53ft HC Containers
Maximize your storage and transport with 53ft high cube shipping containers. Extra length and height, durable construction, and ideal for oversized cargo or projects
53ft High Cube Shipping Container: Product Guide
Product Description
Item Title: 53ft High Cube Shipping Container (9'6" Tall) – Maximum Capacity Wide-Body Conex Box
The Ultimate Solution for Large-Scale Domestic Storage and Logistics The 53ft High Cube (HC) shipping container is the largest intermodal asset in the North American market. Often referred to as a Wide-Body Conex or Domestic High Cube, this unit is 13 feet longer and 6 inches wider than a standard 40ft ISO container. It is specifically engineered for businesses and shippers that need to maximize volumetric efficiency while utilizing the North American rail and highway infrastructure.
With a massive internal capacity of approximately 3,830 to 3,970 cubic feet, the 53ft High Cube offers roughly 60% more cargo volume than a standard 40ft unit. The unique 102-inch (8'6") exterior width allows for the side-by-side loading of standard pallets with zero wasted space, a feature not possible in international ISO containers. It is the premier choice for large-scale inventory warehousing, oversized machinery storage, and high-end structural conversions.
Key Selling Points:
- Massive Volumetric Capacity: Provides the largest storage footprint available in the standard container market (approx. 3,900 cu. ft.).
- Extra-Wide Body: The 8'6" width accommodates two North American pallets side-by-side, increasing floor capacity to 30 standard pallets in a single tier.
- High Cube Vertical Clearance: 9'6" exterior height yields a ~8'10" internal ceiling, providing critical headroom for tall machinery or habitable conversions like mobile offices and multi-room modular homes.
- Intermodal Design: Built to rail industry standards with intermediate corner castings at the 40ft position, allowing the unit to be safely double-stacked on rail cars.
- Secure & Weatherproof: Available in heavy-duty Corten steel or composite plate construction. These units are inspected to be Wind & Watertight (WWT) to protect valuable assets from moisture, pests, and theft.
Technical Specifications Table
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Specification Category
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Metric
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Imperial
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Notes
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External Dimensions
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16.15 m L x 2.59 m W x 2.90 m H
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53' L x 8' 6" W x 9' 6" H
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Internal Dimensions
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15.93 m L x 2.49 m W x 2.71 m H
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52' 3" L x 8' 2" W x 8' 10" H
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Door Opening
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2.49 m W x 2.58 m H
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8' 2" W x 8' 5" H
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Internal Volume
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108.5 - 112.4 m³
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3,830 - 3,970 ft³
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Largest Intermodal Unit
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Tare Weight (Empty)
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~4,876 - 5,490 kg
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~10,750 - 12,103 lbs
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Varies by construction
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Max Gross Weight
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30,480 - 32,500 kg
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67,200 - 71,650 lbs
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Max Payload
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~25,460 - 27,850 kg
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~56,130 - 61,400 lbs
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Pallet Capacity
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30 Standard (48"x40")
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-
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Single layer
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Buyer's Guide: Understanding Condition & Build
1. Build Options: Steel vs. Composite
- Corrugated Steel: Best for stationary storage. Constructed from 14-gauge Corten steel, these units are exceptionally durable, rust-resistant, and easy to weld for modifications.
- Composite Plate (DuraPlate): Often used in domestic intermodal fleets. Features smooth internal walls and high-strength galvanized steel skins bonded to a plastic core, maximizing interior width and preventing cargo snags.
2. Condition Grades
- One-Trip (New): Shipped once from Asia to North America. These units offer the highest aesthetic quality and a 25-30 year lifespan.
- Cargo Worthy (CW) / Wind & Watertight (WWT): The most common grade for 53ft units. Retired from domestic rail service (typically 15~20 years old), these units exhibit surface rust and dents but are guaranteed leak-free and secure.
Critical Delivery & Site Requirements
⚠️ WARNING: The 53ft container requires the most extensive delivery site of any standard unit.
- Linear Clearance: A tilt-bed "roll-off" delivery truck requires a minimum of 120 to 135 feet of straight-line ground clearance to unload. The truck must be able to pull out from under the unit as it slides off the trailer.
- Turning Radius: Due to the trailer length, a wide turning area (at least 14ft wide) is required for access gates and driveways.
- Overhead Clearance: While the container is 9'6" tall, it can reach an apex height of 21 feet during the offloading process. Check for power lines, building eaves, and tree branches.
- Ground Conditions: Ground must be firm, dry, and level (gravel, pavement, or compacted dirt). A 45,000 lb loaded truck will sink in soft soil or wet grass.
- Foundation: We strongly recommend placing the container on concrete pads or railroad ties under the four corner posts and mid-points to ensure the frame remains level and doors operate smoothly.
Worthy Container - One click purchase available for any shipping container in North America. Call us anytime for assistance. ✆ 800 337 1468
