40-Foot Shipping Container: Dimensions, Pallet Capacity, and Maximum Load
The 40-foot shipping container is a staple in international ocean freight transportation, widely used alongside the 20-foot container. Smaller containers are rarely utilized due to limited capacity.
Dimensions of a 40-Foot Container
The dimensions of a 40-foot container are commonly provided in both the imperial system (feet) and the metric system (meters), covering exterior and interior measurements. Below are the standard specifications:
Exterior Dimensions:
- In Feet: 40’ long x 8’ wide x 8’ 6” high
- In Meters: 12.19m long x 2.44m wide x 2.59m high
Interior Dimensions:
- In Feet: 39’ 6” long x 7’ 9” wide x 7’ 10” high
- In Meters: 12.025m long x 2.352m wide x 2.393m high
Usable Capacity:
- 67.7 cubic meters (m³)
With a usable capacity of 67.7 m³, 40-foot containers are versatile and can accommodate a wide range of goods, from household items to industrial cargo.
Pallet Capacity of a 40-Foot Container
The number of pallets that can fit into a 40-foot container depends on the type of pallet used:
- Euro Pallets (1.2m x 0.8m): Up to 25 Euro pallet stacks can be accommodated if the load does not overhang the pallet edges.
- Standard American Pallets (40” x 48” or 1.016m x 1.219m): Up to 21 standard pallets can fit without overhang.
Maximum Load of a 40-Foot Container
The maximum load capacity of a 40-foot container is influenced by its empty weight and external restrictions:
- Empty Weight: 3,750 kg
- Maximum Gross Weight: 29 tons (26,300 kg)
The exact cargo load will vary based on factors such as shipping line restrictions, the nature of the goods, and specific shipment requirements.
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