40 Foot Container Rentals: Costs, Sizes, and Tips (2025 Edition)

August 27, 2025

The 40 foot shipping container is the largest and most cost-effective portable storage option available today. With over 320 square feet of floor space, it’s big enough to hold the contents of a small warehouse, a contractor’s entire staging area, or the seasonal inventory for a retail business.

Unlike the 20 foot container, which we recommend for moving households—the 40 ft container shines in long-term storage, workspace, and business use. It offers a huge amount of secure space at a fraction of the cost of renting a warehouse or flex unit.

In this 2025 guide, we’ll cover the most important things to know about 40 ft containers, including current prices, sizes, rental value, and tips before you order.

Key Takeaways: 40 Ft Shipping Container Costs in 2025

Rentals: $140–$199 per month (depending on location & availability)
Purchases: Used containers start around $2,750; New One-Trip containers range from $5,450–$6,000 (as of August 2025)
Sizes: Standard (40’ L x 8’ W x 8’6” H) or High Cube (40’ L x 8’ W x 9’6” H, +15% more space)
Best For: Businesses, contractors, seasonal inventory, long-term storage, and workspace solutions
Delivery Costs: Typically ~$100/hour of driving or $3.50/mile

Prices are industry averages and may vary based on steel costs, supply/demand, and distance from the nearest port. For the most accurate quote, contact your local Get Simple Box location.

40 Ft Container Sizes and Options

A standard 40 ft container measures about 40’ L x 8’ W x 8’6” H, offering just over 2,300 cubic feet of secure space.

If you need more room, the 40 ft High Cube adds an extra foot of height (9’6”), which increases capacity by about 15%. High Cubes are especially popular for businesses storing taller equipment or setting up a workspace inside.

Specialty options include:

Double-Door Containers – Doors on both ends for easier access.
Open-Side Containers – One full side opens; premium, rare, and usually double the price of a standard.
Construction-Grade Containers – Older one-trips that offer durability at a lower cost.

No matter which you choose, every 40 ft container comes with solid steel walls, lockable doors, and the ability to be placed directly on your site for easy access.

Rental Value: Double the Space for a Fraction of the Cost

One of the biggest advantages of a 40 foot shipping container is the value you get for the price. While a 20 ft container typically rents for $120–$140 per month, most 40 ft containers rent for just $140–$199 per month (as of August 2025). That means you can double your storage space for less than 50% more cost.

For many businesses and property owners, this makes the 40 ft container an affordable alternative to renting flex space or a warehouse. You get hundreds of square feet of secure storage or workspace right on your site, without long-term leases or overhead costs.

It’s important to note that delivery costs for a 40 ft container are usually a little higher than for a 20 ft container. We recommend budgeting about $100 per hour of drive time or $3.50 per mile for delivery and pickup. To learn more about delivery requirements and site access, visit our Container Delivery guide.

With month-to-month rental options, a 40 ft container is one of the most flexible and cost-effective ways to add space exactly where you need it.

Market Trends: Why 40 Ft Containers Are More Affordable Right Now

If you’ve been watching container prices over the last few years, you may have noticed that 40 ft containers—especially High Cubes—have come down in price. This trend is largely due to shifts in global trade.

When American companies were preparing for potential tariffs, many placed large overseas orders ahead of time. That created a wave of extra imports, leaving an oversupply of 40 ft containers sitting at ports across the U.S. The result? More availability and slightly lower prices for buyers and renters.

As of August 2025, here’s what you can generally expect to pay when purchasing a 40 ft container:

Used / Cargo-Worthy 40 ft Containers: $2,750–$3,100
New One-Trip 40 ft Containers: $5,450–$6,000
Specialty Containers (Double-Door, High Cube, or Open-Side): $6,200–$13,800

👉 You can see a full breakdown of current options on our 40 ft container guide.

Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on the price of steel, global supply and demand, and how far you are from the nearest port. For the most accurate, up-to-date quote, it’s always best to contact your local Get Simple Box location.

Buying a 40 Ft Container: New vs. Used

When deciding between a new (one-trip) container and a used (cargo-worthy) container, there are some big differences to keep in mind. The right choice often depends on how often you’ll be accessing the container, how long you plan to use it, and what you’ll be storing.

New / One-Trip 40 Ft Containers

Easier to Use: Doors open and close smoothly, often with Easy Open Door handles that can be operated with one hand.
Cooler Inside: Light colors (gray, beige, tan) reflect heat, often keeping the inside 10–15° cooler than darker used units.
Better Airflow: Multiple vents provide improved circulation and help prevent condensation.
Forklift Pockets: Built-in forklift pockets make it easier to reposition or relocate the container on your property.
Long Lifespan: With basic care, one-trip containers can last 20–30 years or more, while also holding their resale value.

Used / Cargo-Worthy 40 Ft Containers

Budget-Friendly: Typically $2,750–$3,100 (as of August 2025).
Harder to Open: Door handles are lower and often stiffer, making them more difficult to use.
Hotter Inside: Darker paint (red, blue, green) absorbs heat, sometimes making the inside uncomfortably warm.
Limited Airflow: Fewer vents, which can lead to higher humidity inside.
No Forklift Pockets: Requires specialized equipment to move or relocate.
Shorter Lifespan: While they’re still secure and weather-tight, used containers have seen years of heavy use and wear.

If you plan to access your container frequently, store items that are sensitive to heat, or want a container that will last for decades, we almost always recommend going with a new one-trip container. If you’re looking for the lowest upfront cost for bulk storage or infrequent access, a used container may still be a good fit.

👉 Explore current inventory and compare options in our 40 ft shipping container guide.

Who Uses 40 Ft Containers?

Because of their size and value, 40 ft containers are the go-to option for businesses and organizations that need secure, on-site storage at scale. Here are a few of the most common users:

Contractors & Job Sites – Renovation companies, restoration crews, and contractors often use 40 ft containers to store lumber, tools, and staging materials. A 40 ft container provides a secure base of operations that keeps materials protected and frees up workspace.
Retailers & Seasonal Businesses – Tire shops, fireworks stands, and Christmas lighting companies often rely on 40 ft containers for seasonal or overflow inventory. Having the extra space nearby saves on warehouse rental costs.
Hotels & Restaurants – Many hospitality businesses use 40 ft containers to store patio furniture, event décor, and seasonal equipment. The container can be tucked behind a building or in a back lot until needed.
Landscaping & Industrial Companies – Landscapers, equipment rental companies, and turnaround specialists often use 40 ft containers to store bulk supplies, heavy tools, and machinery securely on-site.
Community Organizations & Schools – 40 ft containers can serve as affordable storage for sports gear, maintenance equipment, or emergency supplies.

For anyone who needs a large, long-term storage solution, the 40 ft container is often the most cost-effective option available.

👉 Curious about what size container is right for your project? Check out our guide on choosing the right container size or connect with your local Get Simple Box team.

Pro Tips Before You Order a 40 Ft Container

Before scheduling delivery of a 40 ft container, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

Make Sure You Have the Space – A 40 ft container requires about 120 feet of straight, clear space for the delivery truck to back in and unload. If space is limited, a pair of 20 ft containers may be a better fit.
Plan for Delivery Costs – Delivery fees are typically higher than for a 20 ft container. As a rule of thumb, budget about $100 per hour of driving or $3.50 per mile.
Consider Site Access – Once in place, 40 ft containers are harder to move around than smaller containers. If you anticipate needing to reposition it, a new one-trip container with forklift pockets can make the job much easier.
Think About Access Needs – If you’ll be going in and out regularly, a new one-trip container with easy-open doors and more vents will make life much easier.
Ask About Condition – Used containers can save money upfront but may run hotter, be harder to open, or have less airflow. If you plan to use the container long-term, the investment in a new one is often worth it.

Taking these steps before delivery can save you time, money, and frustration — ensuring your 40 ft container is a great solution from day one.

👉 For more delivery details, visit our Container Delivery Guide.

Conclusion: Is a 40 Ft Shipping Container Right for You?

The 40 ft shipping container is one of the best values in storage today. For less than $200 per month, you can double the space of a 20 ft container and create a secure, weather-resistant solution for inventory, equipment, or workspace. If you’re thinking about purchasing, used containers can be a budget-friendly choice, while new one-trip containers deliver unmatched ease of use, durability, and long-term value.

Like most things, the right container depends on your goals. If you need flexible, affordable storage for the long haul, a 40 ft container could be the perfect fit. If you’re working with limited space or planning a move, you may be better off with one or more 20 ft containers instead.

At Get Simple Box, our goal isn’t just to rent or sell you a specific size of container — it’s to help you find the solution that works best for your project.