Intermodal containers also go by numerous other names. Several of the most common alternative names comprise: ISO container, box, high-cube container, sea can, freight container, conex box, and container. These models are manufactured from standardized reusable steel. They offer secure and effective and safe storage for moving supplies across the globe via a international containerized intermodal freight system.
The word "Intermodal" refers that the container could be moved from one type of transport to another. Like for example, intermodal refers from ship to rail or ship to truck, without having to reload and unload the container's contents. Several 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 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 approximately 17 million intermodal containers in the globe of different types to suit a variety of cargoes.
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 by container cranes. Often times a reach-stacker is employed to transfer from a flat-bed truck to a rail car. These units are secured during transportation by a variety of "twistlock" points located at each corner on the container.
To be able to manage to containers identification and tracking, every container is equipped with a BIC code or bin identification code painted directly on the outside of the box. These models could carry things ranging roughly 20 to 25 tonnes.
When using rail transport, the containers can be carried on well cars or on flatcars. Well cars are specifically designed for transport by containers. They can safely and efficiently accommodate double-stacked containers. The loading gauge of a rail system may actually limit the types of container shipment and the particular modes of the shipment. Like for instance, the smaller loading gauges which are typically found in European railroads would just handle single-stacked containers. In some nations like the United Kingdom, there are certain 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 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 numerous of the objects we depend on everyday around the globe.