53ft shipping containers are high cube containers scaling high in demand in the shipping industry. The trade industry has been continuously adapting the latest technologies and accommodating inventions to fulfil customer demands. 53ft intermodal containers were introduced in the high cube containers category to adhere to these modern-age shipping demands. These extra-volume containers provide sufficient storage solutions and are suitable for shipping globally. The blog will provide a detailed guide on 53ft cargo containers.

What is a 53ft Intermodal Container?

The 53ft shipping container falls under the category of high cube containers. Mostly built from corrugated steel, it is 9’6″ in height and 8’6″ wide to accommodate cargo that requires extra space. Growing in demand, 53ft intermodal containers have been built to facilitate domestic transportation via road and rail. Due to their large dimensions and heavy weight, they are also favoured for oversea transportation of heavier equipements. 53ft containers can be stacked one above the other, just like standard shipping containers.

Due to their enormous sizes, these containers are also favoured for the transcontinental transportation of heavier equipment.

What is the dimension of a 53ft container?

With an external height of 1′ and width of 6″, the 53ft cargo container has an external height of 6’9″, a width of 8’6″ and is 53′ long. With a capacity of 3,884 cu ft, it has the largest storage space among other shipping containers. The type of metal used to construct the container determines its weight. Most 53ft shipping containers generally weigh 8,772kg with chassis and 4,876kg without chassis. The container’s ability to seamlessly transfer cargo without repackaging makes it ideal for intermodal transport between roads and rails.

Uses of 53ft intermodal containers

The 53ft intermodal containers are well-equipped with additional storage capacity and capable of carrying substantial cargo shipments, including furniture and vehicles like cars and boats. Roads and rails can be used to convey these long-distance commodities swiftly. Apart from shipping multiple types of cargo, one of the primary reasons for the rising demand for 53ft shipping containers is their extra-large size. Customers are customising and converting them into office spaces, homes, garages, cabins, gyms, and coffee shops.

Benefits of 53ft intermodal container

1. Permanent storage space: These air and water-tight containers offer extra volume and height compared to standard shipping containers. The spacious and insulated building makes them excellent for storing cargo or being used as a warehouse.
2. Transcontinental shipping: 53ft cargo containers are suitable for shipping cargo over long distances. Due to their great weight, they are best transported over long distances by roads and railroads.
3. Intermodal Transportation: The 53ft containers may be loaded and unloaded mechanically onto a variety of transport modalities, primarily trucks and railroads. It provides for easy stacking and transportation of multiple types of cargo in one go.
4. Eco-Friendly: After having exhausted their use as shipping containers, 53ft containers can be renewed and repurposed for usage. Many users are creatively converting them into storage or living spaces. The expansive floor space makes them ideal for converting into homes, offices, or garages.
5. Heavy Load Transit: With a higher volume, width and height than general-purpose shipping containers, 53ft containers are ideal for shipping heavy bulk machinery, automobiles and furniture over long distances. They can easily accommodate six average-sized vehicles.
6. Choose from a range: The 53ft containers available in multiple categories, such as one-trip, cargo-worthy and used containers, offer the customers the flexibility to choose according to their budget and use.

Types of 53ft containers

Although limited in numbers, 53ft intermodal containers are available in various categories similar to standard shipping containers.

1. One-trip 53ft containers: High on the price margin, these new shipping containers are built for a single trade. They are fully secure without any rust, wear or tears. After one-time use, these containers are either discarded or renewed for domestic storage purposes.
2. Cargo-worthy 53ft containers: These may come with certain damage but are entirely usable with little to no repairs. The condition of the container is functional and capable of intermodal heavy load transit securely.
3. Used 53ft shipping containers: These used containers lie on a budget-friendly and affordable end. They have been thoroughly used for years and require considerable repairs. Therefore, ensure that all the damage has been efficiently fixed before buying or leasing shipping containers.

Handling of 53ft container

Heavier and more extensive than other standard shipping containers, 53ft containers require efficient handling during loading and reloading onto transport modes.

1. Forklifts are generally used for loading, unloading or reloading cargo containers on trucks and trains. Proper twist locking of the container with the forklift machine allows the 53ft heavy containers to remain intact while being picked up.
2. Avoid overloading the container to reduce the chances of friction between cargo that might lead to damaged goods.
3. Stack the lighter, more delicate goods on top of the heavier load when packing different types of cargo into a single 53ft container.
4. Follow the government guidelines for cargo stuffing and shipping that apply to the destination’s geography. Look into the prohibited goods list before shipping them to avoid taxes and fines.

What is the difference between a 40ft and 53ft container?

Both are high cube containers, ideal for storing and transporting heavy-weight cargo. Having a similar external height of 9’6″, a 40′ container is 40′ long and 8′ wide with a volume of 2660 cu ft. The 53ft container has an additional space advantage over the 40ft container due to the different size. 53ft containers, because of their greater volume, are capable of accommodating 60% more cargo than 40ft containers.

Although 53ft intermodal containers require higher capital investment, it is worth every penny.

Since 2008, LOTUS Containers has been one of the leading experts in offering shipping container solutions. We facilitate the shipping industry with different types of containers. Contact us to learn more about our shipping container services.