Intermodal containers are also called many other names. Some of the most popular alternate names include: ISO container, box, sea can, high-cube container, freight container, conex box, and container. These models are manufactured from standardized reusable steel. They provide safe and secure and effective storage for transporting materials all around the world via a international containerized intermodal freight system.
The word "Intermodal" means that the container can be moved from one type 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 that have a unique ISO 6346 reporting mark on them range from 2.438 m or 8-feet to 56 feet or 17.07m. These models are as high as 8 feet or 2.438 m to 9 feet, 6 inches or 2.9 m. It is estimated that there are about 17 million intermodal containers within the globe of different types to suit a range of cargoes.
Containers can be transported by freight train, semi-truck trailer and container ship. They can 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 normally employed 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 every 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 can lift objects ranging about 20 to 25 tonnes.
When utilizing rail transport, the containers can be carried on flatcars or on well cars. Well cars are especially designed for transport by containers. They could efficiently and safely accommodate double-stacked containers. The loading gauge of a rail system may actually limit the particular modes of the shipment and the types of container shipment. For instance, the smaller loading gauges which are typically found in European railroads will just handle single-stacked containers. In some countries like for instance the United Kingdom, there are certain sections of the rail network which cannot accommodate high-cube containers, unless they can use well cars only.
These containers are made 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 moving many of the objects we depend on everyday all over the world.