Shop Collapsible Bulk Containers by Footprint
Browse collapsible bulk containers by size first, then narrow by height and condition. This page is built for buyers comparing standard footprints like 32×30, 48×40, and 48×45, as well as oversized footprints from 56×48 through 78×48 for long, wide, or high-cube parts.
Shopping by footprint is usually the fastest path for buyers who already know the base dimensions they need for racks, trailers, line-side flow, dunnage, or internal material handling. Standard footprints such as 48×40 and 48×45 cover a wide range of grocery, automotive, warehouse, and industrial manufacturing applications, while larger footprints like 62×48, 65×48, 70×48, and 78×48 are better suited to oversized panels, fascia, tubing, sheet goods, long parts, and other irregular loads.
Every footprint below links into the matching size family, plus direct new, reconditioned, and used paths for each height where available. If you do not know the exact footprint yet, compare the use-case notes on each card, then use the guide further down the page to narrow by part geometry, cube needs, and return-freight efficiency.
Collapsible bulk containers — also called collapsible pallet containers, collapsible pallet boxes, and returnable bulk containers — are designed to maximize usable floor area while reducing empty return cube. That makes footprint selection one of the most important decisions in any reusable packaging or bulk handling program.
32×30 collapsible bulk containers — also called 32×30 collapsible pallet boxes — are the smallest standard footprint in the industry. Three containers fit side-by-side in a standard 53′ trailer standing, and up to 480 collapsed units return per trailer, the highest collapse density of any standard footprint. Rated up to 2,000 lb load capacity. Available in 25″, 30″, and 34″ heights. Drop doors on the 32″ side — available in 0, 1, or 2 door configurations — improve ergonomic reach-in access at line-side operations. Spring-loaded latches, heavy-duty I-beam reinforced base, and 4-way forklift entry. AIAG approved for Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive programs. Common applications: automotive stampings, metal components, bearings, hardware, fasteners, plastics, rubber parts, resin, and powder or granular materials. Custom internal divider systems available. 100% recyclable HDPE.
48×40 collapsible bulk containers — the most widely deployed collapsible pallet container footprint in North America — were originally developed to replace wood pallets in grocery distribution and are now standard across automotive, industrial manufacturing, and international logistics. The 48×40 base aligns with standard pallet racks, conveyor systems, and global shipping container floor layouts. Rated up to 1,800–2,500 lb depending on model. Available in 25″, 34″, 39″, 46″, and 50″ heights. Stacks up to 6 high when full. Two spring-loaded drop doors. Solid bottom standard; vented bottom options available. AIAG approved. FDA-compliant color options available for food-grade and pharmaceutical applications. 4-way forklift and pallet jack entry. Common applications: grocery and food distribution, automotive parts and assemblies, industrial manufacturing WIP, international shipping and export, retail replenishment, and cross-dock operations. Custom internal divider systems available. 100% recyclable HDPE.
48×45 collapsible bulk containers — also called 48×45 collapsible bulk bins — are the gold standard for automotive sequencing, industrial packaging, and 3PL logistics. The slightly wider 45″ depth versus 40″ provides more internal volume while maintaining full rack and trailer compatibility. Rated up to 2,000–2,500 lb. Available in 25″, 34″, 42″, 48″, and 50″ heights. Injection-molded HDPE base delivers industry-leading durability for high-cycle supply chains. Up to 252 collapsed units fit per 53′ trailer on the return leg. Extension rings add 7″ or 10″ of height on select base models without replacing the container, extending asset life and reducing total program cost. Drop doors, 4-way forklift entry. AIAG approved. Common applications: automotive sequencing and line-side supply, stampings and castings, sub-assemblies, 3PL and DC operations, appliance manufacturing, and returnable packaging programs. Custom divider and dunnage systems available.
56×48 collapsible bulk containers — also called 56×48 collapsible pallet boxes — provide more internal volume than the standard 48×45 footprint, making them the preferred choice when parts are too wide or bulky to load efficiently in smaller containers. Rated up to 2,500 lb. Available in 25″, 34″, and 42″ heights. Stacks up to 4 high when full. Drop door configurations available. 4-way forklift entry. Collapses flat for significant return freight savings. Common applications: industrial manufacturing and WIP handling, oversized or irregular-shaped parts, retail distribution and replenishment, high-volume bulk material handling, and 3PL DC operations. Custom internal divider systems available. HDPE construction, fully recyclable.
62×48 collapsible bulk containers — also called 62×48 collapsible bulk bins or 62×48 returnable bulk containers — provide a wide-body footprint for long, flat, or irregular-shaped parts that require more clearance than standard containers allow. The 62″ length accommodates parts that overhang or can't be oriented efficiently in 48″ or 56″ containers. Rated up to 2,500 lb. Available in 25″, 34″, and 50″ heights. Stacks up to 4 high when full. Drop doors on the long side for ergonomic reach-in access. 4-way forklift entry. HDPE — fully recyclable. Common applications: aerospace components and panels, HVAC units and ductwork, heavy manufacturing and fabrication, automotive long-part logistics, and wide or flat industrial parts. Custom internal divider systems available.
65×48 collapsible bulk containers — also called 65×48 collapsible pallet boxes — are purpose-built for oversized parts that require both extra width and volume. The 65″ length provides clearance for parts that can't be nested efficiently in 56″ or 62″ containers. Rated up to 2,500 lb. Available in 25″, 34″, 42″, and 50″ heights. Stacks up to 4 high when full. Drop doors for easy access. 4-way forklift entry. Fully collapsible for significant return freight savings on long-haul supply lanes. Common applications: automotive fascia and bumper covers, HVAC units and large components, large tooling and fixtures, foam-insert dunnage packaging, and high-demand returnable programs. Custom foam insert and divider systems available. HDPE — fully recyclable.
70×48 collapsible bulk containers — also called 70×48 returnable bulk containers — are built for parts that exceed the capacity of standard footprints. The 70″ length is the deciding factor for insulated panels, long tubing, bumper assemblies, large tooling, and wide-format dunnage that can't be oriented in shorter containers. Rated up to 2,500 lb. Available in 25″, 34″, and 50″ heights. Stacks up to 3 high when full. Drop door access available. 4-way forklift entry. Fully collapsible for return freight savings on long-haul lanes. Common applications: insulated panels and large sheet goods, long tubing and pipe assemblies, bumper assemblies and large automotive parts, aerospace components, and contract assembly operations. Custom internal divider systems available. HDPE — fully recyclable.
78×48 collapsible bulk containers — the largest standard collapsible pallet container footprint available — are designed for extreme-capacity applications where no smaller container will do. The 78″ length maximizes usable internal floor area per pallet position, eliminating the need for multiple smaller containers or custom fabrication. Rated up to 2,500 lb. Available in 25″ and 34″ heights. Stacks up to 3 high when full. Drop doors available. 4-way forklift entry. Fully collapsible for return shipping savings. Common applications: aerospace structures and large panels, defense components and assemblies, heavy equipment parts and fabrications, industrial fabrication and large tooling, and high-volume lightweight bulk parts that require maximum floor area. Custom internal divider systems available. HDPE — fully recyclable.
Small Format
32×30 is the smallest standard footprint and works well when cube efficiency, dense parts, and high collapse density matter most.
Explore 32×30 →Standard Footprints
48×40 and 48×45 are the most common footprints for grocery, automotive, industrial manufacturing, and 3PL applications.
Explore standard footprints →Wide-Body Footprints
56×48, 62×48, and 65×48 give you more internal width or floor area for oversized components, panels, and irregular parts.
Explore wide-body sizes →Oversize Programs
70×48 and 78×48 are built for long, wide, or high-cube parts where smaller footprints create waste or fit issues.
Explore oversize footprints →