Intermodal containers also go by numerous other names. Several of the most common alternate names consist of: ISO container, box, sea can, high-cube container, freight container, conex box, and container. These units are manufactured from standardized reusable steel. They offer secure and efficient and safe storage for transporting supplies across the globe via a global containerized intermodal freight system.
The term "Intermodal" means that the container can be moved from one kind of transport to another. For instance, intermodal means from ship to truck or ship to rail, without having to reload and unload the contents of the container. A few of the container lengths which have a unique ISO 6346 reporting mark on them range from 8-feet or 2.438 m to 17.07m or 56 feet. These models are as high as 2.438 m or 8feet to 2.9 m or 9 feet, 6 inches. It is estimated that there are approximately 17 million intermodal containers in the world of different types to suit a variety of cargoes.
These containers can be transported by container ship, freight train and semi-truck trailer. They could also travel numerous distances without having to be unpacked. At container terminals, they are transferred between modes using container cranes. Usually a reach-stacker is employed to transfer from a flat-bed truck to a rail car. These models are secured during transportation by a range of "twistlock" points situated at each corner on the container.
To be able to manage to containers identification and tracking, every container is equipped with a BIC code or bin identification code painted directly on the outside of the box. These models can carry things ranging roughly 20 to 25 tonnes.
For transport on rails, the container could be carried on flatcars or on well cars. Well cars have been designed specifically for use by intermodal containers. They could efficiently and safely accommodate double-stacked containers. The loading gauge of a rail system may actually restrict the specific modes of the shipment and the kinds of container shipment. For instance, the smaller loading gauges which are usually found in European railroads will only handle single-stacked containers. In certain nations such as the UK, there are certain sections of the rail network that cannot accommodate high-cube containers, unless they can use well cars only.
These containers are built to last and are utilized to travel extreme distances. They are re-used with companies and could lift an enormous amount of cargo. These containers are responsible for moving numerous of the items we rely on everyday around the globe.