Intermodal containers are also called many other names. Some of the most popular alternative names comprise: box, ISO Container, sea can, high-cube container, conex box, freight container, and container. These units are made from standardized reusable steel. They provide secure and efficient and safe storage for moving materials across the globe via a global containerized intermodal freight system.
The word "Intermodal" refers that the container can be moved from one kind of transport to another. Like for instance, intermodal means from ship to rail or ship to truck, without having to unload and relaod the contents of the container. Some of the container lengths which have a distinctive 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 8 feet or 2.438 m to 9 feet, 6 inches or 2.9 m. It is estimated that there are roughly 17 million intermodal containers of different kinds to suit a variety of cargoes in the globe.
These containers could 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 by container cranes. A reach-stacker is usually employed to transfer from a flat-bed truck to a rail car. These models are secured during transportation by a variety of "twistlock" points located at every corner on the container.
To be able to manage to containers identification and tracking, each container is equipped with a BIC code or bin identification code painted directly on the outside of the box. These models are capable of lifting objects ranging roughly 20 to 25 tonnes.
For transport on rails, the container may be carried on well cars or on flatcars. Well cars have been designed especially for use by intermodal containers. They can accommodate double-stacked containers safely and efficiently. The loading gauge of a rail system could actually limit the specific modes of the shipment and the kinds of container shipment. For instance, the smaller loading gauges that are usually found within European railroads would just handle single-stacked containers. In some countries like the United Kingdom, there are some sections of the rail network that cannot accommodate high-cube containers, unless they can use well cars only.
These containers are made sturdy enough to last through the many travels across extreme distances. These containers are reused by businesses and are able to transport large amounts of cargo. These containers are responsible for moving numerous of the things we depend on everyday all around the globe.