Intermodal containers are also called many other names. Several of the most common alternative names comprise: box, ISO Container, high-cube container, sea can, conex box, freight container, and container. These models are made from standardized reusable steel. They provide 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 type of transport to another. Like for example, intermodal means from ship to truck or ship to rail, 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 range from 2.438 m or 8-feet to 56 feet or 17.07m. These models are as high as 8 feet or 2.438 m to 2.9 m or 9 feet, 6 inches. It is estimated that there are roughly 17 million intermodal containers in the world of various kinds to suit a variety of cargoes.
These containers can be transported by semi-truck trailer, container ship and freight trains. They can 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 used to transfer from a flat-bed truck to a rail car. These models are secured during transportation by a range of "twistlock" points located at each corner on the container.
Each and every container is equipped with a specific BIC code or bin identification code that is painted on the outside to be able to take care of identification and tracking. These models could carry things ranging around 20 to 25 tonnes.
When using rail transport, the containers could be carried on well cars or on flatcars. Well cars are specifically designed for transport by containers. They can efficiently and safely accommodate double-stacked containers. The loading gauge of a rail system may actually limit the kinds of container shipment and the specific 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 could utilize well cars only.
These containers are made strong enough to last through the many travels across extreme distances. These containers are reused by companies and are able to transport large amounts of cargo. These containers are responsible for transporting numerous of the stuff we rely on everyday all over the globe.