Intermodal containers are also called numerous other names. Some of the most popular alternative names include: box, ISO Container, high-cube container, sea can, freight container, conex box, and container. These models are manufactured from standardized reusable steel. They provide secure and efficient and safe storage for transporting supplies all around the globe via a international containerized intermodal freight system.
"Intermodal" is a word that means the container that can be moved between one type of transport to another. Intermodal could refer from a ship to rail or ship to truck, without having to reload and unload the container's contents. 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 units are as high as 2.438 m or 8feet to 2.9 m or 9 feet, 6 inches. It is estimated that there are about 17 million intermodal containers within the world of different types to suit a range of cargoes.
Containers are capable of being transported by container ship, freight train and semi-truck trailer. They can travel the distance of a single journey without being 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 units are secured during transportation by a variety of "twistlock" points situated at each corner on the container.
To be able to manage to containers tracking and identification, each container is outfitted with a BIC code or bin identification code painted directly on the outside of the box. These models can carry objects ranging about 20 to 25 tonnes.
For transport on rails, the container could be carried on well cars or on flatcars. Well cars have been designed especially for use by intermodal containers. They could accommodate double-stacked containers safely and efficiently. The loading gauge of a rail system could actually limit the particular modes of the shipment and the types of container shipment. Like for example, the smaller loading gauges that are normally found within European railroads will only handle single-stacked containers. In certain countries like for example the United Kingdom, there are certain sections of the rail network that cannot accommodate high-cube containers, unless they can utilize well cars only.
These containers are made strong 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 transporting many of the items we rely on everyday around the world.