40ft Shipping Containers for Sale - New and Used
New and used 40ft containers for large-capacity storage
Containers Direct are one of the UK's main retailers of new (once-used) and used 40ft shipping containers, buying direct from the shipping lines. This purchasing power enables us to pass on low prices to our customers, along with offering a wide choice of containers. New 40ft containers have only had one shipping journey to arrive at UK ports and used 40ft containers have around 10 - 15 years of cargo transportation behind them, with plenty of useful storage life ahead. For a fast response, get a quick quote.
40ft container size and storage capacity
A standard 40ft shipping container is one of the two main ISO container sizes. Its long steel body provides space for large volumes of stock and equipment, making it a useful base for secure storage and container conversions.
- Footprint: approximately 320 sq ft externally, based on the nominal 40ft x 8ft size.
- Height: standard 8ft 6in or 9ft 6in High Cube for additional headroom.
- Storage layout: allow for shelving, a clear aisle and access to goods at the far end.
Usable internal space is smaller than the external footprint and changes with lining and modifications. Check our container dimensions chart and confirm the final internal dimensions and door openings for your chosen specification.
40ft container doors and side access
Choose your door type around how often you enter the container, what you are loading and the space available in front.
- S1: easy-access steel doors for frequent use.
- S2: original heavy-duty container doors on the standard ISO version.
- S3: easy-access doors with internal compressed door seals.
- S4: roller shutters that open upwards rather than swinging outwards.
On a 40ft container, side doors can give access along the length instead of relying only on the end doors. You can also add shelving, lining and insulation and electrics and lighting.
Check access for the delivery vehicle as well as space for the container itself. Our delivery guide explains vehicle access and crane offload requirements.
Used 40ft shipping containers
Used shipping containers have typically spent around 10-15 years on shipping lines, so expect cosmetic wear such as surface rust, scrapes and dents. We inspect and repair units where needed, extending their useful life as storage containers. An exterior RAL repaint can improve their appearance, while door changes and lining with insulation can adapt the 40ft space to how you will use it.
New 40ft shipping containers
New (once-used) shipping containers arrive in the UK after a single shipping journey. They generally have less cosmetic wear and a longer expected service life than used units, although minor marks from handling can still be present. Choose the original S2 door setup or have us fit a different door type, with electrics, insulation and repainting included in your specification where required.
Preparing and modifying 40ft shipping containers
We supply standard 40ft shipping containers with original S2 doors through our nationwide depot network. Locations include London, Southampton, Glasgow, Birmingham, Newport, Manchester and Felixstowe.
Door upgrades and modifications at our Knowsley depot
We fabricate and fit S1 easy-access doors and S3 doors with compressed seals in-house, or replace the original doors with S4 roller shutters. On a 40ft container, we can also add side doors and personnel doors to make different parts of the interior easier to reach. For a shorter unit, see our smaller containers and cut-down container range.
- Containers checked and prepared to be structurally sound and watertight.
- Matching steel panels used where new doors or end walls are required.
- Full seam welds for strong, watertight joins.
- Exterior preparation and repainting in shades from our RAL colour chart.
Benefits of 40ft shipping containers
Secure
Shipping containers are manufactured from 16-gauge Corten steel,
making them exceptionally strong and secure.
Portable
Shipping containers are naturally portable, meaning you can relocate them whenever needed.
Customisable
With an extensive range of optional extras
to choose from, have your container modified to suit you.
Quality checked
New and used 40ft containers are checked and prepared to be structurally sound and watertight.
Request a Quick Quote!
Contact our sales team for your no-obligation quote, including delivery!
Our 40ft container quality checks
All our new and used 40ft shipping containers are quality checked and prepared to ensure they are structurally sound and watertight before supply. Used containers are refurbished where needed, with their cosmetic condition considered separately from their suitability for storage.
Ask us to confirm the warranty for your selected container before ordering.
Depot-fit options for 40ft containers
Our in-house production facilities allow us to fit lining and insulation, electrics and lighting, vents and shelving before delivery. Tell us what you plan to store and how you need to access it so we can work these features into your 40ft specification.
Optional lockbox for 40ft containers
We recommend adding a lockbox to your 40ft container to shield the padlock from tampering. Include it in your specification when requesting a quote.
Choose a compatible container padlock. Our guide to padlocks and lockboxes explains what to look for.
Exterior repainting for used 40ft containers
An exterior repaint with our specialist rubberised container paint improves the appearance of a used 40ft container and gives the exterior a more uniform finish.
New 40ft containers can also be repainted where a particular colour is required. Tell us your preferred RAL colour when requesting your quote.
40ft Container Dimensions
| Container Type | Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40ft DV | 40ft | 8ft | 8ft 6in |
| 40ft High Cube | 40ft | 8ft | 9ft 6in |
If you need exact specifications for all container sizes, see our Shipping and Storage Container Dimension Charts page.
Delivery and site access for a 40ft container
A 40ft container normally requires an articulated delivery vehicle with crane offload. Check the entrance, turning space, overhead clearance and room for the crane stabilisers, not just the space where the container will sit. See our container delivery guide and ground preparation guidance, then send your postcode and site access photos with your enquiry.
Request a 40ft Quote40ft container conversions for offices, workshops and more
We carry out container conversions at our in-house fabrication depot in Knowsley. A 40ft container gives you a longer interior to work with than a 20ft shipping container, with scope to plan separate working and storage areas.
Plan the layout around access and use
Tell us whether you need an open interior or separate areas. We can incorporate partitions, door positions and electrical installations into the specification. Explore the relevant range for your project:
- Container offices and classrooms.
- Workshops and chemical stores.
- Catering units and bars.
- Pop-up shops and retail units.
Looking for more inspiration?
Alternatives when a standard 40ft container does not fit
Flat pack storage for restricted access
Where a complete shipping container cannot be positioned, consider flat pack containers assembled on site. Modular units can be joined to create a larger store. This is a separate storage format, not a flat pack version of a 40ft ISO shipping container; compare the usable space and access requirements before choosing.
Joined containers and bespoke widths
When the standard 8ft width does not suit your layout, we can join containers or fabricate an extra wide new-build container. For a narrower footprint, see the SlimLine® range. These are different layouts or builds, rather than standard-width 40ft containers.
40ft shipping container FAQs
- What is the difference between new and used 40ft containers?
- What are the dimensions of a 40ft container?
- Which doors should I choose for a 40ft container?
- Can you add side doors to a 40ft container?
- How is a 40ft container delivered and offloaded?
- What base does a 40ft container need?
- Is a lockbox included with a 40ft container?
- Can you insulate or repaint a 40ft container?
- Can a 40ft container be used for shipping or stacking?
- Do I need planning permission for a 40ft container?
For advice on your specification and site access, request a 40ft container quote.
Testimonials
As a long established and reputable shipping container company, we want to instil confidence in our customers that we can deliver on our promises, and provide high quality products and service.But don't just take our word for it, see for yourself what our past and present clients have to say about Containers Direct.
Committed to Quality
We are ISOQAR Approved and certified to ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems, demonstrating our commitment to excellence. We are also members of MakeUK, who champion British manufacturing, and the Container Self Storage and Traders Association (CSTA), representing global operators and innovators. In addition, we are registered members of JOSCAR, the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register.
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