48’ Exterior Post containers were introduced in 1986 and were a common site on nearly all double stack container trains of the later ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s. These containers were used for domestic freight service and were purchased by numerous railroads and freight operators in large numbers.

These containers were a unique design in which the front and side container panels were supported by aluminum channel posts mounted outside of the container box to provide additional capacity space for larger pallet stacks within the container interior. The posts are a simple spotting feature for these styles of containers. Hyundai was one of a handful of manufacturers of exterior post containers, and while nearly-identical in design to one of their competitors, the additional drainage channel on the top of the container at the head end, and full-height end corner posts differentiate this container from its competitor’s design.

Some of these containers served secondary lives for more than one operator, leading to some interesting graphic combinations over their lifespans. Changes to over-the-road length allowances for 53’ containers and trailers brought about the eventual demise of the 48’ container and a majority of them were withdrawn from service during the mid-2000s and beyond, though limited numbers still remain in service today.