What is an Intermodal Container?

Intermodal references the utilization of various modes of transportation to facilitate cargo shipments from location to location. In the maritime industry, cargo transportation has seen tremendous growth from the development of the intermodal shipping container, which enables easier cargo transportation between roads, rail, and water networks.

With an intermodal container, industries and companies enjoy fast-paced cargo movement with reduced operational costs from repackaging and offloading operations. Intermodal cargo containers have opened new avenues in the shipping sector and global maritime industry.

There are numerous guidelines established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regarding the use of the intermodal cargo container. These include regulations requiring the size of a cargo container to be 8 feet breadth wise x 8 feet 6 inch height wise with lengths of up to 20 feet or 40 feet. In addition, specific cargo containers can be built to specifications of breadth of 8 feet 6-3/8 inches by height of 9 feet 6-1/2 inches with lengths potentially reaching a maximum of 53 feet.

A number of goods and commodities can be transported through intermodal containers. Since they are produced from materials high in steel or aluminium, they can transport commodities that require refrigeration systems. Cargo containers are also characterized by a simplistic structure that includes a cargo hatch. It features holds to help secure it on rail cars and lorries, ensuring durability throughout the shipment process.

Despite protocols established for container sizes, there are cases where certain ports or harbors do not possess the necessary facilities to process and store the container freight. This results in losses for the shipping company and also loss of transport of valuable commodities. With these challenges, new solutions to container chassis and transportation are being developed to improve the movement of goods. Cargo containers continue to be highly utilized in the global marine sector, with over 90 percent of maritime cargo supply transported through intermodal containers. Increasing innovation and development into the infrastructure for cargo containers will continue to ensure the value of cargo containers in the near future.

You can use the form below to request the container you would like to purchase from CIE Manufacturing. We look forward to serving you, and to advancing the growth of intermodal shipping worldwide.