Question
12.19 metres outside, 12.03 metres inside.
A 40ft shipping container is 12.19 m (40ft) long externally. Internal length is 12.03 m (39ft 6in). The difference comes from wall thickness and corner posts. All ISO 40ft containers share this exact length. The 40ft is the most common size in global shipping, accounting for over half of all containers in service.
Did you know?
The 40ft container helped reduce transport costs by carrying more cargo without doubling handling work. One lift can move twice the length of a 20ft container. 
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