40ft Container Rental: Standard & High Cube
Rent a used 40-foot container, wind and watertight, for $125 a month as a standard or $150 as a high cube on a 12-month term, before delivery, pickup and sales tax. Both heights give about 305 sq ft (28.3 m²) of floor for 20 standard US pallets (48 × 40 in), and the high cube adds a foot of headroom. Up to 5 sellers near your ZIP quote the rate, delivery and pickup, and nothing is owed unless you accept one.
Illustrative image Illustrative image. The container you get may differ in color, markings and condition; every rental container is used and wind & watertight.
40ft rates, standard and high cube
| Term | Standard | High cube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | Total | Monthly | Total | |
| 3+ months | $175 | $525 | $195 | $585 |
| 6+ months | $150 | $900 | $175 | $1,050 |
| 12+ months | $125 | $1,500 | $150 | $1,800 |
The monthly rate covers the container only: the truck that brings it and the one that collects it are quoted from the nearest depot. For a few weeks or a fleet of containers, get a quote.
When buying a 40ft costs less
Buying used costs $1,900 for a standard and $1,980 for a high cube this week (as of Oct 21, 2026): about 15 and 13 months of rent on a 12-month term, or 11 and 10 at the 3-month rate.
Beyond about a year on site, a used 40ft usually works out cheaper to own, and you can resell it later: used 40ft standard for sale · used 40ft high cube for sale. Next to the 20ft: rent or buy, every size.
40ft standard and high cube specs
| Measurement | 40ft standard | 40ft high cube |
|---|---|---|
| Outside (L × W × H) | 40′ × 8′ × 8′6″ (12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m) | 40′ × 8′ × 9′6″ (12.19 × 2.44 × 2.90 m) |
| Inside (L × W × H) | about 39′5½″ × 7′8½″ × 7′10″ (12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m) | about 39′5½″ × 7′8½″ × 8′10″ (12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m) |
| Door opening (W × H) | about 7′8″ × 7′6″ (2.34 × 2.28 m) | about 7′8″ × 8′6″ (2.34 × 2.59 m) |
| Inside volume | about 2,380 cu ft (67.4 m³) | about 2,690 cu ft (76.2 m³) |
| Floor area (inside) | about 305 sq ft (28.3 m²) | about 305 sq ft (28.3 m²) |
| Empty weight (tare) | about 8,000–8,300 lb (3,640–3,750 kg) | about 8,200–8,600 lb (3,700–3,900 kg) |
Sources: ISO 668 for the outside size of both heights; carrier and leasing company data for inside sizes, doors and empty weights, standard and high cube. The exact tare is painted on the doors. 40ft container dimensions.
Room inside a 40ft, standard or high cube
Twice the floor of a 20ft: about 305 sq ft (28.3 m²), or 20 standard US pallets (48 × 40 in) in one layer. The end doors open about 7′8″ wide and 7′6″ high (2.34 × 2.28 m) on a standard and about 7′8″ wide and 8′6″ high (2.34 × 2.59 m) on a high cube, so take the high cube for tall machinery or high shelving. Rent one for a large job site, equipment or bulky stock.
Can a truck reach your spot?
Before you book, check the approach. Backing a 40ft in takes about 100–120 ft (30–37 m) of straight ground; the truck also wants a lane 10–14 ft (3–4.3 m) wide, 14–16 ft (4.3–4.9 m) clear overhead, and about 20 ft (6 m) of height where the container slides down. Tell us which side the doors should open toward. Firm, level ground matters as much as space: ground and leveling.
The rental agreement sent with your quote sets the deposit and insurance; the rest of the conditions are on our rental page, with each step of a rental.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent a 40ft container?
A standard 40ft costs $125 a month on a 12-month term, $150 on 6 months and $175 on 3; a high cube $150, $175 and $195. Those are starting rates for the container; the trucking both ways and any sales tax are added in your quote.
How high is a 40ft high cube container?
9′6″ (2.90 m) outside, one foot taller than a standard 40ft, which is 8′6″ (2.59 m). Inside, it’s about 8′10″ (2.69 m) high, compared with about 7′10″ (2.39 m) in a standard. The length and width are the same. Both heights side by side.
How much does a 40ft high cube container cost?
To rent, $150–$195 a month by term; to buy, a used wind & watertight high cube costs from $1,980 this week, or $3,900 new (one-trip), delivery and tax extra. Used 40ft high cube for sale · new 40ft high cube.
Other sizes and options: 20ft container rental · all rental rates · rent-to-own