40ft General Purpose Shipping Containers

Container Projects supplies robust 40ft units to industrial, commercial, and agricultural sectors throughout the country. If your project requires a permanent storage asset, we offer professional container sales with nationwide delivery. For temporary requirements or flexible project phases, our container hire service provides high-quality stock with rapid lead times. To receive a specific price for your location, request a container quote today. We manage the entire logistics process to ensure your unit is positioned accurately on your premises.

Choose the right container size and type

The 40ft general purpose container is the standard choice for high-volume storage. It provides approximately 67 cubic metres of internal space, which is double the capacity of a 20ft general-purpose unit. These containers are built from high-tensile Cor-Ten steel to withstand extreme weather conditions. If you require additional vertical space for tall machinery, Container Projects also stocks the 40ft high cube variant, which offers an extra foot of height.

Technical data is essential for site planning and logistics. Tare is the weight of an empty container. Payload is the maximum weight of cargo a container can safely carry. For a standard 40ft unit, the tare is approximately 3750kg, and the payload is approximately 26730kg. Every general purpose container features 28mm marine plywood flooring and multiple lashing points for securing cargo.

Hire or buy

Container Projects assists customers in determining the most cost-effective acquisition route. Buying is the preferred option for permanent site installations, long-term inventory storage, or for those planning to convert containers into workshops or offices. Hiring is suitable for temporary construction sites, seasonal stock overflows, or short-term projects with limited capital expenditure. We also provide a container buy-back service for customers who no longer require their owned units.

Condition grades and definitions

We supply units in various grades to match specific user needs and budgets. Understanding these terms ensures you receive the correct unit for your application.

• One-trip: A one-trip unit is a container manufactured in Asia and used once for cargo transport to the UK, typically arriving in near-new condition.
• Wind and watertight: Wind and watertight is a condition grade that ensures the unit is structurally sound and prevents weather ingress, protecting contents.
• IICL: The International Institute of Container Lessors sets high repair and inspection standards for used stock.

Delivery access, siting, and placement

Safe delivery of a 40ft container requires significant space and careful site preparation. Our container haulage department uses articulated hiab vehicles equipped with cranes to lift and position the units.

• Access Requirements: The delivery vehicle requires a minimum width of 10ft and height clearance of 15ft. Due to the length of an articulated truck, a clear 100ft straight run is often necessary for positioning.
• Ground Conditions: Units must be placed on firm level ground such as concrete, tarmac, or compacted gravel. Placing a 40ft unit on soft ground can cause the steel frame to twist, which leads to door misalignment.
• Obstructions: Check for overhead power cables, low-hanging tree branches, and underground services such as manhole covers that may not support the weight of the truck and container.

Security, condensation, and aftercare

Security is a priority for high-value storage. Every 40ft unit from Container Projects includes a factory-fitted lockbox to protect the padlock from tampering. To manage moisture, we can apply Grafo-therm anti-condensation coating to the internal ceiling. This treatment absorbs moisture and prevents water from dripping onto stored goods. Long-term aftercare involves greasing door hinges and checking the rubber seals annually to maintain the wind and watertight status. For more information on our quality standards, visit our about us page.

Export use and compliance

If you intend to use your container for international shipping, it must have a valid CSC plate. A CSC plate is a safety approval plate required for international transport under the International Convention for Safe Containers. Container Projects ensures all units sold for export meet structural integrity standards and carry valid certification. It is essential to verify the plate expiry date before booking international freight.

How Container Projects handles supply and delivery

1. Submit an enquiry specifying your required condition and delivery postcode.
2. Receive a formal quote detailing the unit specifications and transport logistics.
3. Confirm your site has sufficient access and a firm level base for an articulated hiab vehicle.
4. Schedule your delivery date with our operations team.
5. The unit is delivered, positioned, and levelled by a professional operator.