DP World Launches 53ft Container for Car Transport

Global logistics provider DP World will launch a 53ft intermodal container service to transport finished vehicles by rail from Mexico to the United States and Canada, starting June 1. This pioneering solution promises enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness for automakers.

“Our extensive experience shipping cars in containers worldwide, the large racking fleet we can deploy globally within weeks, and our expert teams and hyper focus on quality and service have enabled DP World to provide this unique solution in a challenging environment. Our initial volume shipments this year have proven the concept that the 53-foot intermodal solution is a viable alternative during times when traditional capacity is tight, so we decided to officially offer the program to the wider market,” says Christoph Seitz, Global Vice President Finished Vehicles, DP World.

The new service entails loading finished vehicles directly into these specially designed containers at factories or nearby designated stuffing yards in Mexico. Once loaded, the containers are trucked to intermodal rail ramps and transported by rail to key destinations, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Detroit, in the United States and Toronto, Canada. Upon arrival, the containers are transferred to trucks, delivered to designated yards for unloading, and distributed to dealerships. The entire door-to-door transit ranges from eight to 14 days, depending on the route.

DP World explains that traditionally, 40ft containers are used to transport up to four vehicles, but 53ft containers can accommodate up to six vehicles. This increase in capacity significantly boosts transport efficiency while reducing costs for OEMs. 

This innovation comes as the North American automotive logistics industry grapples with capacity shortages in roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessels and multilevel railcars. DP World’s initial shipments have shown the viability and effectiveness of the 53ft intermodal solution. Since the beginning of the year, the company has successfully transported over 5,000 cars across the Mexico-US border for US and Japanese OEMs. The company projects that the new service will enable the transport of an additional 30,000 finished vehicles between Mexico, the United States, and Canada in 2024 alone.