Perth buyer’s guide
Choose the Right 40ft Shipping Container for Your Perth Site
A 40ft shipping container is a practical choice when you need serious storage volume, a long workshop, bulk stock space or a platform for a custom fit-out. ABC Containers supplies new and used 40ft units for sale or hire from its Bibra Lake depot, with transport and modifications available through one local team.
At a glance: a standard 40ft container provides about 67.7m³ of internal volume. A 40ft High Cube keeps a similar footprint while increasing volume to about 76.4m³. A Pallet Wide High Cube provides about 78.3m³ and extra internal width.
- ✓New and used stock
- ✓Buy or hire
- ✓In-house modifications
- ✓Perth and regional WA
12.19mApproximate external length
67.7–78.3m³Internal volume across common builds
2.59–2.89mExternal height range
3 Main TypesGP, High Cube and Pallet Wide HC
Which 40ft Container Type Should You Choose?
Match the container to what you are storing, how often you need access, the available site footprint and whether the unit will be modified.
Best all-rounder
GP
40ft General Purpose
Choose this for bulk storage, tools, stock, machinery and general freight when standard internal height is sufficient.
Extra internal height
HC
40ft High Cube
Choose this when you need roughly 300mm more internal height for tall equipment, racking, insulation, services or a fit-out.
Extra internal width
PW
Pallet Wide High Cube
Choose this when pallet loading efficiency and extra internal width matter. Confirm the load footprint before ordering.
Special access or use
SP
Specialist 40ft Build
Ask about side-opening, double-door, refrigerated, open-top, insulated, dangerous-goods or purpose-built modified options.
40ft Shipping Container Prices in Perth
Pricing changes with stock, condition, age, configuration, delivery suburb, access, paint and modifications. Use these figures for early planning and request a current all-in quote before ordering.
Indicative 2026 price guide. Prices exclude GST, delivery and modifications and may change with stock.
| Container |
Indicative used price |
Indicative new or one-trip price |
Often chosen for |
| 40ft Standard |
$2,700–$4,000 |
$6,000–$8,000 |
General storage, stock, equipment and transport |
| 40ft High Cube |
$3,000–$4,500 |
$5,800–$7,500 |
High-volume storage, racking and modifications |
What changes the final delivered price?
Condition and configuration set the base price. Delivery distance and site access affect transport. Painting, lockboxes, doors, windows, shelving, ventilation, electrical work, insulation and flooring are then added according to your specification.
For a useful quote, send the delivery suburb, preferred container type, condition, intended use, door direction and clear photos of the access route and placement area.
Compare the total delivered cost. A low advertised price may exclude GST, delivery, inspection, repairs or the condition grade you actually need.
What Can You Use a 40ft Container For?
A 40ft unit is particularly useful for long materials, high-volume storage and fit-outs that need separate work zones.
01
Construction and mine-site storage
Secure tools, consumables, plant parts, PPE and project materials in one lockable unit.
02
Commercial inventory
Hold overflow stock, seasonal inventory, furniture, records or packaging near your operation.
03
Workshop or equipment store
Add access doors, shelving, benches, ventilation, lighting, power and equipment racks.
04
Site office or amenities
A High Cube provides extra room for ceilings, insulation, services and an internal fit-out.
05
Household contents
Suitable for larger moves when access, furniture dimensions and packing plans are confirmed.
06
Specialist storage
Ask about refrigerated, insulated or dangerous-goods configurations where special requirements apply.
20ft vs 40ft Shipping Container
A 40ft container provides roughly twice the internal volume of a 20ft GP, but it needs more placement space and more delivery access.
Approximate comparison. Confirm exact unit and delivery requirements before ordering.
| Decision point |
20ft GP |
40ft GP |
| External length |
6.06m |
12.19m |
| Internal volume |
33m³ |
67.7m³ |
| Approximate tare weight |
2,280kg |
3,600kg |
| Site access |
Easier on tighter sites |
Needs more turning and placement room |
| Often suited to |
Tools, smaller storage and compact sites |
Bulk stock, long items, workshops and larger fit-outs |
Should You Buy or Hire?
| Consideration |
Buy a 40ft container |
Hire a 40ft container |
| Often suited to |
Long-term use, permanent storage and substantial modifications |
Projects, shutdowns, renovations and temporary overflow |
| Upfront commitment |
Higher initial spend |
Lower initial commitment |
| Modification freedom |
Best option for a custom fit-out |
Usually limited and subject to approval |
| At the end of use |
Retain, relocate or resell the asset |
Arrange collection at the end of the hire |
New and Used Container Condition Grades
Choose the condition according to appearance, intended use, budget and whether the container must remain suitable for freight.
New Build
Minimal handling marks, clean presentation and the longest expected service life.
Often chosen for premium fit-outs
Premium A Grade
Carefully selected used stock with limited cosmetic wear.
Strong balance of presentation and value
B Grade
Wind and watertight with visible dents, paint wear or surface marks.
Often chosen for practical site storage
As Is or Cargo Worthy
Entry-level used stock supplied in its stated condition.
Inspect and match carefully to the intended use
40ft Container Modifications
ABC Containers can complete modifications at the Perth depot before delivery, reducing the need to coordinate separate fabricators and trades after the container reaches your site.
- 1Define the useStorage, freight, workshop, office, amenities, refrigerated or dangerous goods.
- 2Choose the base unitSelect the height, access configuration and condition grade.
- 3Confirm the fit-outPlan doors, windows, ventilation, insulation, power, flooring, shelving and security.
- 4Approve deliveryConfirm access, final placement, door direction and delivery timing.
40ft Container Delivery and Site Preparation
A 40ft unit needs more access than a 20ft container. Send clear photos early so the transport route and final placement can be checked before dispatch.
Plan the complete access route
Check the gate, driveway, corners, slopes, overhead clearance and final set-down area, not only the pad where the container will sit.
Placement surface: use a firm, level area with stable support beneath the structural corner points. Permanent or occupied installations may need site-specific advice.
Details to send with your quote
- ✓Delivery suburb and preferred date
- ✓Gate and driveway width
- ✓Road approach and turning space
- ✓Slopes, soft ground or drainage
- ✓Power lines, eaves and branches
- ✓Exact placement and door direction
Why Perth Customers Choose ABC Containers
01Bibra Lake depot
Inspect available units and discuss the configuration with a local team.
02Transport coordinated
Supply and delivery can be planned together around the site access.
03In-house modifications
Build storage, workshop, office and specialist configurations before delivery.
04Condition choices
Compare new and used grades against the intended use and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 40ft shipping container in Perth?
As an indicative 2026 guide, used 40ft Standard pricing is around $2,700 to $4,000 and new or one-trip pricing is around $6,000 to $8,000. Used 40ft High Cube pricing is around $3,000 to $4,500 and new or one-trip pricing is around $5,800 to $7,500. These figures exclude GST, delivery and modifications and can change with stock.
What are the external dimensions of a 40ft container?
A common 40ft General Purpose container is approximately 12.19m long, 2.44m wide and 2.59m high externally. A 40ft High Cube is approximately 2.89m high.
How much internal space does a 40ft container have?
Nominal internal volume is about 67.7m³ for a 40ft GP, 76.4m³ for a 40ft High Cube and 78.3m³ for a Pallet Wide High Cube.
What is the difference between standard and High Cube?
The length and width are similar, but a High Cube provides roughly 300mm more internal height. That is useful for tall cargo, racking, insulation, services and office or workshop fit-outs.
Should I choose a 20ft or 40ft container?
Choose a 40ft unit for bulk volume, long items or a large fit-out when the site has enough access. Choose a 20ft unit when access is tighter or the storage requirement is smaller.
Can I inspect a container before buying?
Arrange a visit to the Bibra Lake yard so available stock and condition grades can be discussed and inspected.
Can a 40ft container become a workshop or office?
Yes. Common additions include personnel doors, windows, roller doors, ventilation, insulation, flooring, shelving, benches, lighting, power, plumbing, air conditioning and security lockboxes.
How is a 40ft container delivered?
The transport method depends on the container, delivery address, access route and final placement. Send access photos and the preferred door direction when requesting a quote.
What surface should a shipping container sit on?
Use a firm, level placement area with stable support beneath the structural corner points. The exact foundation depends on the ground, drainage, permanence and intended use.
Do I need council approval for a shipping container in Perth?
Requirements vary by council, zoning, intended use and how long the container will remain. Check with the relevant local authority for permanent structures or occupied spaces.
Get an All-In Quote for Your 40ft Container
Tell ABC Containers whether you want to buy or hire, the preferred type and condition, the delivery suburb, intended use, modifications and site access.
20′ GP
20′ GP OS
40′ GP