
- Independent supplier matching service · The supplier directory does not sell containers.
- 34 businesses in the directory mention the 40ft for sale. View them
40ft container prices and delivered project costs in Australia
The delivered total depends on the size, condition, depot, transport, unloading and any conversion work. Our Australian catalogue lists 19 model specifications for individual quotations. Ask for conversion and site installation to be priced separately. Request an itemised quotation including GST, transport, unloading and every mandatory charge.
Dimensions and weights of a 40ft container
Check the external footprint, the internal space, the door opening and the weights. The table distinguishes between standard and High Cube, based on an example model for each size.
| Reference | Standard (DRY) | High Cube |
|---|---|---|
| External length | 12.192 m | 12.192 m |
| External width | 2.438 m | 2.438 m |
| External height | 2.591 m | 2.896 m |
| Internal length | 12.032 m | 12.032 m |
| Internal width | 2.352 m | 2.350 m |
| Internal height | 2.395 m | 2.700 m |
| Door opening width | 2.340 m | 2.340 m |
| Door opening height | 2.292 m | 2.597 m |
| Stated internal volume | 67.7 m³ | 76.3 m³ |
| Calculated internal floor area | Approximately 28.3 m² | Approximately 28.3 m² |
| Tare weight | 3,750 kg | 3,900 kg |
| Maximum payload | 28,750 kg | 28,600 kg |
| Maximum gross mass | 32,500 kg | 32,500 kg |
The maximum gross mass published for these examples is 32,500 kg for both formats. Confirm the actual unit's CSC plate, current markings and inspection status. A generic ISO-series figure is not permission to load to that mass. Floor and concentrated-load limits, lifting equipment, vehicle and axle weights and route restrictions must also be satisfied. The container's rating is separate from the allowable gross weight of the truck and trailer.
- Tare weight
- The weight of the empty container. It matters for delivery and lifting.
- Maximum payload
- The unit's rated gross mass minus its actual tare. Cargo, pallets, packaging and securing materials all consume this allowance; operational limits may be lower.
- Maximum gross mass
- Container plus all contents. Confirm its rated limit on the actual unit's CSC plate and current documentation. Vehicle, axle, handling and route limits are separate.
Inside
≈ 28.3 m² floor area
67.7 m³ in standard and 76.3 m³ in High Cube. Storage and aisles reduce the space that can actually be used.
At the door opening
≈ 2.34 m wide
Height: 2.292 m for standard and 2.597 m for High Cube, on the models shown.
How many Australian pallets fit in a 40ft container?
The illustrated calculation fits 20 nominal Australian pallets (1,165 × 1,165 mm) on this reference floor in one layer. It includes no overhang, aisle, handling or securing allowance. Rotated pallets require compatible fork entry and a workable loading sequence. Actual loaded dimensions, door clearance, cargo mass and floor loads must be checked with the supplier and carrier; this is not a guaranteed capacity.
Adjust the allowances or compare Euro pallets in the pallet planner.
Model examples and floor-area calculationIdentify the standard and High Cube examples, then check the usable space for your project.ExpandCollapse
The interior, doors, volume and weights describe 40ft standard and High Cube example models. The High Cube internal width is 2.350 m, from the same model specification as its volume and weights. The external dimensions describe the standard and High Cube formats. Confirm the actual unit's specification before purchase.
Internal floor area: 12.032 m × 2.352 m = 28.2993 m², rounded to 28.3 m². This geometric area does not deduct aisles, racking or fittings. Internal dimensions, volumes and weights vary by manufacturer.
Standard 40ft or High Cube?
Both have the same external length and width. The High Cube adds 30.5 cm in height: choose it if your load uses this extra space.
Standard height
40ft DRY · 67.7 m³
2.591 m high externally and 2.395 m internally. To be considered when the height of your goods and the door opening are sufficient.
Get a quote for a standard 40ft containerMore headroom
40ft High Cube · 76.3 m³
2.896 m high externally and 2.7 m internally. Useful for tall equipment or shelving, subject to confirming loading and delivery.
Request a quote for a 40ft High CubeApproximate figures based on the models in the dimensions table. The door opening is lower than the internal ceiling. All about High Cube.
One 40ft or two 20ft containers?
The decision depends on how you will use the space. Compare the two configurations including delivery and installation.
One large space
The 40ft provides 12.032 m of continuous internal length. This is useful for long items or organising a single storage space. However, you must allow for access to goods stored at the far end.
To check: available length and delivery maneuvers.
Two independent spaces
Two 20ft containers allow you to separate uses or storage locations. Each unit has its own doors; the quote must include transport and delivery of both containers.
Compare with the 20ft sizeA larger volume does not mean a doubled payload: on the models shown, it is 28,750 kg for a 40ft, compared with 28 130 kg for each 20ft. For heavy equipment, have their weight, distribution and the limits of the proposed container checked.
Which 40ft shipping container should you buy?
Same nominal length, different height, condition or format: compare specifications before requesting an Australian-dollar quotation. These are reference models; stock and delivery are confirmed for your location.
Scroll to see all formats.
Scale
1.75 m
length 2.972 m height 2.591 m
length 6.058 m height 2.591 m
40ft standardthis page
length 12.192 m height 2.591 m
length 12.192 m height 2.896 m
40ft High Cube
length 12.192 m · height 2.896 m · 76.3 m³
Same footprint as the standard, with more height for tall equipment, shelving or a conversion.
See the guide40ft new / one-trip
length 12.192 m · height 2.591 m · 67.7 m³
Usually marketed after one loaded journey from manufacture. Confirm the actual history, colour, condition and included equipment.
See the guide40ft used
length 12.192 m · height 2.591 m · 67.7 m³
Consider for storage if signs of wear are acceptable. Ask for photos of the floor, doors and seals.
See the guideOpen Side (20ft model)
length 6.096 m · opening ≈ 5.72 m · 31 m³
A large side that opens to access equipment without moving everything. The reference model is a 20ft.
See the guideConverted container
Insulation, partitions and services to be quoted
Office, workshop or reception: a 40ft length allows several zones to be separated. Conversion works are compared separately.
See the guideRefrigerated, for rent
Refrigeration unit · electrical connection
For keeping products cold: compare the temperature range, power supply and planned maintenance.
See the guide10ft
length 2.972 m · height 2.591 m
The compact size, when site space or truck access is very limited.
See the guide20ft
length 6.058 m · height 2.591 m · 33.2 m³
A shorter size to consider if space or delivery access is a concern.
See the guideCompare the dimensions, condition and specification before requesting a delivered price. See all shipping containers.
New, one-trip or used: which should you choose?
Condition is chosen separately from format. Start from your use and the acceptable level of wear.
To prioritise budget
A used 40ft container
Ask for recent photos of the container on offer: floor, doors, seals and repairs. Ask for details of its watertightness and what has been inspected. To find out what condition to ask for, see condition classes for used containers.
Prioritizing condition
A one-trip 40ft container
It has already been transported since manufacture and may have handling marks. Ask for details of colour, condition and included equipment.
What to do with a 40ft container?
The contents to store and the access frequency inform the useful features. These cases are project examples, not supplier installations.
CASE 1
Storing business stock
Palletised goods, spare parts or archives can be kept close to the workplace. Over this length, a storage layout with an aisle avoids moving everything to reach the back. First check that a long truck can access the site.
Equipment to consider
Shelving or racks, lighting, pallet truck ramp and location labels.
CASE 2
Storing agricultural or grounds maintenance equipment
A suitable container can shelter machines, tools and supplies near the work. Check watertightness, moisture control and security for the stored items. Measure machines with their attachments, and check the door opening, floor loads and access ramp. Provide a stable surface in front of the entrance.
Equipment to consider
Reinforced ramp, wall brackets, ventilation and secure closure appropriate to the value of the equipment.
CASE 3
Centralising logistics for a long-running site
A single large container can hold the equipment, consumables and tools for several teams. Choose the location with the site manager: it must remain accessible until the end of the works. Depending on the duration, compare purchase and rental.
Equipment to consider
Racking, partition between teams, self-contained lighting and reinforced locking.
CASE 4
A large space for a conversion project
Office, workshop or reception area: the length allows separate zones to be created. A high cube provides extra starting height; insulation and the ceiling still reduce the finished space. Get the work quoted separately. Confirm municipal zoning and development requirements and the applicable state or local building, fire and electrical approvals before installation.
Preparing a converted containerEquipment to consider
Insulation, partitions, door and window cut-outs, electrics, ventilation and floor covering.
Delivering a 40ft container: what to prepare
The container is 12.192 m long. The truck configuration, its maneuvers and its unloading method must be assessed before confirming the order.
Access from the road
Photograph the entrance, bends and gate. Flag any slopes, narrow passages and overhead obstacles.
The truck stopping point
Indicate where it can park and manoeuvre. The supplier must confirm access with the planned vehicle and lifting method.
The exact positioning point
Specify the distance between the truck and the placement point. Have side unloading or crane delivery confirmed.
The date and departure depot
Provide your postcode and date flexibility. Ask for the actual collection location, which may differ from the seller's head office.
Preparing the site
The site and supports must carry the loaded unit and allow the doors to operate. Have soil bearing, drainage, frost movement, support positions and anchoring assessed with the supplier and, where needed, a qualified local designer. Arrange snow clearing and check seasonal access restrictions where relevant. Leave loading space at the doors and check local container siting and permit rules.
Zoning and building approval: check your project
External footprint of a 40ft: approximately 29.7 m². This is a dimensional estimate, not a permission threshold.
Before delivery, give council the location, intended use, position, height, duration, supports, utilities and access plan. Confirm planning controls and building approval separately, along with plumbing, wastewater and public-road permissions where relevant. Check bushfire, flood and wind or cyclone exposure. A small footprint, mobility, short hire period or CSC plate does not establish an exemption across Australia.
- New South Wales: planning and building
Ask council whether the residential use is permitted. Establish the development application, complying development or other pathway, zoning and site constraints. Container size does not establish eligibility. Agree certification, construction and occupation requirements with the certifier. Check applicable NSW provisions, including BASIX where relevant.
Official guidance - Victoria: planning and building
Check the planning scheme, proposed residential use and overlays with council. A planning permit and a building permit serve separate purposes. Appoint the relevant building surveyor and establish building permit, inspections and completion or occupancy requirements. Planning guidance for commercial container stacks does not approve a home.
Official guidance - Queensland: planning and building
Check the council planning scheme, intended use, siting, services and overlays. A council's temporary-storage conditions cannot be transferred to other land or to residential use. Discuss building development approval, classification, plumbing and inspections with the certifier and council. Resolve supports and anchorage before fabrication.
Official guidance - Western Australia: planning and building
Ask the local government about the current planning scheme, R-Codes where applicable, local container policy and proposed residential use. Confirm development approval separately. Establish the certified or uncertified building permit pathway, building surveyor's evidence and completion requirements with the local government permit authority.
Official guidance - South Australia: planning and building
Use PlanSA and the relevant authority to establish planning consent under the Planning and Design Code. Land use, overlays and proposed services affect the assessment. Establish building consent and obtain full development approval before starting work. Planning consent alone is not full development approval. Agree completion and occupancy requirements.
Official guidance - Tasmania: planning and building
Confirm planning requirements with council before ordering. A low-risk or notifiable building category does not establish a planning exemption. Ask the building surveyor and council permit authority to classify the actual work under the Director's Determination. Low-risk, notifiable and permit work follow different processes; confirm inspections and completion documents.
Official guidance - Australian Capital Territory: planning and building
Check development approval with the territory planning authority. An exemption from development approval does not automatically exempt the building work. Appoint a building certifier and establish building approval, commencement, inspections and completion requirements. Any claimed exemption must meet its specific criteria and general conditions.
Official guidance - Northern Territory: planning and building
Confirm the land-use and development consent pathway with the relevant planning authority, including outside building control areas. Remote land arrangements need their own assessment. In building control areas, establish the building permit and completion or occupancy process with the certifier. Outside those areas, check remaining planning, servicing, contractual and safety responsibilities; do not assume unrestricted residential use.
Official guidance
Compare the cost of your delivered 40ft container.
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How to compare 40ft container suppliers and quotes
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Step 2
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Step 3
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Free and with no obligation. The supplier directory does not sell containers. Your request goes through our comparison service: the companies listed in the directory are not necessarily the recipients of your request. Professionals may pay for the introduction service (How the service works).
Prepare my request40ft shipping container suppliers in Australia
This selection reproduces the information published by the companies in the directory. Directory order, not a ranking; it does not guarantee stock or receipt of your request.
34 businesses whose published information mentions : 40ft · Sale
1300sparebox.com.au
1300SPAREBOX
40ft · Sale
View the offer and listingabcchs.com.au
ABC Container Hire & Sales
40ft · Sale
View the offer and listingabccontainers.com.au
ABC Containers (WA)
40ft · Sale
View the offer and listingbettastorage.com.au
Betta Storage Containers
40ft · Sale
View the offer and listingbudgetshippingcontainers.com.au
Budget Shipping Containers
40ft · Sale
View the offer and listingcboxcontainers.com.au
CBOX Containers
40ft · Sale
View the offer and listingFrequently asked questions about the 40ft container
How much does a 40ft container cost in Australia?
Request an Australian-dollar quotation for the condition, height and fittings you need. Ask for the unit, applicable GST, delivery and unloading to be itemised for your postcode. This page does not publish a fixed Australian price or a market average.
What are the dimensions of a 40ft container?
A 40ft (40-foot) container counts as 2 TEU, the twenty-foot equivalent unit: its length of 12.192 m, approximately 12 m, corresponds to 12.192 m. Externally, the standard 40ft measures 2.438 m wide and 2.591 m high. Internally, the example model offers 12.032 m × 2.352 m × 2.395 m, i.e. approximately 28.3 m² of floor area and 67.7 m³. The High Cube keeps the same length and width, with 2.896 m external height.
How much does an empty 40ft container weigh?
The standard example model has a tare weight of 3,750 kg, rated payload of 28,750 kg and maximum gross mass of 32,500 kg. The High Cube example model has a tare of 3,900 kg. Confirm the actual unit's markings, CSC plate, inspection status and floor limits. Pallets, packaging and restraint consume payload; the carrier's vehicle, axle, lifting and route limits may require a lower load.
What is the difference between a standard and a High Cube 40ft container?
The High Cube is 30.5 cm higher externally, for the same length and width. The models shown give 67.7 m³ for the standard and 76.3 m³ for the High Cube. This gain is in volume: the payload does not increase (28,750 kg compared with 28,600 kg on these examples). Also check the door opening height.
What is the door opening size of a 40ft container?
On the models shown, the door opening is 2.340 m wide. Its height is 2.292 m for the standard and 2.597 m for the High Cube, i.e. less than the internal height. Measure your tallest load, including packaging and supports, and ask for confirmation of the opening on the unit offered.
How many Australian standard pallets fit in a 40ft container?
The illustrated calculation fits 20 nominal Australian pallets (1,165 × 1,165 mm) on the reference floor in one layer. It is a candidate layout, not a proven maximum or approved loading plan. Overhang, handling and securing clearances, cargo mass and floor loads can reduce the count. Check rotated-pallet fork entry and the loading sequence with the supplier and carrier.
Does the price include transport and unloading?
The scope is confirmed in your quotation. Ask for the container, delivery, lifting, placement, any site work and applicable GST to be itemised for your postcode. This guide does not establish an Australian delivery tariff.
Can a 40ft container be delivered to a private site?
It may be possible once the carrier confirms safe access, manoeuvring and unloading. Send photos and site measurements before ordering. Have soil bearing, loaded-unit supports, drainage and frost movement assessed. Confirm zoning and the applicable building and other approvals, including for temporary use.
Is a 40ft better than two 20ft containers?
A 40ft offers a continuous space, useful for long items. Two 20ft containers allow two uses or two locations. On the models shown, the payload is 28,750 kg for a 40ft and 28 130 kg for each 20ft. Compare access, storage organisation and the delivered cost of the two solutions, including unloading.
Can you rent a 40ft container?
Request a rental quotation for your location and dates. Confirm the billing period, minimum term, deposit, delivery, unloading, collection and end-of-rental procedure, then compare the total over the same period as purchase.
Practical guides for your 40ft container project
- Transport and unloadingVehicle, lifting and delivery cost to your address.
- Compare rental and purchase over the same periodAdding return transport to the rental charges.
- Request a rental quote for a 40ft containerDuration, postcode and access, in a single request.
- Buying used containers properlyPhotos, condition points and information to request.
Updated on · Dimensions and weights describe the cited reference models, not a reserved unit. Australian prices, stock, applicable taxes, delivery and unloading are confirmed by quotation for your postcode.
Prepare your 40ft container quote request
Check these details before comparing equipment, delivery and services.