Volume of a shipping container
Shipping containers are a key element of global trade as they enable the efficient and safe transport of goods around the world. When choosing the right container for your needs, container volume plays a vital role. In this article, we take a detailed look at the volume specifications of shipping containers so you can better understand their capacity and usage.
Standard 20ft containers
The most common type of container is the 20-foot container, often referred to as a TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit). This container has an internal volume of approximately 33 cubic metres. It is ideal for transporting smaller quantities of goods or for goods that require less space. The standard container internal dimensions of this type of container are approximately 5.9 metres in length, 2.35 metres in width and 2.39 metres in height, providing ample space for a wide range of cargo.
20ft high containers (HC)
For those who need more space in height, 20ft containers are available with the HC (High Cube) designation. These containers have an increased internal height, which increases their total volume to approximately 37 cubic metres. The shipping container internal dimensions vary mainly in height, which reaches up to 2,695 metres. This variant is suitable for loads that are higher than the standard container height.
Standard 40ft containers
If you need to transport larger quantities of goods, 40ft containers offer more than double the space of 20ft containers. With an internal volume of approximately 67 cubic metres, these containers are optimal for larger shipments. The standard internal length of these containers is around 11.98 metres, with a width of 2.33 metres and a height of 2.32 metres. These containers are often used for transporting oversized or heavy goods.
40ft high containers (HC)
For even greater capacity, 40ft HC containers are available, offering even more volume thanks to the increased height. Their internal volume is approximately 70 cubic metres. These containers have an internal height of up to 2,655 metres, which allows for the transport of higher loads. They are ideal for situations where the usable space needs to be maximised.
Impact of volume on logistics and costs
Understanding the volume specifications of containers is crucial for efficient logistics planning and cost optimization. By selecting a container with the appropriate volume, you can maximize the amount of goods transported while minimizing unused space. Proper container selection can also lead to a reduction in the number of shipments required and thus savings on transportation costs.
Application and use
The different volume specifications of the containers allow them to be used in a wide range of industries. From the automotive and electronics industries to the transport of food and textiles, containers adapt to a variety of needs. Knowing the volumes of each type of container will allow you to better plan your shipment according to the specific requirements of your goods.
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Shipping container types
Roughly 80% of everything you own traveled to you inside a steel box. Shipping containers—also called cargo containers, ISO containers, or “conex” boxes—are the backbone of global trade, carrying about 90% of the world’s non-bulk cargo across oceans, rails, and highways. Yet a “shipping container” is not one single object. It is a family of specialized steel boxes, each engineered for a specific kind of cargo: some vent, some freeze, some open from the top, and some have no walls at all.
Where Can I Buy a 40ft High Cube Container?
A 40ft high cube container represents one of the most versatile and cost-effective storage and shipping solutions available today. Whether you are expanding warehouse capacity, starting a container home project, or need secure on-site storage for a construction site, knowing where to buy one — and what to expect — can save you thousands of dollars and weeks of frustration. This guide walks you through every aspect of purchasing a 40ft high cube container, from understanding what it actually is to comparing sellers, navigating delivery logistics, and handling permits.
How much does a 40 foot shipping container cost?
A 40 foot shipping container is the single most common large-format steel container in the world. Whether you are adding on-site storage, moving freight overseas, or converting a unit into a home or workshop, the first question almost everyone asks is the same: how much does a 40 foot shipping container cost?
The short answer is that a 40 foot shipping container price in the United States typically lands between $1,500 and $7,000 depending on condition, height, location, and delivery. Used, wind-and-watertight 40ft units often start near $1,500–$2,700, while a brand-new one-trip 40ft high cube can exceed $4,000–$6,500. The gap between those two ends of the range is wide because a “shipping container” is not one product—it is a graded commodity whose value shifts with its physical condition, its market, and even the distance from your site to a major port.
How to move a shipping container
Moving a shipping container is rarely as simple as “put it on a truck and drive.” A standard steel container weighs over two tons even when empty, spans 20 to 40 feet (or more), and has no wheels, no hitch, and no built-in way to attach to standard equipment. Whether you are repositioning a storage container across a jobsite, delivering one to a rural property, or relocating a loaded unit across the country, the method you choose determines your cost, your timeline, and whether the move succeeds at all.