A 40′ shipping container house gives you way more space without blowing up your budget. Instead of paying for multiple small units, you get one big solid structure that cuts down your shipping costs right from the start.
We designed it tough, like a steel guardian for your home. It’s built to handle long-distance travel without bending or breaking, so you don’t have to stress about transport damage on the road.
Once it arrives, it opens up into a cozy, livable space that feels human, not industrial. With fewer repairs and lower maintenance costs, you can focus on enjoying life instead of fixing problems.
A 40′ shipping container house offers a modern, practical, and sustainable housing solution designed for today’s lifestyle needs. Built from durable Corten steel and engineered for versatility, it combines strength, comfort, and efficiency in one compact unit. W20 Ft Expandable Container Househether you’re looking for a permanent residence, vacation home, or portable office, these container homes deliver exceptional value.
Main Benefits:
The standard 40 ft shipping container house offers ample interior space for multiple layout options.
| Specification | External | Internal |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 40 ft (12.19 m) | 39.5 ft (12.03 m) |
| Width | 8 ft (2.44 m) | 7.8 ft (2.38 m) |
| Height | 8.5 ft (2.59 m) | 7.9 ft (2.39 m) |
| Total Area | ~320 sq ft | — |
High-cube versions with 9.5 ft height are available for added airiness and design flexibility.
These homes are made from ISO-certified marine-grade Corten steel, known for its corrosion resistance and long-term durability. Key structural reinforcements are added for residential use:
Each prefab shipping container house is customizable to fit your needs. Options include:
You can also explore expandable container house options for additional living space without compromising portability.
A mobile container house 40 feet can be transported by truck, rail, or ship to virtually any location. Advantages include:
For portable yet expandable designs, the 40-foot container house is a popular choice in both residential and commercial applications.
Designed with insulation and passive design principles in mind, a 40’ shipping container tiny house can minimize energy use:
By converting retired steel shipping containers into modular homes, we reduce waste and promote sustainable living. Benefits include:
A 40′ shipping container house is built from high-grade Corten steel, the same material used in ocean freight shipping containers for durability and corrosion resistance. The frame is reinforced for residential use, ensuring it can withstand strong winds, heavy snow loads, and seismic activity common in parts of the U.S. Welded steel corner posts provide structural stability, while the flooring system typically uses marine-grade plywood with a protective coating.
A standard 40-foot container home weighs 8,000–9,000 lbs before interior modifications, with a maximum payload capacity of 58,000 lbs. This means it can carry all necessary living fixtures and furnishings without compromising safety. Roof and wall structures are engineered to support additional loads, like rooftop solar panels or a small deck.
Weight and Load Table:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| External Dimensions (L×W×H) | 40’ × 8’ × 8’6” |
| Tare Weight | 8,000–9,000 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 67,200 lbs |
| Max Payload Capacity | ~58,000 lbs |
| Roof Load Capacity | 300 kg/m² (approx. 60 psf) |
To meet U.S. climate demands, spray foam or rigid panel insulation is used in walls, ceilings, and floors. Depending on the package selected, customers can get R-13 to R-21 wall insulation and R-30 ceiling insulation, making the home energy efficient in both hot and cold regions.
Each 40 ft container house comes with a pre-installed electrical system that’s UL-compliant and compatible with standard U.S. 110V outlets. This includes:
The plumbing is PEX or CPVC-based, with standard U.S. fittings for easy maintenance. It includes:
Every prefab shipping container house is designed to meet International Residential Code (IRC) or local state building codes where applicable. Electrical and plumbing are installed per NEC (National Electrical Code) and UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code) standards. In certain states, the unit can be certified for HUD code if intended for mobile or modular housing classification.
For customers who want more flexible or transportable solutions, we also offer alternatives like the Folding Container House that meet similar specifications but with easier relocation benefits.
Our 40’ shipping container house designs are flexible and can be tailored to fit your lifestyle — whether you want a small getaway cabin, a permanent home, an office space, or even a multi-unit setup. Each layout maximizes space, natural light, and functionality without sacrificing comfort.
Here are our most popular 40 ft container home floor plan options:
1-Bedroom Layout
Studio Layout
Home Office Layout
Multi-Unit Layout
| Layout Type | Approx. Interior Size | Rooms Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | ~320 sq. ft. | Bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living area | Residential or rental |
| Studio | ~320 sq. ft. | Open living/sleeping, kitchen, bathroom | Guest house, ADU, vacation cabin |
| Home Office | ~320 sq. ft. | Workspace, small break area, bathroom | Remote work, small business |
| Multi-Unit | Two ~160 sq. ft. units | 2 separate living/office spaces, bathrooms | Rentals, dual-office use |
We provide 3D renders and interior photos of completed 40 ft container houses so you can see exactly how your layout could look before production. Designs feature modern finishes, efficient appliance placement, and smart lighting setups.
A 40′ shipping container house is more than just a compact living space — it’s a versatile structure that can adapt to different needs. With its solid steel frame, transportability, and customizable interiors, this type of home can be used for far more than traditional housing.
Many people choose a 40 foot container home for full-time living. It’s a practical option for downsizing, building on rural land, or adding a secondary dwelling unit on an existing lot. With smart floor plans, you can fit one to two bedrooms, a full kitchen, bath, and living space into a single container.
A 40’ shipping container cabin is a great solution for a low-maintenance getaway. Built with weather-resistant steel and available with off-grid power systems, it’s perfect for lake, mountain, or beach properties where durability is key.
For remote work or small business operations, a 40ft shipping container office offers a secure, insulated, and quiet space. It works well for home-based businesses, construction site offices, or creative studios, and can be outfitted with internet wiring, built-in desks, and climate control.
Quick to deliver and set up, prefab shipping container houses can act as temporary or long-term housing for emergency situations. Their solid build ensures safety, while the modular design makes them stackable and easy to relocate.
Retailers and small business owners can turn a steel container home 40ft model into a fully functional store. These pop-up setups are ideal for festivals, seasonal markets, or quick-start business ventures. Large side openings or glass installations can create an inviting storefront.
A 40ft container house can quickly become a money-making Airbnb or short-term rental. They appeal to travelers looking for unique stays and can be placed on private land or integrated into a multi-unit rental development for extra income.
A 40-foot shipping container house can be delivered nationwide, and we work with several freight partners to ensure safe arrival. There are two main delivery methods:
Average delivery time after production is 2–6 weeks, depending on customization, your location, and permit timelines.
Once the unit arrives, setup is typically straightforward:
Proper site prep is key to durability and comfort:
Site prep can be handled by a local contractor or our recommended partners, depending on the location.
A 40′ shipping container house offers one of the most affordable entries into homeownership or functional space compared to traditional builds. The base price for a fully finished 40 ft container home in the US typically ranges from $35,000 to $60,000, depending on construction quality, interior finishes, and standard inclusions.
Customization—such as upgrading to premium siding, adding rooftop decks, solar power systems, or high-end interior finishes—can raise the price to $75,000-$120,000+. Customized floor plans, luxury bathrooms, or additional insulation for extreme climates will also affect the total cost.
Typical customization add-ons include:
If you’re ordering multiple 40 ft shipping container houses—for a vacation rental business, remote workforce housing, or emergency shelters—bulk order discounts can significantly reduce per-unit costs.
Bulk orders can also qualify for reduced freight charges, as delivery can be grouped for efficiency.
Owning a 40’ steel container home is possible without paying everything upfront. In the US, multiple financing paths are available:
For commercial uses like pop-up shops, rental units, or remote office spaces, leasing can make more sense than buying.
Our 40-foot shipping container house has seen action all over the country — from coastal vacation cabins to backyard ADUs. Here’s what actual owners are saying about living in and using their container homes.
Mark R., Texas – Full-Time Residence
“I went with a 40 ft shipping container modular home as my primary residence. The build quality surprised me — solid steel construction with no warping even after a hot Texas summer. The insulation kept my power bills way lower than my old house. Setup took less than two weeks.”
Sarah W., Colorado – Vacation Retreat
“We installed our prefab container cabin 40ft on our mountain property. Loved that it arrived pre-fitted with plumbing and electrical. It feels more like a modern tiny home than a cabin. Winters get cold, but the insulation R-value means no issues.”
Michael T., Florida – Office Space
“I turned my 40’ shipping container house into a remote office. Easy to customize — we added more windows, solar panels, and extra outlets. Perfect for client meetings without leaving my property.”
Lisa P., California – Airbnb Rental
“We run it as a vacation rental. Guests always comment on how roomy it feels inside. The modern kitchen and full bathroom surprised people expecting a cramped container space.”
A 40′ shipping container house is built from corrosion-resistant Corten steel, the same material used for ocean freight containers. These homes are designed to handle extreme weather, heavy loads, and years of use. With routine maintenance like repainting every 10–15 years and checking for rust spots, they can last 25–50 years or more. They’re fire-resistant, pest-proof, and secure, making them tougher than many traditional wood-frame homes.
We can customize your 40 ft shipping container house to fit the way you live or work. Popular options include:
If you want something beyond our base design, you can also check our expandable container house options for more flexibility in space.
Permits for a 40’ container home depend on local building codes and zoning rules. In many U.S. states, counties may require:
Tip: Always talk to local officials before ordering. We can provide structural drawings and engineering reports to help with approval.
From the time you place your order, most builds take 6–10 weeks depending on customization. Delivery and site setup may add another 1–2 weeks.
Our 40 foot container homes come with:
This gives you peace of mind knowing that both the structure and the systems are backed by solid support.
| Model | Size | Main Applications |
|---|---|---|
| YC-20FT-FC | Standard ISO 20ft (6058 × 2438 × 2591mm) | Temporary housing, construction site dormitories, emergency shelters, portable offices, commercial pop-up stores |
Tell us your specifications, usage scenario, and quantity needs.
We provide CAD drawings and finalize all production details within 48 hours.
We manage secure loading and dispatch with full documentation for global delivery.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6058mm × 2438mm × 2591mm |
| Weight | 1.2–1.5 tons (depending on configuration) |
| Material | Galvanized steel frame + fireproof sandwich panels |
| Color Options | White / Gray / Custom colors |
| Features | Foldable transport, waterproof, fire-resistant, insulated, extendable |
| Lifespan | 15+ years |
Large-scale manufacturing facility with 5,000+ annual capacity
Cutting → Welding → Anti-corrosion → Assembly → Testing → Packaging
Load-bearing, waterproof, fireproof, insulation tests
ISO 9001, CE, EN standards
Folded, flat-pack design for easy shipping
Sea freight, land freight, multimodal transport
A Folding Container House is a prefabricated modular building that can be folded flat during transportation and quickly expanded on-site. Its unique foldable design reduces shipping volume by up to 75%, making it cost-efficient for international logistics. Once unfolded, it functions as a fully equipped housing or office solution.
Installation of a Folding Container House takes only a few hours with a small team. Unlike traditional buildings that require weeks of construction, these units can be deployed immediately for worker housing, offices, or disaster relief shelters.
Yes. Each Folding Container House is built with galvanized steel frames and fire-resistant insulated panels. They are waterproof, wind-resistant, and compliant with ISO and CE international standards, ensuring durability and a lifespan of 15+ years.
A Folding Container House is ideal for temporary worker camps, mobile offices, disaster relief housing, retail pop-up shops, tourist accommodations, and more. Its versatility makes it suitable for construction companies, NGOs, wholesalers, and government projects.
Absolutely. Folding Container Houses can be tailored with custom layouts, doors, windows, insulation levels, interior finishes, and colors. This makes them flexible for both residential and commercial applications.
Thanks to its foldable structure, a Folding Container House can be flat-packed, reducing space and shipping costs. Multiple units can be loaded into a single standard container, supporting trade terms such as FOB, CIF, and DDP. This makes global delivery cost-effective and efficient.
A detailed answer to provide information about your business, build trust with potential customers, or help the visitor with a problem they may be encountering
A detailed answer to provide information about your business, build trust with potential customers, or help the visitor with a problem they may be encountering
Your trusted container house manufacturer from China
Building 47, Yunchuang Center, Dongchangfu District, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province
+86-15910198723
wadehu@shanghesd.com
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