How many CBM fits in a 40ft container?

Published capacity is 67.7 m³; realistically plan for 54–58 m³ of cargo after packing losses.

Is a 40ft container cheaper than two 20ft containers?

Almost always — a 40ft typically costs only 20–40% more than a single 20ft while giving double the space. Choose two 20fts only when weight, not volume, is the constraint.

Why is the 40ft payload lower than the 20ft?

Both share a similar max gross (~30.5 t), but the 40ft's own structure weighs more (~3.75 t tare vs ~2.3 t), leaving less allowance for cargo.

Equipment guide

40gp

40ft Container (40' Dry / GP)

Double the space of a 20ft for volume cargo — 2 TEU

The 40ft general-purpose container offers about 67.7 m³ — twice the volume of a 20ft — while its payload limit is actually slightly lower. That makes it the right box for voluminous, lighter cargo: furniture, textiles, electronics, plastic goods. Per cubic metre it is almost always cheaper to ship than two 20ft units.

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External dimensions

Length	12,192 mm	40'
Width	2,438 mm	8'
Height	2,591 mm	8'6"

Internal dimensions

Length	12,032 mm	39'6"
Width	2,352 mm	7'9"
Height	2,393 mm	7'10"
Door opening (W × H)	2,340 × 2,280 mm	7'8" × 7'6"

Weights & capacity

Tare weight	3,750 kg	8,267 lb
Max payload	26,700 kg	58,863 lb
Max gross weight	30,450 kg	67,131 lb
Cubic capacity	67.7 m³	2,391 ft³

Pallet capacity (single tier)

Euro pallets (1200 × 800 mm)

Standard pallets (1200 × 1000 mm)

Typical cargo & use cases

Volume cargo: furniture, textiles, appliances, plastics
Consolidated shipments with many mixed cartons
Palletised goods up to 25 Euro pallets per tier

Loading tips

A 40ft cubes out before it weighs out — optimise carton sizes to fill the height.
Keep the centre of gravity low and centred; heavy rows go in first, near the middle.
If your cargo is tall, price the 40ft High Cube — one extra foot of height often pays for itself.

Frequently asked questions

How many CBM fits in a 40ft container?: Published capacity is 67.7 m³; realistically plan for 54–58 m³ of cargo after packing losses.
Is a 40ft container cheaper than two 20ft containers?: Almost always — a 40ft typically costs only 20–40% more than a single 20ft while giving double the space. Choose two 20fts only when weight, not volume, is the constraint.
Why is the 40ft payload lower than the 20ft?: Both share a similar max gross (~30.5 t), but the 40ft's own structure weighs more (~3.75 t tare vs ~2.3 t), leaving less allowance for cargo.

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