Intermodal containers are also called numerous other names. Some of the most popular alternative names include: box, ISO Container, high-cube container, sea can, conex box, freight container, and container. These units are made from standardized reusable steel. They offer safe and secure and effective storage for transporting supplies across the globe via a international containerized intermodal freight system.
The term "Intermodal" means 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 reload and unload the contents of the container. A few 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 units 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 of various types to suit a range of cargoes within the world.
These containers could 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 used 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 every corner on the container.
To be able to manage to containers tracking and identification, each container is outfitted with a bin identification code or BIC code painted directly on the outside of the box. These units could carry things ranging roughly 20 to 25 tonnes.
When utilizing rail transport, the containers can be carried on flatcars or on well cars. 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 instance, the smaller loading gauges that are usually found in European railroads will only handle single-stacked containers. In certain nations like for instance 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 built to last and are used to travel extreme distances. They are re-used with companies and can lift an enormous amount of cargo. These containers are responsible for transporting many of the objects we depend on everyday around the world.