20-Foot Standard Dry Van
The baseline export unit for dense, palletized and general cargo on international bookings.
Learn moreStandard & High-Cube Dry Containers
40-Foot Standard Dry Van
Twice the floor area of a 20-foot unit for lighter, higher-volume international cargo.
40 ft
Container overview
The 40-foot standard dry van doubles the floor length of a 20-foot unit while keeping the same 8-foot width and 8-foot 6-inch height. It is the workhorse of consolidated ocean freight, carrying roughly twice the volume for only a modest increase in tare weight.
Because the plated gross weight is close to that of a 20-foot unit, the 40-foot box reaches its volume limit before its weight limit on most cargo. That makes it the better choice for bulky, lighter freight, and the weaker choice for dense loads such as stone or steel.
Long units need adequate turning and staging room on site. Confirm the delivery approach and chassis type before scheduling placement.
Also called40' GP · 40-foot general purpose · 40ft dry van · FEU
Key features
- Double cargo doors at one end with cam locking gear
- Roughly 2,390 cubic feet of interior volume
- Corten steel walls, steel cross-members and a marine plywood floor
- Lashing rings along both side rails for cargo securing
- Standard 8-foot 6-inch exterior height for wide route clearance
- Supplied as a shipper-owned container under the Pro Box PBIU prefix where required
Technical specifications
Inside dimensions
| Length | 39' 5" |
|---|---|
| Width | 7' 8" |
| Height | 7' 10" |
| Floor area | 300 sq ft |
| Cubic capacity | 2,391 cu ft |
Outside dimensions
| Length | 40' |
|---|---|
| Width | 8' |
| Height | 8' 6" |
Door opening
| Width | 7' 8" |
|---|---|
| Height | 7' 5" |
Weights
| Tare weight | 8,000 lb |
|---|---|
| Maximum payload | 58,930 lb |
| Maximum gross weight | 67,200 lb |
Certification and identification
| ISO size/type code | 42G0 / 42G1 |
|---|---|
| ISO size group | 42 (40 ft × 8 ft 6 in) |
| CSC information | Cargo-worthy units carry a valid CSC safety approval plate |
Container specifications may vary by manufacturer, production year and individual unit. Confirm the specifications of the assigned container before booking, loading or modifying the equipment.
Typical values; carrier and manufacturer tolerances apply.
Specifications last reviewed 2026-08-24. · Client-supplied representative figures. Reference specification
Condition and compliance
- New / one-trip units, subject to origin availability
- Used cargo-worthy units with valid CSC plating
- Wind and watertight units for storage use, which are a separate condition from cargo-worthy
Equipment moving on an international booking has to satisfy the applicable carrier, CSC, inspection, prefix, marking and documentation requirements before it is loaded. Wind and watertight condition describes weather protection only, and is a separate standard from cargo-worthy condition.
Common applications
- International freight
- Project cargo
- Commercial storage
- Industrial equipment
- Government and military projects
Related containers
40-Foot High Cube
The most widely booked ocean unit, adding a foot of height to the 40-foot footprint.
Learn more
40-Foot Double Door
Full-length dry van with cargo doors at both ends for pass-through handling.
Learn moreNeed this container for your project?
Tell us what you are shipping, where the container is needed and when the project begins. Pro Box will help identify the appropriate equipment, condition and documentation requirements.