Weight of a 40ft shipping container

Curious about the weight of a 40ft sea container? Discover how much an empty and loaded 40ft container weighs and what you need to consider for transport and placement.

40ft container weight

Weight of a 40ft sea container per version

The weight of a 40ft container varies by type. Below you can compare the most common variants in terms of tare weight, payload, max. gross weight, and practical considerations for transport and placement.

Specification
40ft Dry Van Standard version
40ft High Cube Additional height
Unladen weight 3700 kg 3900 kg
Load capacity 28800 kg 26820 kg
Max. gross weight 32500 kg 30720 kg
Difference from standard Standard reference Slightly heavier due to higher construction
Important for transport Large size, extra attention to delivery and accessibility Extra attention to height and installation space
Important for placement Flat, stable, and load-bearing substrate Level ground and sufficient headroom required
Suitable for Large storage and transport volume Maximum volume and extra height
Point of attention Most common 40ft reference model More interior space, but higher curb weight

40ft Dry Van

Standard version

Unladen weight
3700 kg
Load capacity
28800 kg
Max. gross weight
32500 kg
Difference from standard
Standard reference
Important for transport
Large size, extra attention to delivery and accessibility
Important for placement
Flat, stable, and load-bearing substrate
Suitable for
Large storage and transport volume
Point of attention
Most common 40ft reference model

40ft High Cube

Additional height

Unladen weight
3900 kg
Load capacity
26820 kg
Max. gross weight
30720 kg
Difference from standard
Slightly heavier due to higher construction
Important for transport
Extra attention to height and installation space
Important for placement
Level ground and sufficient headroom required
Suitable for
Maximum volume and extra height
Point of attention
More interior space, but higher curb weight

Please note: weights may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, year of manufacture, and model. Always check the product specifications of the chosen container.