Question
A 40ft shipping container is 8ft (2.44 m) wide externally — the same as every other standard ISO container. Internal width is 2.35 m. The length difference (40ft vs 20ft) gives the 40ft its main advantage in capacity. Width is fixed by the global handling system and applies to all ISO sizes.
Did you know?
Container width barely changed as the industry evolved because width affects almost every transport system. A wider container might hold more cargo, but it could also create problems for trucks, rail networks and cranes worldwide. 
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