# Forty-foot standard container

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> A forty-foot standard container (40', also known as an FEU – Forty-foot Equivalent Unit) is a standardised cargo unit with an external length of 12.19 metres, accounting for the largest share of capacity in global container shipping.

A forty-foot standard container (40', also known as an FEU – Forty-foot Equivalent Unit) is a standardised cargo unit with an external length of 12.19 metres, accounting for the largest share of capacity in global container shipping. Usable internal volume is approximately 67 cubic metres, with a maximum payload typically ranging from 26 to 28 tonnes depending on the manufacturer and certification. In port statistics and freight accounting, one FEU equals exactly two TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) — the standard measure for vessel, terminal, and inland transport capacity. The 40' container suits high-volume, relatively light cargo where cubic capacity is the binding constraint; dense or heavy goods are more often shipped in 20' containers instead.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermodal_container](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermodal_container)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Forty-foot standard container |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 115 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermodal_container |

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