Intermodal containers also go by numerous other names. Some of the most common alternate names include: box, ISO Container, high-cube container, sea can, freight container, conex box, and container. These units are made from standardized reusable steel. They offer secure and effective and safe storage for moving materials all around the globe via a global containerized intermodal freight system.
The word "Intermodal" means that the container is capable of being moved from one kind of transport to another. Like for example, 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 that have a unique ISO 6346 reporting mark on them vary from 8-feet or 2.438 m 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 approximately 17 million intermodal containers in the world of different types to suit a range of cargoes.
These containers can be transported by freight train, semi-truck trailer and container ship. They could also travel many 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.
Each and every container is equipped with a particular BIC code or bin identification code which is painted on the outside to be able to take care of identification and tracking. These units are capable of carrying things ranging approximately 20 to 25 tonnes.
For transport on rails, the container could be carried on well cars or on flatcars. Well cars have been designed specifically for use by intermodal containers. They could accommodate double-stacked containers safely and efficiently. The loading gauge of a rail system can actually limit the specific modes of the shipment and the types of container shipment. Like for example, the smaller loading gauges which are normally found in European railroads would just handle single-stacked containers. In certain nations like for example the UK, 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 strong enough to last through the numerous travels across extreme distances. These containers are reused by companies and are able to transport large amounts of cargo. These containers are responsible for moving many of the items we rely on everyday all over the world.