The intermodal container can be referred to by other names such as a box, ISO Container, high-cube container, sea can, freight container, container and conex box. These models are made from standardized reusable steel. They provide secure and effective and safe storage for transporting supplies all around the globe via a global containerized intermodal freight system.
The term "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 truck or ship to rail, without having to unload and relaod the contents of the container. Several of the container lengths which have a distinctive ISO 6346 reporting mark on them range 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 9 feet, 6 inches or 2.9 m. It is estimated that there are around 17 million intermodal containers in the world of different kinds to suit a range of cargoes.
These containers can be transported by semi-truck trailer, container ship and freight trains. They could also travel numerous distances without having to be unpacked. At container terminals, they are transferred between modes utilizing container cranes. Normally 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 located at each corner on the container.
In order to manage to containers tracking and identification, every container is equipped with a BIC code or bin identification code painted directly on the outside of the box. These units are capable of lifting things ranging around 20 to 25 tonnes.
For transport on rails, the container could be carried on flatcars or on well cars. Well cars have been designed specifically for use by intermodal containers. They could accommodate double-stacked containers efficiently and safely. The loading gauge of a rail system could actually limit the specific modes of the shipment and the kinds of container shipment. Like for example, the smaller loading gauges which are usually found within European railroads would just handle single-stacked containers. In certain countries like for example the UK, there are certain sections of the rail network that cannot accommodate high-cube containers, unless they could use well cars only.
These containers are made to last and are used to travel extreme distances. They are re-used with businesses and could carry an enormous amount of cargo. These containers are responsible for moving numerous of the objects we rely on everyday all around the world.