What are the standard footprints of Collapsible Bulk Containers?

Sarah DeNoma • Mar 27, 2023

The eight standard footprints of Collapsible Bulk Containers

Collapsible Bulk Containers Footprints

RPP Containers started with collapsible bulk containers, and they have been one of our top-selling styles since we have been in business for the last 25 years. With growing popularity over the years comes different needs and more sizes offered throughout the market. At RPP, we aim to ensure that we meet each customer’s needs with their specific applications and products, so they don’t need to look elsewhere. This is why we carry eight different industry standard footprints of the collapsible bulk containers; they are the 30” x 32”, 40” x 48”, 45” x 48”, 57” x 48”, 65” x 48”, 70” x 48”, 78” x 48” and lastly, 90” x 48”. Each footprint deserves a separate description, which I will detail below.

30 x 32 Collapsible Bulk Container

30 x 32 Collapsible Bulk Containers

We offer a 30” x 32” collapsible bulk container starting with our smallest footprint. This size comes in two standard heights- 25” tall and 34” tall. Although this is the smallest footprint we offer, these sturdy containers can are still rated to hold up to 2,000 lbs. They are ideal for storing and handling various parts that otherwise may not work in a larger container. With them being on the smaller side, they are a great option when trying to conserve warehouse space or cut down on shipping costs. We primarily see these containers used in applications pertaining to the automotive industry, WIP applications, tradeshow storage, etc.

40 x 48 Collapsible Bulk Containers

40 x 48 Collapsible Bulk Containers

The next size up in the collapsible bulk container sizes is the 40” x 48”. This was the original standard footprint for bulk containers because it was also the standard size of corrugated gaylords and wooden pallets. The 40” x 48” footprint comes in several different standard heights- 25”, 34”, 39”, and 46”. Each height also comes in different weight ratings, capacities, etc., so they appeal to various applications. A huge benefit to using a 40” x 48” footprint is that they are the most efficient footprint for shipping on a 53’ tractor trailer. Their footprint is the most compatible with a standard truck, cubing it out efficiently and cutting down on wasted cargo space.

45 x 48 Collapsible Bulk Containers

45 x 48 Collapsible Bulk Containers

Going up the ladder, the next size in the lineup is 45” x 48”. This footprint has become a favorite and is deemed the US industry standard for collapsible bulk containers. We offer this footprint in several different standard heights, including 25”, 34”, 41”, 42”, 44”, 50”, and 51”. This size created a perfect combination of capacity, weight rating, and shipping efficiency. It also is large enough to hold big items but small enough to fit inside a warehouse without taking up too much space. 

57 x 48 bulk containers

57 x 48 Collapsible Bulk Containers

We are moving onto extended-length containers, with the first mentioned being the standard 57” x 48”. This container is offered in two standard heights- a 34” and a 44”. This is a great option for people needing something larger than a 45” x 48” but smaller than the other extended-length containers. Please note these sizes are typically a minimum truckload quantity to order. 

65x48 bulk containers

65 x 48 Collapsible Bulk Containers

The next extended length option is a 65” x 48”. We offer this footprint in the following standard heights: 25”, 34” & 44” & 50”. Like the 57” x 48” container, some also require truckload quantity minimums, but we tend to have the 34” height available at all times in both new and refurbished. This is probably our top seller footprint as far as extended-length containers go.

70 x 48 bulk containers

70 x 48 Collapsible Bulk Containers

The next extended-length collapsible bulk container we carry is a 70” x 48”. We offer this footprint in the following standard heights: 25”, 34”, 44” and 50”. Like the 57” x 48” & 65” x 48” containers, some of these sizes require the minimum truckload quantities, but we tend to stock the 34” height. We usually stock them in new, and we always get them refurbished when available!

78 x 48 bulk containers

78 x 48 Collapsible Bulk Containers

Bumping up a size, we have a 78” x 48” footprint, offering a 34” height. This is a best-seller, so we stock this size to keep it on hand for immediate needs. Another size that customers love because of the length and the amount of storage they get inside!

90 x 48 bulk containers

90 x 48 Collapsible Bulk Containers

Lastly, the 90” x 48” collapsible bulk container option is available. This is our largest standard footprint. This size is achieved by welding 2 of our standard 45” x 48” containers together. We offer the standard 34”, 42” and 50”. We make some of these containers in house and try to stock them as much as possible. These are specifically designed to hold long parts, multiple parts, etc., and do extremely well with many of our customers. 

 All eight standard collapsible bulk container footprints are equally important and provide different qualities to each application and situation. If you want to learn what collapsible bulk container works best for you, please call our main line and talk to a salesperson to help you further!

Sarah Account Manager

Sarah DeNoma |Account Manager

Sarah has been with RPP Containers for several years as an account manager and has almost a decade of knowledge and experience in the bulk container industry. Sarah works diligently with all her customers to find the optimum bulk container for the customer's application.

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