Intermodal containers also go by many other names. Some of the most common alternative names consist of: box, ISO Container, high-cube container, sea can, conex box, freight container, and container. These models are made from standardized reusable steel. They provide secure and effective and safe storage for moving materials all around the world via a international containerized intermodal freight system.
The term "Intermodal" means that the container could be moved from one kind of transport to another. Like for example, intermodal means from ship to rail or ship to truck, without having to reload and unload the contents of the container. Some of the container lengths that have a unique ISO 6346 reporting mark on them range from 2.438 m or 8-feet to 17.07m or 56 feet. 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 approximately 17 million intermodal containers in the world of different types to suit a variety of cargoes.
Containers can be transported by container ship, freight train and semi-truck trailer. They could travel the distance of a single journey without being unpacked. At container terminals, they are transferred between modes using container cranes. A reach-stacker is usually used to transfer from a flat-bed truck to a rail car. These models are secured during transportation by a variety of "twistlock" points situated at each corner on the container.
In order to manage to containers identification and tracking, each and every container is equipped with a BIC code or bin identification code painted directly on the outside of the box. These models can carry things ranging about 20 to 25 tonnes.
For transport on rails, the container could be carried on flatcars or on well cars. 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. For example, the smaller loading gauges which are usually found within European railroads will only handle single-stacked containers. In some countries like the UK, there are certain sections of the rail network which cannot accommodate high-cube containers, unless they could use well cars only.
These containers are built to last and are utilized to travel extreme distances. They are re-used with companies and could carry an enormous amount of cargo. These containers are responsible for moving many of the stuff we rely on everyday around the globe.