If you’re in the market for a massive shipping container, you’ll be able to find a few if you look in the right places.  The biggest container on the market is a 53′ unit, and the next size down is a 45′ container.  Both are limited in their international uses, but still serve the domestic US market on a regular basis.

53′ Shipping Containers

 53′ shipping containers were once used for international shipping, but due to size restrictions and inefficiencies most shipping lines mothballed this size.  They’re still used domestically for truck and train shipping in the US, but the inventory is dwindling.  53′ containers are 102″ (8’6″) wide, making them six inches wider than a conventional container, and 9’6″ tall, making them a high cube.

45′ Shipping Containers

45′ containers were once thought to be a great solution, but their popularity is also falling off for the same reason as the 53′ containers – economically they’re just not as efficient.  Containers this size are 8′ wide, and 9’6″ tall, high cube status.  They were normally used for shipping large bulky items like furniture and similar items.  While there aren’t many around these days, you can find some in Jacksonville, Florida and Chicago, Illinois.

If you’re in the market for extra large, or over sized shipping containers, you’ll want to do your research and make sure that you have enough room to keep them, and enough room to have them delivered. Of course, this is assuming that you can find a company with a trailer large enough to move them (legally)!

While they’re still popular for domestic shipping, over sized shipping containers are losing much of the following they once had.  Although they are still in use, the long term application of them is still up for debate.  If you’re interested in buying 45′ or 53′ container, check with a local dealer/supplier or on websites like eBay.com or ContainerAuction.com.