When considering a 40 ft container for sale, understanding its full range of characteristics is crucial for making an informed decision, whether for shipping, storage, or a conversion project. These containers are the workhorses of global trade, and their design is a result of rigorous international standards.Dimensions and Capacity: The Core Specifications The most fundamental characteristics are its dimensions, which come in two main height variants.External Dimensions:Length: Precisely 40 feet (12.192 meters).Width: 8 feet (2.438 meters).Height: Two standard heights exist:Standard Cube: 8 feet 6 inches (2.591 meters). Often abbreviated as "40ft HC" (High Cube).Standard Height: A less common 8-foot (2.438 meters) version.Internal Dimensions & Cubic Capacity:Internal Length: Approximately 39' 5" (12.025 meters). The slight reduction accounts for the thickness of the wall construction.Internal Width: Approximately 7' 8" (2.352 meters).Internal Height (High Cube): Approximately 7' 10" (2.385 meters). This extra interior headroom is a key reason High Cubes are often preferred.Total Cubic Capacity: A standard 40ft High Cube container offers roughly 2,720 cubic feet (76.5 cubic meters) of storage space. This immense volume is what makes it ideal for lightweight but bulky cargo.Door Aperture:Width: Approximately 7' 8" (2.340 meters).Height (High Cube): Approximately 7' 6" (2.280 meters). This is your access point for loading and unloading.Tare Weight & Payload:Tare Weight: The weight of the empty container itself is typically between 8,300 - 8,800 lbs (3,800 - 4,000 kg).Maximum Payload: It can carry a staggering ~58,000 - 59,000 lbs (26,500 - 27,000 kg) of cargo. The Gross Mass (weight of container + cargo) is standardized at 67,200 lbs (30,480 kg).Construction and Durability Material: Heavy-Duty Corten Steel: The container's primary material is a special grade of steel, often called "weathering steel." Its key characteristic is that it forms a stable, rust-like appearance when exposed to the elements, which then acts as a protective barrier, preventing further corrosion. This is essential for withstanding harsh marine environments.Flooring: The floor is typically made of 1.125-inch (28mm) thick marine-grade plywood, often treated with insecticides. It is extremely robust, capable of supporting heavy machinery and forklift traffic.Corner Castings: These are critical, solid steel fittings at all eight corners. They are precisely cast to international standards (ISO 1161) to allow for:Secure Stacking: Containers can be stacked up to 9 high on massive container ships.Intermodal Transport: They are the points of contact for locking mechanisms on ships, trucks (container chassis), and trains, enabling seamless movement between different modes of transport.Roof and Walls: The roof and sidewalls are made from corrugated steel panels. The corrugation adds immense structural strength without adding significant weight, allowing the container to bear heavy loads and the weight of other containers stacked on top of it.Security and Protection Locking Mechanism: Each door is equipped with locking bars (typically 2-4 per door) that rotate into a fixed position. These are secured by robust lock rods and heavy-duty padlock-style lockboxes. This design makes it extremely difficult to force the doors open without the correct tools.Weather-Resistant Design: Beyond the Corten steel, the container is engineered to be weathertight. Door frames are fitted with heavy-duty rubber gaskets that create a seal against wind and water, protecting cargo from rain and sea spray during transit.