Tips for hiring a 40ft container: what you need to know

If you’re thinking about hiring a shipping container, chances are you’ve come across the 40ft option. And for good reason—it’s one of the most versatile and spacious containers available for hire. Whether you’re expanding your storage capacity for commercial use, safeguarding valuable equipment, or eyeing a creative conversion like a pop-up café or a stylish retail space, the 40ft container often ticks all the right boxes.

At TEU, we’ve been supplying top-quality containers across Northwest England and North Wales for over 40 years, and the 40ft option remains one of our most popular hires. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know before making the leap—from size specs and delivery tips to choosing the right rental provider. Let’s get into it.

Understand Your Needs

Before you hit the ‘hire now’ button, take a step back and define what you actually need the container for. Are you looking for long-term storage at a building site? Do you need something secure to house your stock? Or are you planning something a bit more creative, like converting it into a mobile café, temporary office, or event space?

Your purpose will guide what kind of 40ft container you should hire. For example, if your items are bulky or you need more vertical space (think shelving, displays, or racking), you might want to consider a 40ft high cube container, which offers an extra foot in height compared to the standard.

And if you’re shipping rather than storing, it’s vital to ensure the container meets cargo-worthy standards, with wind- and water-tight sealing and a valid CSC plate for overseas transport. At TEU, we’ll help you figure all of this out so you don’t end up paying for features you don’t need—or worse, forgetting to get the ones you do.

Consider the Size and Capacity

Let’s talk numbers. A standard 40ft container measures approximately:

Length: 40 feet 

Width: 8 feet 

Height: 8 feet 6 inches 

It can typically handle up to 26–28 tonnes in cargo weight, depending on what’s being stored and how it’s packed. That’s ideal for industrial tools, bulk storage, or even transforming the space into a mini showroom or mobile bar.

Compare that with a 20ft container, and you can see the obvious advantage for anyone needing serious storage space or wanting to get creative. A 10ft container, on the other hand, is great for smaller, tighter locations—but it might not offer enough room if you’re planning to walk in and out regularly, especially for business purposes.

Choose the Right Rental Provider

This step is crucial. Not all container hire companies operate the same. You want a provider who not only supplies reliable containers but also makes the entire process smooth, from enquiry to delivery.

Here’s what to look for:

Reputation: Check online reviews or ask around. Good service gets talked about, and bad service gets talked about even louder.

Customer Support: Are they easy to get hold of? Do they answer your questions clearly? You don’t want to be left in the dark when your container is due to arrive.

Flexibility: Do they offer short-term and long-term hire options? Can they accommodate custom delivery locations or multiple units?

This is where TEU is far above the rest. With decades of experience and a local focus on Northwest England and North Wales, we pride ourselves on responsive service, competitive prices, and a range of container types ready to roll out.

Need a high-cube 40ft unit? No problem. Want one delivered to a farm in Anglesey or a building site in Manchester? We’ve got it covered.

Consider Delivery and Placement

A common oversight when hiring a container is forgetting to prepare the delivery site properly. These things are big and heavy, and they arrive on equally big trucks—usually with a HIAB crane for lifting into place.

Here’s what you need to check:

Access: Can a delivery lorry get to your site easily? Are there low bridges, tight bends, or weight restrictions?

Space: You’ll need enough room not only for the container but also for the lorry to position and unload it. A standard HIAB truck needs around 30–40 ft of straight access.

Ground Conditions: The container should be placed on flat, solid ground to prevent shifting or sinking. Concrete, paving slabs, or compacted gravel are all good options.

At TEU, we’re happy to chat through your site setup and even do a quick check to make sure everything is good to go before delivery day. No surprises. No delays.

Get in touch with our friendly team today. Let’s get your project moving!