Non-standard and Uncommon Intermodal Container Sizes

The 48- and 53-foot containers are uncommon sizes of intermodal containers found in North America.
The 48-foot container is a high-cube container in that it is 9 feet 6 inches tall. It is 8 feet 6 inches wide, which makes it 6 inches wider than ISO-standard containers. This size was introduced in 1986, and is used domestically in North America on road and rail and can be transported on deck by ship. The 48-foot container offers almost 30% more cubic space than the standard 40-foot high-cube container.
The 53-foot container is a high-cube container in that it is 9 feet 6 inches tall. It is 8 feet 6 inches wide, which makes it 6 inches wider than ISO-standard containers. The size was introduced to North America in 1989 and is used mainly for domestic road and rail transport.
The general purpose 53-foot containers were introduced in the North America in 1989, and are mainly for domestic road and rail transport. The 48-foot container offers almost 60% more cubic space than the standard 40-foot high-cube container.
ISO 668 is an international standard which classifies intermodal freight shipping containers and standardizes their size and weight specifications. Introduced in 1968, ISO 668 regulates both external and internal dimensions of containers, as well as the minimum door opening size, where applicable. It also specifies the associated gross weight ratings, and requirements for load transfer areas in the base structures of containers.
Intermodal containers are sold and rented to clients as storage units. These include car dealerships, construction companies, event companies and those in the mining and forestry industry.