Intermodal containers are also called numerous other names. A few of the most popular alternate names consist of: box, ISO Container, high-cube container, sea can, conex box, freight container, and container. These models are manufactured from standardized reusable steel. They offer efficient and safe and secure storage for transporting materials across the globe via a international containerized intermodal freight system.
The word "Intermodal" refers that the container could be moved from one type of transport to another. For example, intermodal refers from ship to rail or ship to truck, without having to unload and relaod the container's contents. Some of the container lengths which have a unique ISO 6346 reporting mark on them vary from 2.438 m or 8-feet to 56 feet or 17.07m. 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 roughly 17 million intermodal containers of various types to suit a range of cargoes in the globe.
These containers can be transported by freight train, semi-truck trailer and container ship. They could also travel numerous distances without having to be unpacked. At container terminals, they are transferred between modes utilizing container cranes. Often times a reach-stacker is utilized to transfer from a flat-bed truck to a rail car. These units are secured during transportation by a range of "twistlock" points situated at every corner on the container.
To be able to manage to containers identification and tracking, each container is outfitted with a BIC code or bin identification code painted directly on the outside of the box. These units could lift objects ranging around 20 to 25 tonnes.
For transport on rails, the container may be carried on well cars or on flatcars. Well cars have been designed particularly for use by intermodal containers. They can accommodate double-stacked containers safely and efficiently. The loading gauge of a rail system can actually restrict the kinds of container shipment and the particular modes of the shipment. For example, the smaller loading gauges which are normally found within European railroads would just handle single-stacked containers. In certain nations like the UK, there are some sections of the rail network which cannot accommodate high-cube containers, unless they can utilize well cars only.
These containers are made sturdy enough to last through the numerous travels across extreme distances. These containers are reused by companies and are able to transport huge amounts of cargo. These containers are responsible for moving numerous of the objects we depend on everyday all over the world.