Maximum Storage Space for Bigger Projects
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When you need serious storage capacity, a 40 foot shipping container is the answer. This is the largest standard container size available, and it gives you roughly double the space of a 20 footer. If you've got a lot to store or a big project in mind, this is probably the container you're looking for.
At Minnesota Shipping Containers, we sell both new and used 40 foot containers with delivery available throughout the state. From the Twin Cities metro to rural farmland, from Duluth down to the southern border, we can get a 40 foot container to your property. Just give us a call or fill out our contact form to get a free quote. Call us at (612) 324-5309 |
Why Choose a 40 Foot Container?
The 40ft shipping container is the king of storage containers. It's the most commonly used size in international shipping, which means there's always good availability and competitive pricing. But beyond the logistics, a 40 footer just makes sense for certain situations.
Here's when a 40 foot container is the right call:
The 40 foot option isn't for everyone. It needs more space for placement and more clearance for delivery. But if you've got the room and the need, it's hard to beat the value you get per square foot.
Here's when a 40 foot container is the right call:
- You have a lot to store. With over 2,300 cubic feet of interior space, a 40ft container holds a massive amount of stuff. We're talking the contents of a large home, heavy equipment, or serious commercial inventory.
- You're doing a conversion project. Planning to build a container home, office, or workshop? The 40 foot size gives you the square footage to create a functional, livable space. Many container home builders start with 40 footers as their foundation.
- You need commercial-grade storage. Businesses with significant inventory, contractors with large equipment, or warehouses needing overflow space often find that a 40 footer is the only size that makes sense.
- You want fewer containers. If your storage needs would require two or three 20 foot containers, a single 40 footer might be more practical and cost effective.
The 40 foot option isn't for everyone. It needs more space for placement and more clearance for delivery. But if you've got the room and the need, it's hard to beat the value you get per square foot.
40 Foot Shipping Container Dimensions
Knowing the exact dimensions helps you plan what you can fit inside and whether the container will work on your property. Here are the standard specs for a 40 foot shipping container.
Exterior Dimensions:
That's a lot of space. To put it in perspective, a 40 foot shipping container can typically hold:
Standard 40ft containers have cargo doors on one end. The doors swing open wide, giving you nearly the full width of the container for loading and unloading. If you need side access or doors on both ends, those are modifications we can discuss.
Exterior Dimensions:
- Length: 40 ft
- Width: 8 ft
- Height: 8 ft 6 in
- Length: 39 ft 4 in
- Width: 7 ft 8-1/8 in
- Height: 7 ft 9-5/8 in
- Weight of Container: 8500 lbs
- Max Capacity Weight (including container): 66,139 lbs
- Thickness: 14 gauge
- Width: 7 ft 8-1/2 in
- Height: 7 ft 5-3/4 in
That's a lot of space. To put it in perspective, a 40 foot shipping container can typically hold:
- The contents of a 3 to 4 bedroom house
- 20 to 24 standard pallets
- Multiple vehicles (with modifications)
- Large equipment like tractors, forklifts, or construction machinery
Standard 40ft containers have cargo doors on one end. The doors swing open wide, giving you nearly the full width of the container for loading and unloading. If you need side access or doors on both ends, those are modifications we can discuss.
Common Uses for 40Ft Containers in Minnesota
The extra space in a 40 foot container opens up possibilities that smaller containers just can't match. Here in Minnesota, we see 40 footers used for all kinds of purposes:
- Large Scale Storage: When you need to store a significant amount of inventory, equipment, or materials, a 40ft container gets the job done. One container instead of multiple smaller units means easier organization and fewer access points to manage.
- Construction Sites: Major construction projects need serious storage. A 40ft container can hold all the tools, materials, and equipment for a large job site. Lumber, scaffolding, heavy machinery, safety gear. It all fits with room to spare.
- Agricultural Storage: Minnesota farmers know the value of good storage. A 40ft storage container holds a lot of feed, seed, equipment, and supplies. Some farmers use them as covered work areas for equipment maintenance during harsh winter months.
- Container Homes and Buildings: The container home movement has taken off, and the 40ft size is a favorite for builders. The interior gives you roughly 320 square feet of floor space, which is enough for a small studio, guest house, office, or even a tiny home. Stack or combine multiple containers, and the possibilities expand dramatically.
- Retail and Pop-Up Shops: Modified 40ft containers make excellent retail spaces. Coffee shops, boutiques, food service operations, and seasonal businesses have all found success operating out of converted containers. They're portable, eye-catching, and way cheaper than traditional construction.
- Workshops and Studios: Artists, mechanics, woodworkers, and craftspeople love having a dedicated workspace separate from the house. A 40ft container gives you plenty of room for workbenches, tools, equipment, and materials. Add some modifications like electrical, lighting, and ventilation, and you've got a serious workshop.
- Vehicle Storage: A 40ft storage container can hold multiple motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, or even a car or two depending on the size. It's secure, weathertight, and keeps your vehicles protected from the elements.
- Commercial Inventory Overflow: Retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers often face seasonal inventory spikes. A 40ft shipping container in the back lot provides cost-effective overflow storage without the expense of warehouse expansion or off-site rental.
- Event and Festival Storage: Large events need large storage. Stages, tents, tables, chairs, decorations, equipment. A 40ft container keeps everything secure and organized between events.
Condition Options Available
Like all shipping containers we sell, 40 footers come in different conditions depending on their history. The condition affects both appearance and price, so it's worth understanding your options.
New (One Trip) Containers
One Trip containers have only made a single voyage from the overseas factory to the United States. They arrive in near-perfect condition with fresh paint, smooth-operating doors, and no rust or dents to speak of.
If your 40 foot container will be highly visible (for example: if you're converting it into a living or working space) or if you just want something that looks great, one trip is the premium choice. You pay more, but you get a container that looks and functions like new.
If your 40 foot container will be highly visible (for example: if you're converting it into a living or working space) or if you just want something that looks great, one trip is the premium choice. You pay more, but you get a container that looks and functions like new.
Used Cargo Worthy Containers
Cargo Worthy containers have been around the world a few times. They've done their job in the shipping industry and show some signs of use. Expect paint chips, minor dents, and maybe a bit of surface rust at corners and seams.
Cargo worthy containers still meet international shipping standards. That means they're structurally sound and fully watertight. They work exactly like they should. For buyers who want solid performance without new container prices, cargo worthy is a smart choice.
Cargo worthy containers still meet international shipping standards. That means they're structurally sound and fully watertight. They work exactly like they should. For buyers who want solid performance without new container prices, cargo worthy is a smart choice.
Used Wind and Watertight (WWT) Containers
WWT containers are older and show more wear. They've been retired from international shipping service, but they still keep wind and water out. That's what the certification means.
You'll see more noticeable cosmetic issues. Bigger dents, rust patches, faded paint. If appearance doesn't matter and you just need functional storage, WWT containers offer real value at a lower price point.
You'll see more noticeable cosmetic issues. Bigger dents, rust patches, faded paint. If appearance doesn't matter and you just need functional storage, WWT containers offer real value at a lower price point.
As Is Containers
We generally don't recommend As Is containers for most buyers. These have significant damage and come with no warranty. Holes, severe rust, doors that don't seal properly. They might not keep water out.
Some buyers specifically want these for conversion projects where they plan to cut, weld, and completely rebuild anyway. If that's your situation, we can source them. Just go in with realistic expectations.
Some buyers specifically want these for conversion projects where they plan to cut, weld, and completely rebuild anyway. If that's your situation, we can source them. Just go in with realistic expectations.
40 Foot vs. 40 Foot High Cube: What's the Difference?
You'll notice we also offer 40 foot high cube containers. These are similar to standard 40 footers but with one key difference: an extra foot of interior height.
Standard 40 Foot Container:
Standard 40 Foot Container:
- Interior height: 7 feet 10 inches
- Exterior height: 8 feet 6 inches
- Interior height: 8 feet 10 inches
- Exterior height: 9 feet 6 inches
- Stacking items higher. More vertical space means more storage capacity.
- Installing overhead systems. Lighting, ventilation, and HVAC systems need headroom.
- Conversion projects. The extra ceiling height makes converted spaces feel less cramped and more livable.
- Tall equipment or inventory. Some items just need more clearance.
We Offer Delivery Throughout Minnesota
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We deliver 40ft shipping containers across the entire state of Minnesota.
Our delivery area covers:
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 40 foot shipping container cost?
Prices depend on condition and current market availability. Used 40ft containers in good condition are more affordable than new one trip units. Prices also fluctuate based on supply and demand. Give us a call for current pricing specific to your location.
How much can I fit in a 40 foot container?
A 40ft shipping container holds approximately 2,385 cubic feet. That's enough for the contents of a 3 to 4 bedroom house, 20 to 24 pallets, or a significant amount of commercial inventory and equipment.
How heavy is a 40 foot container?
An empty 40ft container weighs around 8,160 lbs. When fully loaded, it can weigh up to 67,200 lbs. That's why ground conditions matter so much for placement.
Can I turn a 40 footer into a home or office?
Absolutely. Container conversions are popular and practical. A 40ft container gives you about 320 square feet of floor space to work with. Add insulation, electrical, plumbing, windows, and doors, and you can create a comfortable living or working space. Many people combine multiple containers for larger builds.
How long does a 40 foot container last?
With basic care, a 40ft container can last 25 to 30 years or more for stationary storage use. These are built to survive decades of ocean voyages, so sitting on your property in Minnesota is easy by comparison.
Get a Free Quote on a 40 Foot Container
Ready to buy? Have more questions? We're here to help.
Call us at (612) 324-5309 or fill out our contact form to get a free quote. We'll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and give you honest pricing with no surprises.
Minnesota Shipping Containers Serves Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and surrounding areas.
Call us at (612) 324-5309 or fill out our contact form to get a free quote. We'll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and give you honest pricing with no surprises.
Minnesota Shipping Containers Serves Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and surrounding areas.
