A standard semi-trailer container, such as a 53-foot trailer, measures 53 ft (16.15 m) long, 8.5 ft (2.6 m) wide, and 13.5 ft (4.11 m) high, with a 45,000 lbs weight limit. It holds 26 pallets, ideal for maximizing efficiency in logistics and reducing transportation costs.

53-Foot Trailer (Typical in North America)

The 53-foot semi-trailer is one of the most usable types of trailers in North America, meant for long-distance freight movement. That makes it highly versatile for various industries: retail, e-commerce, and food distribution. Its exterior length is 53 feet, or 16.15 meters, with a width of 8.5 feet, or 2.6 meters, and a height of 13.5 feet, or 4.11 meters. The interior gives a usable space of about 52.5 feet in length, 8.2 feet in width, and 8.5 feet in height.

This trailer has a volume capacity of about 3,900 cubic feet, which can fit about 26 standard-sized pallets. For instance, a company that delivers packaged food can load 45,000 pounds of goods, which is within the legal weight limit. For companies that operate on transportation costs, a 53-foot trailer is cheaper to use than smaller ones because it reduces fuel costs by maximizing the load.

These, in real life, are used by retail giants like Walmart to replenish stock in several store locations within one trip. The 53-foot trailer, though effective on highways, might be unsuitable for tight urban deliveries.

48-Foot Trailer

The 48-foot semi-trailer, while a bit smaller, has an outside length of 48 feet (14.63 meters), a width of 8.5 feet (2.6 meters), and a height of 13.5 feet (4.11 meters), making it a good option to consider for the transportation of goods to areas with more restrictive space availability, such as smaller distribution centers or urban delivery zones.

It does have cargo volume of about 3,600 cubic feet. That can only carry up to about 24 standard pallets or so. Indeed, this length should serve well to transport both small and large pieces, like sofas, beds, and tables, if the trailer had a bed 48 feet long.

A construction company may, however, need this size of vehicle for hauling materials such as timber or steel beams to the site. With a weight limit of 45,000 pounds, it would allow for heavy-duty purposes.