Reviewed by Ryan Penick, Operator, Wholesale Industry LLC · Updated October 2026
A 56 × 48 in container adds length to the 48 in class without giving up the 48 in side that loads two across in a trailer. It carries parts that are slightly too long for a 48 × 45 in bin, such as trim pieces, brackets, hoses and molded panels, without the floor space of the longer 65 and 70 in bases. This page covers used 56 × 48 in collapsible bulk containers: the models and dimensions to expect, how to choose a height, and how to buy.
56 × 48 in model dimensions
Used units in this footprint come from more than one maker. The table shows published dimensions for current new models as a reference for what to expect; the maker and model of the used units offered are confirmed in your quote.
| Model | Outside (L × W × H) | Inside (L × W × H) | Collapsed height |
|---|
| ORBIS HDR5648-25 | 56.6 × 48 × 25.6 in | 53.5 × 45 × 17.7 in | 13.7 in |
| ORBIS HDR5648-34 | 56.6 × 48 × 34.7 in | 53.5 × 45 × 26.8 in | 13.7 in |
| ORBIS HDR5648-42 | 56.6 × 48 × 42.7 in | 53.5 × 45 × 34.8 in | 22.7 in |
Choosing a height
Open height sets how much each container holds; collapsed height sets how many empties come back on a return trailer. In this footprint the HDR5648-25 stands 25.6 in open and folds to 13.7 in, while the HDR5648-42 stands 42.7 in open and folds to 22.7 in. The taller model does not fold as flat, so fewer empties fit in each return stack. Inside height is several inches less than outside height because of the base, so size the container from the inside dimensions and your part, not the nominal height.
Buying used 56 × 48 in containers
Used containers are sold as returned from service. Expect scuffs, old labels and cosmetic wear, and check walls, hinges, drop doors, latches and the base on the units offered. Listed used on this page: Used 56 × 48 × 34 in. Tell us whether units must match each other, how much cosmetic wear is acceptable, and the model you already run if these are joining an existing fleet.
If you need a known standard of preparation, compare reconditioned 56 × 48 in containers. If you need an exact model in quantity, see new 56 × 48 in containers.
56 × 48 in compared with nearby footprints
| Footprint | Outside base (listed model) | Inside length × width | 53 ft trailer |
|---|
| 56 × 48 in | 56.6 × 48 in | 53.5 × 45 in | about 22 |
| 48 × 45 in | 48 × 45 in | 44.3 × 41.3 in | 112 assembled; 252 collapsed (BC 4844.5-25) |
| 57 × 48 in | Confirm in quote | Confirm in quote | about 22 |
| 62 × 48 in | 62.5 × 48.3 in | 59.1 × 44.9 in | about 20 |
Trailer figures for the long bases are floor positions, two across, worked out from the outside length and a 53 ft van about 630 in long inside. Figures shown with a model number are the manufacturer's assembled and collapsed counts. Your carrier's trailer and the exact model decide the real number.
What to send for a 56 × 48 in quote
- Condition: new, used or reconditioned, and whether units must match.
- Open height you need, and collapsed height if return space matters.
- Your largest part and the load per container.
- Door position, lid and dunnage needs. Lids are matched to the container model, not just the footprint; see bulk container lids.
- Forklift, pallet jack or racking the containers must work with.
- Quantity and delivery ZIP, or pickup preference.
Send it through request a quote or call 855-964-2534. All footprints and conditions are listed under collapsible bulk containers.
Frequently asked questions
What are the actual dimensions of a 56 × 48 in collapsible container?
56 × 48 in is the nominal footprint. As an example, the ORBIS HDR5648-42 measures 56.6 × 48 × 42.7 in outside and 53.5 × 45 × 34.8 in inside. Other makers and models differ slightly, so confirm the dimensions of the model offered before you plan racks, lids or stacking.
How many 56 × 48 in containers fit on a 53 ft trailer?
About 22 floor positions, loading two across with the 48 in side across the trailer. How many layers you can stack depends on the open height and the rated stacking capacity of the model, and collapsed empties stack several high in each position. Your carrier and the exact model decide the final count.
Can I pick up used 56 × 48 in containers?
Yes, by arrangement. Used and reconditioned containers ship from our yards in Pennsville, New Jersey and Tampa, Florida, and pickup location, timing and loading are confirmed with your quote. LTL freight is quoted to your ZIP and truckloads are quoted individually.
